Familiar with treatment associated with the condition, Jackson revealed she shied away from medications like “Zoloft, Ambien, and all of those antidepressants,” opting to use “exercise, meditation and her spirituality” to help cope with symptoms. “I knew I didn’t want this to be the rest of my life, so I weened myself off of the pills.,” said Jackson. “One thing I found when I was running was, that the more I ran, it was like I was sweating away my PTSD.” A formula Cherissa calls a “lifesaver” and option definitely worth exploring.
As for families caring for someone with PTSD, Jackson urges them to “get down to the basics.” Adding that “you have to understand that the person you knew before – they will never be.”
She continued, “He’s still your husband, loved one and friend. But, you have to accept that he’s a new person – know their needs and triggers so you can better help him and in turn, better help yourself.”
For veterans, Jackson says, “you’re not crazy.” With PTSD no longer considered a mental illness, Jackson advises vets to “stop suffering in silence” and get the help they need “by any means.” It could be “traditional means with medications or some of the many nontraditional methods that are out here and working, like yoga.”
In addition to the nontraditional approach Jackson’s adopted, she revealed writing helped her cope. “Part of my recovery was writing a book titled At Peace: Not in Pieces; and “At Peace” actually spells out the acronym which outlines seven principles for overcoming obstacles as a PTSD survivor,” said Jackson. “Those principles are acknowledge, transition, perseverance, engage, accept, courage and empowerment.”
Most recently, the former critical care nurse traveled to Rome, Italy by invitation of the Vatican, DRC President Christian Malanga and Italian Diplomats, to further discussions about the atrocities both women and children are facing in the Congo. Her philanthropy work has landed her a place in the SHERO Hall of Fame.