Relaxation: Avoidance

After a long day of work or school, people tend to put on their comfort show to have peace of mind and relax their brains. Often it is inferred that the show could be comforting; That one might drift off and fantasize what life would be like if they had a life like their chosen comfort show. When one gets to the point that they fantasize it’s defined as escapism. Escapism is seeking a distraction or relief when the realities of life become too much. Most psychologists would say that it’s not healthy and we should deal with our problems head-on but sometimes we as people need a break with dealing with our problems and confronting them right away is not on the agenda. Another example college is becoming overwhelming assignments are piling up and the feeling of drowning starts to creep up. Instead of taking a step back and then resuming, we take the avoiding route whether it’s watching TV or listening to our favorite music genre. Escapism is the art of avoiding going to your happy place when everything else around you is too hard to bear at that moment.

The type of shows that society tends to navigate towards to escape their realities commonly collate with when life is easy and carefree. In other words, they watch shows that remind them of their childhood. The shows do not just have to be about their childhood but something that is not too far off from their reality but just enough that one can escape.

In the year 2020, the world shut down due to the spreading virus COVID-19. It was a shocker to everyone. Escapism was most prominent during the most historical period. Imagine the world shutting down and nothing to do but stay in the house watch TV and eat. One minute we are enjoying what life has to offer then in a flash time has froze. No social interaction, no going out to eat, no places to go, and no fresh air. Some people during that time used the downtime to learn skills, lock in on their goals, and find ways to up their revenue. The people who couldn’t handle this sudden new way of life, well we turned to TV. TV was what kept us sane in a way kept us from not going crazy without social interaction. Only way to see outside was by looking at TV shows where people interact and can be outside. The shows still showed hard to talk about topics but by the end of the show solution is resolved with comedic humor added to make it feel lighthearted.

For me, during that rough time, my escapism show was A Different World. It’s a classic American sitcom aired in the late 80’s to the early 90’s. A Different World is about teenagers from different states all attending the HBCU Hillman. The plot follows these five teenagers Whitley Gilbert, Dwayne Wayne, Ron Johnson, Kimberly Reese, and Jalessa Vinson-Taylor as they go through college. Throughout the show, it touches on topics like domestic abuse, feminism, wars, and racism. Even with the hard-to-talk-about topics it includes love, friendship, and the idea of family. It was my escapism show because back in the 80’s there were problems but not like they are now. Back in the 80’s women were respected and didn’t have to chase. The guys were gentlemen and knew how to pursue a lady. There was a girl named Freddy and she was all about the enviornment which is now in danger. Eighties had problems but they were not the issues we face now. A Different World has me imagining what life would be like if I was born in the eighties to early nineties. Escapism for me and the show was the era it was produced in. Back to the tough topic but humor added to make it lighthearted. Season Six episode eleven is about helping inner city kids but Dwayne who graduated college and is a teacher now get’s these two boys but they rep different streets which means they have a issue with each other. Dwayne is trying to drill into these kids head that they can be more than the streets. At the end of the episode they do a presentation about what they aspire to be when they grow up by rapping and people dancing concluding that episode. African Americans kids killing each other over their street identity is hard to talk about so A Different World found a way to incorporate that pressing and still a current issue.

Escapism can be anything that causes you relief and distracts you from unpleasant realities. In this case, TV is the most common example of escapism and how it operates. Whenever you have a bad day think about what relaxes you but don’t do it too much or you will fall into the trance of dreaming away your problems. Every once in a while imagining how life would be is not so bad if you can differentiate the reality.

Escapism is something that we as people do when things get to be too much. Well, that’s commonly the cause of escapism. Are there other causes for escapism besides escaping the real world? Other things could be an escape for you like music. But I am getting off-topic causes of Escapism are simple situations that get overwhelming and go to your comfort place allowing you to dream what life would be like if you were in that show or could relate to that song.

Escapism happens when you need a life change or just want to escape from your reality. The perfect example of when you want to escape your reality the most is when a long-time lover decides that it’s just not working for them anymore. So a natural reaction to that life-altering decision is to crawl into bed eat ice cream and watch romantic movies because it puts you into the mindset when you feel loved by that person. One could also turn to music that reminds you of them and puts you in a happy place but, you don’t do it for a long time and have to face the music eventually. Escapism is good if you know that eventually you have to snap back to reality and get through the pain. For a break up escapism is not the best solution but that’s besides the point it’s just one the causes for escapism.

Escapism is most prominent when our mental health is decreasing to the point that we want to get away stated by Matthias Hastall in his academic essay “Escapism”. Instagram plays a part in escapism; we see influencers living their lives and start to wonder when will I get to the point of no worries. We see our friends post but the explore page and watching streams is what our mind wants in this state of mind called “avoidance”(Kircaburun&Griffiths 2018). Exhaustion is a cause of escapism when pushes the limits so much that scrolling on social media is the only way you relax (Hastall 2017). Virtual Reality a technology that allows people to immerse theirselves in the game it feels real to them. The realness of this technology can lead to escapim because it manipulates your mind that if overindulged in human interaction is unessecary (Siricharoen 2019). There is no need to go outside and enjoy what life has to offer if I have it all right here. “The experience of incarceration is antithetical to rehabilitation, but embodied escapism makes space for feelings of freedom”(Luttrull 2023). The year 2020 society could relate this quote because all we did was stay in our house and just dream about when outside will open again.

