Restoring Hope: Aid Jonathan's Trauma Recovery

Hi there,

My name is Jonathan Waddell, and I'm a retired U.S. Air Force veteran who has faced the challenges of deployments during the Global War on Terror, subsequently being diagnosed with PTSD. My military journey was rooted in a desire to help others, a passion that persisted even after my service.

Having recently graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I pursued an opportunity to continue making a positive impact as a student advisor at the Hussman School of Media and Journalism. However, my newfound role took an unexpected turn on my third day of work when our campus experienced an active shooter situation.

As a former military law enforcement officer, I instinctively shifted into a first responder mindset. The inability to engage threats without my military kit or weapon left me feeling helpless. This unfamiliar perspective, combined with the lingering trauma, had a profound impact on my well-being.

Post-incident, my struggle to sleep became apparent, leading me to seek medical help. Despite multiple prescriptions, including hydroxyzine, doxepin, Ambien, Lorazepam, Seroquel, trazadone, olanzapine, prasosin, temazepam and gabapentin my battle with insomnia persisted. The ensuing experimentation with medications felt like an arduous journey, leaving me in extreme benzodiazepine withdrawals, and ultimately leading to my current regimen of Hydroxyzine and Dayvigo for sleep which still don't work.

The toll on my mental and physical health has been overwhelming. I now find myself in a constant struggle, sleeping only one hour every three days. My fear of worsening symptoms or losing touch with my true self prevents me from trying additional medications.

This experience feels like a new war, one where I fight daily to reclaim a sense of normalcy. To break free from the medication cycle and return to my authentic self, I've decided to seek specialized treatment.

I'm reaching out for your support on this journey. I've set up a GoFundMe to cover the costs of a treatment center that focuses on holistic recovery without additional medication reliance. Your contribution or sharing of my story could make a significant difference.

With gratitude,

Jonathan Waddell