Now that we that talked about one cause of escapism which in my opinion is the most common but onto the next which is finals week. Finals week could be the most stressful or breeze of a week for college students depending on which one you are. Either way finals week is stressful and to decompress that rock on your shoulder music is the way. Music could also be your motivation to be productive and study or could be your downfall because you are so engrossed in the music. A music genre that makes one fantasize is the 90s and 2000s because life was good and simple and not so dangerous. If listening to that type of music it causes you to visualize what life would have been like if not born in that era. Especially for girls it has you fantasize about that 90’s type of love.

It was not mentioned but traveling is a part of escapism as well as a way to leave reality completely. This type of escapism could be caused by anything overwhelming job, college life, or just a life change in general. Traveling gives you a sense of peace and a new perspective on your life. When you come back you feel rejuvenated and ready to jump back into the world. College life is hard and can be mentally draining so traveling is a solution to ease the brain, a nice little break.

There are many causes for escapism it comes with life and if that’s your coping mechanism. The ones mentioned above are the most common because life can change at any time. With what’s going on in Palestine now is a time when people turn on something other than the news. Not to completely be oblivious to what’s going on but to have an emotional break from what is happening. Shows that have serious issues in them but have some humor to them that barely make you notice the problem at hand. If you are a part of the escapism audience think about what causes you to drift off and what you turn to.

Escapism is a way to detach from reality. The opposite of escapism is realism. Realism is being in the state of mind always being immersed in reality. Just like too much escapism is bad for your mental health always being a realist is not so great either. Being a realist is like always being in a negative mindset. People who are realists do not dream or see positivity in things that seem unusual. Escapism is looked at as a negative word but if rephrased as refueling it sounds like life is too hard and one just needs to take a step back (Allan 2015).

The model of rationality employed in this argument is then extended to practical rationality, and it is argued that entrenched escapism is pragmatically irrational as well, unless it compensates for other irrationalities elsewhere in a person, as, for instance, when a person must avoid certain facts to avoid succumbing irrationally to despair, or unless it compensates for the effects of an environment in which it is otherwise impossible for an optimally functioning person to survive emotionally. While I understand what Mr. John LongWay author of the journal “The Rationality Of Escapism and Self-Deception” is stating about escapism being a type of coping mechanism he’s also stating that it’s acceptable for a long period based on the person’s emotional stability. Recently, Andrei Buckareff and Allen Plug I proposed a theory of hell called escapism stated by Russell E. Jones as a argument to Zagzebski about how escapism could relate to hell. I don’t agree with escapism being related to a open door to hell because escapism is used as a coping mechanism it’s not used to patronize a person’s state of mind. Escapism might have an undesirable side effect. Although escapism is detachment from reality just simply taking a breather will not result in undesirable effects.

Based on the evidence presented escapism is neither a good nor bad thing but too much of it can alter your mental health like anything else that is overindulged. It is good to have a break but don’t make it a habit. In other words, escapism can be anything that has you fantasize and take a load off. It could range from fantasy books, music, playing games, and scrolling down social media. A psychological state of mind is where escapism thrives. Escapism causes relief and distracts you from unpleasant realities. The relief that forgetting all your problems is addicting and can result in a mindset of a fantasy world. There is nothing wrong with taking a break from reality it makes life just a little bit more bearable. Whenever you have a bad day think about what relaxes you but don’t do it too much or you will fall into the trance of dreaming away your problems. Every once in a while imagining how life would be is not so bad if you can differentiate the reality.

References

Notebook, D. V. (2023, August 31). The Psychology of Escapism: Why Do People Choose to Escape? Medium. https://davincisnotebook.medium.com/the-psychology-of-escapism-why-do-people-choose-to-escape-7379977f075b

Luttrull, Grace Jane, “Embodied Escapism: Liberation Within Incarceration” (2023). Dance/Movement Therapy Theses. 88.
https://digitalcommons.slc.edu/dmt_etd/88

Hastall, M. R. (2017). Escapism. The International Encyclopedia of Media Effects, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118783764.wbieme0154

Siricharoen, W. (2019). Association for Information Systems AIS Electronic Library (AISeL) The Effect of Virtual Reality as a form of Escapism The Effect of Virtual Reality as a form of Escapism (pp. 5–2019). https://aisel.aisnet.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1018&context=confirm2019

Luttrull, G. (2023). Embodied Escapism: Liberation Within Incarceration. Dance/Movement Therapy Theses. https://digitalcommons.slc.edu/dmt_etd/88/

Allan, P. (2015, August 10). How to Snap Back to Reality when. Lifehacker. https://lifehacker.com/how-to-snap-back-to-reality-when-escapism-becomes-av-1723091630#:~:text=Escapism%20doesn

John , L. L.(2023). The Rationality of Escapism and Reality . Jstor.org

Jones , R. E. (2023). Escapism and Luck . Jstor.org.

Relaxation: Avoidance

After a long day of work or school, people tend to put on their comfort show to have peace of mind and relax their brains. Often it is inferred that the show could be comforting; That one might drift off and fantasize what life would be like if they had a life like their chosen comfort show. When one gets to the point that they fantasize it’s defined as escapism. Escapism is seeking a distraction or relief when the realities of life become too much. Most psychologists would say that it’s not healthy and we should deal with our problems head-on but sometimes we as people need a break with dealing with our problems and confronting them right away is not on the agenda. Another example college is becoming overwhelming assignments are piling up and the feeling of drowning starts to creep up. Instead of taking a step back and then resuming, we take the avoiding route whether it’s watching TV or listening to our favorite music genre. Escapism is the art of avoiding going to your happy place when everything else around you is too hard to bear at that moment.

For me, during that rough time, my escapism show was A Different World. It’s a classic American sitcom aired in the late 80’s to the early 90’s. A Different World is about teenagers from different states all attending the HBCU Hillman. The plot follows these five teenagers Whitley Gilbert, Dwayne Wayne, Ron Johnson, Kimberly Reese, and Jalessa Vinson-Taylor as they go through college. Throughout the show, it touches on topics like domestic abuse, feminism, wars, and racism. Even with the hard-to-talk-about topics it includes love, friendship, and the idea of family. It was my escapism show because back in the 80’s there were problems but not like they are now. Back in the 80’s women were respected and didn’t have to chase. The guys were gentlemen and knew how to pursue a lady. There was a girl named Freddy and she was all about the enviornment which is now in danger. Eighties had problems but they were not the issues we face now. A Different World has me imagining what life would be like if I was born in the eighties to early nineties. Escapism for me and the show was the era it was produced in. Back to the tough topic but humor added to make it lighthearted. Season Six episode eleven is about helping inner city kids but Dwayne who graduated college and is a teacher now get’s these two boys but they rep different streets which means they have a issue with each other. Dwayne is trying to drill into these kids head that they can be more than the streets. At the end of the episode they do a presentation about what they aspire to be when they grow up by rapping and people dancing concluding that episode. African Americans kids killing each other over their street identity is hard to talk about so A Different World found a way to incorporate that pressing and still a current issue.

Escapism can be anything that causes you relief and distracts you from unpleasant realities. In this case, TV is the most common example of escapism and how it operates. Whenever you have a bad day think about what relaxes you but don’t do it too much or you will fall into the trance of dreaming away your problems. Every once in a while imagining how life would be is not so bad if you can differentiate the reality.

Escapism is something that we as people do when things get to be too much. Well, that’s commonly the cause of escapism. Are there other causes for escapism besides escaping the real world? Other things could be an escape for you like music. But I am getting off-topic causes of Escapism are simple situations that get overwhelming and go to your comfort place allowing you to dream what life would be like if you were in that show or could relate to that song.

Escapism happens when you need a life change or just want to escape from your reality. The perfect example of when you want to escape your reality the most is when a long-time lover decides that it’s just not working for them anymore. So a natural reaction to that life-altering decision is to crawl into bed eat ice cream and watch romantic movies because it puts you into the mindset when you feel loved by that person. One could also turn to music that reminds you of them and puts you in a happy place but, you don’t do it for a long time and have to face the music eventually. Escapism is good if you know that eventually you have to snap back to reality and get through the pain. For a break up escapism is not the best solution but that’s besides the point it’s just one the causes for escapism.

Escapism is most prominent when our mental health is decreasing to the point that we want to get away stated by Matthias Hastall in his academic essay “Escapism”. Instagram plays a part in escapism; we see influencers living their lives and start to wonder when will I get to the point of no worries. We see our friends post but the explore page and watching streams is what our mind wants in this state of mind called “avoidance”(Kircaburun&Griffiths 2018). Exhaustion is a cause of escapism when pushes the limits so much that scrolling on social media is the only way you relax (Hastall 2017). Virtual Reality a technology that allows people to immerse theirselves in the game it feels real to them. The realness of this technology can lead to escapim because it manipulates your mind that if overindulged in human interaction is unessecary (Siricharoen 2019). There is no need to go outside and enjoy what life has to offer if I have it all right here. “The experience of incarceration is antithetical to rehabilitation, but embodied escapism makes space for feelings of freedom”(Luttrull 2023). The year 2020 society could relate this quote because all we did was stay in our house and just dream about when outside will open again.

Now that we that talked about one cause of escapism which in my opinion is the most common but onto the next which is finals week. Finals week could be the most stressful or breeze of a week for college students depending on which one you are. Either way finals week is stressful and to decompress that rock on your shoulder music is the way. Music could also be your motivation to be productive and study or could be your downfall because you are so engrossed in the music. A music genre that makes one fantasize is the 90s and 2000s because life was good and simple and not so dangerous. If listening to that type of music it causes you to visualize what life would have been like if not born in that era. Especially for girls it has you fantasize about that 90’s type of love.

It was not mentioned but traveling is a part of escapism as well as a way to leave reality completely. This type of escapism could be caused by anything overwhelming job, college life, or just a life change in general. Traveling gives you a sense of peace and a new perspective on your life. When you come back you feel rejuvenated and ready to jump back into the world. College life is hard and can be mentally draining so traveling is a solution to ease the brain, a nice little break.

There are many causes for escapism it comes with life and if that’s your coping mechanism. The ones mentioned above are the most common because life can change at any time. With what’s going on in Palestine now is a time when people turn on something other than the news. Not to completely be oblivious to what’s going on but to have an emotional break from what is happening. Shows that have serious issues in them but have some humor to them that barely make you notice the problem at hand. If you are a part of the escapism audience think about what causes you to drift off and what you turn to.

Escapism is a way to detach from reality. The opposite of escapism is realism. Realism is being in the state of mind always being immersed in reality. Just like too much escapism is bad for your mental health always being a realist is not so great either. Being a realist is like always being in a negative mindset. People who are realists do not dream or see positivity in things that seem unusual. Escapism is looked at as a negative word but if rephrased as refueling it sounds like life is too hard and one just needs to take a step back (Allan 2015).

The model of rationality employed in this argument is then extended to practical rationality, and it is argued that entrenched escapism is pragmatically irrational as well, unless it compensates for other irrationalities elsewhere in a person, as, for instance, when a person must avoid certain facts to avoid succumbing irrationally to despair, or unless it compensates for the effects of an environment in which it is otherwise impossible for an optimally functioning person to survive emotionally. While I understand what Mr. John LongWay author of the journal “The Rationality Of Escapism and Self-Deception” is stating about escapism being a type of coping mechanism he’s also stating that it’s acceptable for a long period based on the person’s emotional stability. Recently, Andrei Buckareff and Allen Plug I proposed a theory of hell called escapism stated by Russell E. Jones as a argument to Zagzebski about how escapism could relate to hell. I don’t agree with escapism being related to a open door to hell because escapism is used as a coping mechanism it’s not used to patronize a person’s state of mind. Escapism might have an undesirable side effect. Although escapism is detachment from reality just simply taking a breather will not result in undesirable effects.

Based on the evidence presented escapism is neither a good nor bad thing but too much of it can alter your mental health like anything else that is overindulged. It is good to have a break but don’t make it a habit. In other words, escapism can be anything that has you fantasize and take a load off. It could range from fantasy books, music, playing games, and scrolling down social media. A psychological state of mind is where escapism thrives. Escapism causes relief and distracts you from unpleasant realities. The relief that forgetting all your problems is addicting and can result in a mindset of a fantasy world. There is nothing wrong with taking a break from reality it makes life just a little bit more bearable. Whenever you have a bad day think about what relaxes you but don’t do it too much or you will fall into the trance of dreaming away your problems. Every once in a while imagining how life would be is not so bad if you can differentiate the reality.

References

Notebook, D. V. (2023, August 31). The Psychology of Escapism: Why Do People Choose to Escape? Medium. https://davincisnotebook.medium.com/the-psychology-of-escapism-why-do-people-choose-to-escape-7379977f075b

Luttrull, Grace Jane, “Embodied Escapism: Liberation Within Incarceration” (2023). Dance/Movement Therapy Theses. 88.
https://digitalcommons.slc.edu/dmt_etd/88

Hastall, M. R. (2017). Escapism. The International Encyclopedia of Media Effects, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118783764.wbieme0154

Siricharoen, W. (2019). Association for Information Systems AIS Electronic Library (AISeL) The Effect of Virtual Reality as a form of Escapism The Effect of Virtual Reality as a form of Escapism (pp. 5–2019). https://aisel.aisnet.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1018&context=confirm2019

Luttrull, G. (2023). Embodied Escapism: Liberation Within Incarceration. Dance/Movement Therapy Theses. https://digitalcommons.slc.edu/dmt_etd/88/

Allan, P. (2015, August 10). How to Snap Back to Reality when. Lifehacker. https://lifehacker.com/how-to-snap-back-to-reality-when-escapism-becomes-av-1723091630#:~:text=Escapism%20doesn

John , L. L.(2023). The Rationality of Escapism and Reality . Jstor.org

Jones , R. E. (2023). Escapism and Luck . Jstor.org.

References

Luttrull, Grace Jane, “Embodied Escapism: Liberation Within Incarceration” (2023). Dance/Movement Therapy Theses. 88. https://digitalcommons.slc.edu/dmt_etd/88

Hastall, M. R. (2017). Escapism. The International Encyclopedia of Media Effects, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118783764.wbieme0154

Siricharoen, W. (2019). Association for Information Systems AIS Electronic Library (AISeL) The Effect of Virtual Reality as a form of Escapism The Effect of Virtual Reality as a form of Escapism (pp. 5–2019). https://aisel.aisnet.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1018&context=confirm2019

Luttrull, G. (2023). Embodied Escapism: Liberation Within Incarceration. Dance/Movement Therapy Theses. https://digitalcommons.slc.edu/dmt_etd/88/

Allan, P. (2015, August 10). How to Snap Back to Reality when. Lifehacker. https://lifehacker.com/how-to-snap-back-to-reality-when-escapism-becomes-av-1723091630#:~:text=Escapism%20doesn

Service Dogs Help Vets Battle PTSD

Majority of the world know and understand what PTSD is but what most of them don’t know is how bad it affects the people who deal with it day to day. BOOM, a gunshot? a bomb? or just a balloon these veterans never know what to expect when coming home and simple things may trigger a PTSD vet and give them so called flashbacks to what they went through at a certain point in their life. Could there be something to fix those triggers and calm someone who suffers from this mental illness? Well there is an animal out there that is the number one helper with PTSD veterans and that is the dog, but more specifically a canine. 

Canines are more slender, long legged dogs with pointy ears and a lovable personality. German shepherds are one of the most common companions prescribed to vets with PTSD as they make the vet feel safe and comforted. They show their owner love and affection in return for a companion that watches them and takes care of them. These dogs do miracles to the veterans by helping them cope with their illness and move on in life. I believe that when many of these veterans get home from a war or battle they feel that they are all alone and never try to get help but instead ignore these feelings of pain and suffering. Owning a dog is a huge responsibility for anyone and it could give a veteran some meaning back into their life. These canines are special as they are trained to be service dogs and are specifically trained to help vets with PTSD-mitigating tasks such as turning on lights, and creating a buffer especially in public places, and even help prevent nightmares. Although these tasks seem awful easy for the regular person, for a vet suffering from PTSD it’s like a battle in their minds. Dogs in general help adults battle anxiety, depression, and loneliness, so specially trained dogs for PTSD vets are even more trained to help their owner with almost anything they struggle with. Lots of PTSD vets suffer from nightmares and often get very little sleep which then affects how they think even more and makes them feel more inclined to commit suicide as it affects their mind and thinking. Canines drastically help benefit veterans sleep as it makes the vets feel loved and having someone by their side helps with nightmares and panic attacks. 

More and more places are offering a program to sign up for which will help you get a specially trained service dog for PSTD patients. K9’s for Warriors is one of the biggest programs in America for helping locate and find the right dog for all veterans in need of a dog to help them. K9’s for Warriors specifically chose to train shelter dogs as they are also going through a trauma and this can help make the bond between a PTSD vet and shelter/service dog even greater. When both companions are in pain and traumatized they can work together to better themselves and in this situation the dog and the veteran can help each other with each of their symptoms and benefit being around each other. Combining two broken minds can heal and create a bond that the vet never knew they could experience with an animal. Overall service dogs provide a much better path for veterans suffering PTSD and can help them avoid things like addiction that comes with medications and pill usage.

Medications is probably the first answer anyone has to reduce symptoms of any illness, these medications consists of pills that affect mood and energy levels and even pills to help with sleep and anxiety. PTSD veterans may take up to 4 different pills just to get them through their day and this pill consumption can lead to another bad thing to add onto the PTSD, and that’s addiction. K9;s for Warriors offers stories on their website of veterans and their lives before owning a service dog. Many of those vets says the same thing, about how they had suicidal thoughts and were hooked on taking pills and medications to drown themselves away from the symptoms of PSTD and it often lead to a worse feeling of depression and needing more medications.

Pills and medications aren’t always the best way to treat everything, especially PTSD as many veterans get addicted to the pills and later on turn to hard drugs to help self medicate. To stop this addiction and PSTD symptoms service dogs are something that has been suggested to many patients with PTSD as it helps them lower their symptoms and lower their medication use. The specially trained dogs help veterans cope with PTSD same as any medication or pill in the world. Service dogs are already one point better as once you get the dog you don’t have to keep paying for it as you do with pills, which is why many PTSD vets turn to drugs as they are cheaper then the medication they get and easier to purchase. National Library of Medicine completed a research study on how service dogs affect military veterans medicine regime. They took a group of veterans that currently have service dogs and veterans that are on the waitlist for service dogs and examined them day to day on how they change their medication usage and regime. It was said that most veterans with service dogs decreased their medication usage or removed some medicines from their regime. Many vets on the waitlist had no changes to their medication and some even added a medication while owners of a service dog had 30 members out of 67 remove a medication and another 25 decrease the dose of their medication. Kerri Rodriguez, one of the people who helped create the study, says “Many individuals with PTSD who respond to evidence-based treatments in the short-term do not reach stable remission over time” showing how medicines may not be the best choice for PTSD symptoms. Rodriguez always stated that “In addition, common comorbid conditions such as depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injury, or substance use disorder can make treatment for military veteran with PTSD more difficult”. 

Jeanne Segal, who is one of the writers of “The Health and Mood-Boosting Benefits of Pets” speaks on how owning a pet specifically boosts two key chemicals inside your brain. These two chemicals are serotonin and dopamine, also called the happy drugs which function in your brain help affect your mood, motivation, and even cognition. Boosting serotonin and dopamine with PTSD is a huge benefit and can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness that these veterans face on a day to day basis. The creators of MIND, a website which offers help for those battling antidepressant usage and its side effects says that “Mood boosting pills may make you feel good after taking them, but afterwards they come with lots of side effects that may lead to worsen symptoms of PTSD”, therefore doctors should start looking into other ways to help treat PTSD and not just prescribing them pills to get through day to day tasks.

PTSD and its affects on ones mind very much can guide a person to commit suicide to end the struggle of battling with PTSD. Many vets don’t know where to get help and are scared to talk to others about their problems which makes their battle with it even worse. Nowadays more and more VA clinics are offering help to the vets and canines are just one of the many solutions to help combat PTSD. Canines are loyal and will always stick by their owners side taking away that feeling of loneliness and anxiety vets may face. The canine also gives the veterans activities to do like taking a walk or napping together on the couch even going to the dog park helps fulfill happiness in both the dog and the vet. These studies showing the effects of canines and PTSD vets offer a great explanation as to why a vet should really consider getting a trained dog and their quality of life will skyrocket. 

Table 1.

Descriptives statistics and group-level analyses on responses to the question “Since getting a service dog/getting on the waitlist, has your doctor made any changes to your medications? Select all that apply.”

Medication has its benefits but it also has it downsides, and in this case lots of downsides. Most PTSD vets are given a handful of medications which mainly derive from antidepressants, which are known to have plenty of side effects. Some known side effects of these medications are suicidal feelings, decreased alertness, sexual problems, and much more. Addiction is obviously another huge problem with PTSD medication as it is very hard to get off the pills and to stop taking them especially if you have been taking the medications for a long time it will be even harder to stay away from them. Service dogs offer a much more hopeful road to recovery from the symptoms of PTSD. Service dogs help create a bond between man and animal and that bond becomes unbreakable and helps to destroy that feeling of helplessness and loneliness that comes from PTSD. 

When War Vets come home they experience horrible nightmares and are often rattled and on edge constantly. Waking up everyday is a struggle to these vets after what they have been through and seen or heard. These struggles are hard and can often lead to depression and loneliness as they seem to push everyone away from them in fear for what might happen if they stay like family and loved ones. Veterans seem broken and helpless, forced to take medications that rarely take away their feelings but instead only mask the pain underneath. Many veterans feel alone and avoid speaking with people as they don’t want to affect the people around them and spread their pain to others.

PTSD veterans often need someone or something to help them through the pain. Sometimes these vets come back so mentally wounded that their family and friends may not want to be around them seeing how changed they are after a war or battle in the line of duty. One possible way may be a dog, specifically a dog trained to help support their companion and make them feel happy and full of emotions again. Service dogs are one of the best options out there for vets to feel safer and loved and gives the veteran a responsibility to look after the dog as it will look after for them. Service dogs have been provided to veterans since 1958, beginning with blind veterans needing guide dogs to help them travel and assist their mobility. Since then PTSD service dogs are offered at thousands of clinics to provide support in those who may need a specially trained dog. Places like K9’s For Warriors, the nations largest provider for service dogs for veterans even provides statistics for how much their dogs have helped these veterans. They reported that approximately 92% of veterans report in a reduction of medication after owning a service dog. A high 82% of veterans report that they no longer have suicidal thoughts and feelings after having a k9. K9’s for Warriors main goal is to lower the suicide rate for veterans with PTSD as around 20 vets take their own lives each day. Their program has rescued over 1,500 dogs to give them a life and allowing them to have a purpose instead of being put down or abused.

Some may say most veterans need a service dog to help them rehabilitate and get back on track with their life. Veterans battle with mental health issues daily and having a service dog can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Being out in public again with all the loud noises and people walking around may bother or trigger a veteran with PTSD, so having a dog can help take away all that anxiety they have from being out in the public. Service dogs also help renew enjoyment in life for the vets and allow them to do things they may have felt uncomfortable doing before. Also these dogs can help lessen the amount of medication a vet takes as they no longer feel the need to take these medications for stress or anxiety as the dogs can help solve that issue for them. Sleep is another big struggle for veterans and many may also take pills to help go to bed at night. Service dogs offer a shield for nightmares and overall help aid a veteran in sleeping as it makes the vet feel loved and not alone at night. Being unable to sleep can easily affect anyones day as it changes their moods and appearances over time. Sleep insomnia is what this condition is known as and the side effects of it are very bad as it can lead to suicidal thoughts and doubts of living.

Many veterans with PTSD may consider suicide as an option to get them to forget everything they ever witnessed but forever. Suicide rates among veterans of war is very high as around 22 veterans take their lives daily in America. The stress and suffering these veterans go through makes them think they have nothing to live for and are in constant pain, mentally from PSTD. VA studies have shown that approximately 20-30% of veterans live with PTSD and with that around 50% of those vets turn to suicide compared to non PTSD adults. According to the VA Suicide Prevention Annual Report, nearly 18 service members take their own lives each day. These numbers and statistics show the dangers of what PTSD can do to someone and how it makes simple daily tasks a complete struggle. The CEO of Canine Companions, Paige Mazzoni says that “Service dogs provide a significant therapeutic benefit for veterans with PTSD.” In providing these canines to veterans they can significantly reduce the suicide rate of PTSD patients and help them succeed with this fight against PTSD. One main factor that leads to worsen symptoms of PTSD is being alone and having no one to talk to. Lots of vets live alone and are afraid to go out and speak about what they are feeling or avoid help in general, what if they may not need to speak to a therapists but can instead have a friendly animal? That’s where K9’s come into play as they will make a vet no longer feel lonely and empty as they have someone or something to take care of. Service dogs give back a meaning into veterans lives which is having a responsibility and that is to take care of their new companion. Dogs can take away some of that stress and fear from the veterans and studies have even shown that people with dogs have lower blood pressure levels and are less likely to develop heart disease. Service dogs can help a veteran release dopamine in the brain as dopamine is the brains “happy drug” which can counter the symptoms they may get from PTSD. Playing with dogs has a high increase in peoples dopamine levels, which is what makes us feel excited and motivated. 

More and more vets suffering from PTSD are getting service dogs to help better their lives. NEADS Inc. is one of the top suppliers for trained service dogs specifically for ill or injured veterans around America. These trained dogs could seriously change the lives of vets forever and practically turn some of their lives around and bring that joy back in the world for them. Being alone is one of the worst things ever especially after something traumatic as a war or fight that lead to PTSD. Veterans just need someone around, someone they can trust and feel safe around and protect. K9’s are the best solution for these vets struggling day to day with PTSD symptoms and other mental battles they may face as a veteran. I believe that the program, K9’s for Warriors is one of the best things out there for veterans suffering PSTD as its run by people who have faced the same thing veterans are facing now. Veterans can relate to the workers of K9’s for Warriors because they both suffered PTSD from the military and now have service dogs that drastically changed their lives for the better. These veterans can feel more comfortable opening up to other vets and talking about their feelings and what they are going through. Many vets feel that they re alone in this battle with PTSD when they are in fact not, they just need the right people to talk to and get help from. Seeing how other vets with PTSD changed their lives using service dogs can help influence other people going through the same shit to get a device dog and see how it changes their own lives. Veterans need to know that they are not alone in this battle with PTSD and that there is people who they can speak with and get help and even get a service dog to help them with their daily lives and battle PSTD together.

References:

“How service dogs can help Veterans with PTSD” K9’s for warriors (April 17 2023)– https://news.va.gov/118407/how-service-dogs-can-help-veterans-with-ptsd/#:~:text=K9s%20For%20Warriors%20is%20the,of%20Veterans%20who%20commit%20suicide.

“How pets can help us maintain mental health”A. Beetz, K. Uvnas-Moberg, H. Julius, K. Kotrschal (July 9 2012)– https://namica.org/blog/how-dogs-can-help-us-maintain-mental-health/#:~:text=How%20Dogs%20Can%20Help%20with,improve%20your%20all%2Daround%20health.

“The Health and mood boosting benefits of pets” L.Robinson, J. Segal (October 2 2023)- https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm

“The Impact of Service Dogs on Military Veterans and (Ex) First Aid Responders With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder” Front Psychiatry (May 4 2022)-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9114472/#:~:text=We%20found%20that%20veterans%20and,those%20with%20a%20companion%20dog.

“VA Study Shows Service Dogs Impact Veterans with PTSD Canine Companions® applauds expansion of VA insurance benefits for Veterans” J. Konopelski (March 17 2021)- https://www.proquest.com/docview/2501802103?accountid=13605&parentSessionId=EEyhmWEdF%2F2TDuaIT%2B8EwIiE25fuc2Sy0yezeZJKFbU%3D&pq-origsite=primo

“Side-Effects of antidepressants and what they can cause”Mind.org in the UK (September 2020) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/antidepressants/side-effects-of-antidepressants/

Unraveling the New York City Rat Menace

In the center of the energetic streets of New York City, the pervasive rat infestation continues to be a menace to public health and urban cleanliness. This is a complicated issue that lies beneath the surface of the city and needs prompt attention and well-considered remedies. This study seeks to identify the causes of this issue and promote efficient control measures by exploring its intricacies. Using thorough scientific research, real community stories, and professional viewpoints as a guide, this essay will define the New York City rat menace in detail and peel back the many layers of this urgent urban problem. Under its magnificent skyline, New York is known as the “city that never sleeps,” yet under its surface lies a recurring issue that dates back as far as the city itself and is becoming worse in the present era.

Numerous linked aspects contribute to the complexity and multidimensionality of the rat problem in New York City. The abundance of food supplies in the city, along with the enormous amount of organic waste produced every day, is a significant factor in this widespread issue. Rats take advantage of this abundance by feeding themselves in public trash cans, dining establishments, and residential areas, which helps to maintain their presence and quick growth. Rats also have a perfect breeding ground in the city’s maze-like infrastructure, which includes abandoned buildings and subway tunnels, shielding them from predators and bad weather. Since these elements are interdependent, a complex ecosystem is created that supports the rat population, making eradication efforts difficult and requiring a variety of approaches.

The effects of the rat problem are far-reaching and have a lasting impact on both people and communities, in addition to the immediate physical manifestations. The structural damage that roving rats constantly chew on items can do to automobiles and buildings may be highly costly for companies and property owners. A significant risk to public health exists since rats are also known to harbor a number of illnesses, which raises the possibility of contamination. Residents and business owners experience a palpable and persistent sense of unease that shapes their daily lives and interactions with the urban environment due to the constant fear of disease transmission and contamination. The problem at hand has several dimensions that need a comprehensive strategy to address the underlying public health issues and economic ramifications in addition to the visible harm.

Over the extensive history of New York City, the occurrence of rat infestations has undergone significant fluctuations, intimately connected to the city’s development. These shifts reveal a dynamic and ever-changing rat threat, influenced by alterations in population density and sanitation standards. Understanding this historical context sheds light on the challenges faced by urban planners and policymakers as they grapple with this resilient issue. By examining historical trends, we gain insights into the effectiveness of past interventions and the factors contributing to the cyclical nature of rat infestations. This historical perspective becomes the foundation for well-informed decision-making and targeted strategies addressing the root causes of the problem.

A retrospective exploration of interventions employed across different eras provides a diverse panorama of strategies aimed at mitigating rat infestations. Each historical period, marked by distinct challenges, offers valuable lessons applicable to contemporary decision-making. Unveiling the cyclical patterns in rat infestations offers guidance for developing strategies that directly tackle the underlying causes of the issue. The historical lens serves not only as a narrative of the city’s ongoing battle with rats but also as a practical guide for making informed decisions and crafting specific tactics.

As urban planners grapple with the enduring challenge of rats, the historical continuum emerges as an indispensable tool. It highlights the interconnectedness between urban development and rats’ adaptive strategies, offering a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenge. Recognizing the dynamic interplay between historical patterns and the ever-evolving New York City landscape equips policymakers with the foresight needed to navigate the complexities of rat infestations. Essentially, the historical lens acts as a compass, guiding the city toward tailored solutions that address the intricate factors contributing to the persistent urban issue posed by rats.

Rat infestations pose a different set of difficulties than other typical urban pests. Due to their rapid rates of reproduction and extreme adaptability, rats are resistant to conventional pest management methods. They are tolerant of a wide range of environmental circumstances and may flourish in both indoor and outdoor settings, in contrast to many other pests that wreak havoc on urban landscapes. Rat problems require creative, flexible, and comprehensive solutions that are suited to the complexities of this enduring urban issue. The inefficiency of traditional pest control techniques makes it necessary to investigate cutting-edge strategies that make use of technology, behavioral insights, and community involvement. Rat infestations present unique challenges that urban planners and pest control specialists must recognize in order to devise strategies that outsmart these cunning rodents and provide long-term solutions for impacted communities. As the city’s population grows and evolves, so does the challenge of managing rat infestations due to increased food waste generation and hiding places (Smith, 2018). Higher population density contributes to more significant rat problems in certain neighborhoods.

In addition to the obvious and concrete effects, the rat threat has a significant negative psychological impact on the communities it affects. A general atmosphere of anxiety and insecurity is created by residents’ constant fear of coming into contact with rats and worries about the spread of disease. Youngsters are particularly vulnerable since their innocence is tarnished by their continual worry of discovering rats in unexpected locations. This emotional burden has a negative impact on the mental health of the residents, which is exacerbated by their dissatisfaction with seemingly insurmountable challenges and decreases their overall quality of life. Furthermore, the frustration brought on by the struggle against rats that never seems to end can make one feel hopeless. Locals may believe that the issue is unsolvable or that their concerns are not being sufficiently addressed. The psychological impact of the rat problem goes beyond a person’s acute fear of rats and includes more general worries about the standard of living in impacted areas. This psychological cost, which is frequently disregarded in talks about urban pests, has significant effects on community well-being and emphasizes how urgent it is to take a comprehensive approach to combating the rat problem.

In short, NYC’s rat issue is a complicated urban problem deeply rooted in its history, causing various effects and psychological impacts on locals. Solving it requires more than traditional pest control – we need a comprehensive approach involving sanitation improvements, public awareness campaigns, and community support. By recognizing the problem and working with authorities, pest control experts, and residents, NYC can create a future where the lurking danger beneath its streets no longer threatens public health, the economy, and community well-being.

Now, let’s take a dive into the heart of NYC, where the rat problem is just one layer of the urban chaos. This investigation aims to go beyond typical articles, exploring the underlying factors contributing to the constant presence of rats. Our goal is to spark imagination, relying on scientific findings, community stories, and professional insights for inspiration. As we peel back the layers, we expose the dynamic interaction of history, environment, and human behavior, encouraging readers to envision creative solutions for NYC’s distinct urban challenges.

Understanding the intricacies behind New York City’s rat infestation is crucial for navigating its labyrinthine urban landscape. This investigation goes beyond mere statistics, delving into recent trends in rodent captures, activity peaks, and community concerns. Essentially, the city is trapped in a recurring cycle where crime surges during lockdowns, only to subside after their conclusion (Smith, 2018). Now, let’s break down the direct reasons. Before the lockdown, rat catching seemed to be on a tranquil trajectory, akin to the calm before a storm. However, this pattern was disrupted by a sudden surge in captures post-lockdown. Yet, this surge wasn’t a cause for celebration; it resembled a gradual recovery from the lockdown and a prelude to a crash. Concurrently, rodent activity, thriving before the lockdown, plummeted during and after it. The community’s expression of displeasure and grievances remained largely unchanged despite the ongoing chaos (Johnson 2019). Now, let’s discuss spatial dynamics. After the lockdown, rats resumed their previous behaviors, but the collaboration between multi-catch and bait stations, previously tangled, encountered disruptions during the lockdown, leading to persistent issues afterward (Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 2020). The immediate cause of NYC’s rat invasion lies in the intricate interplay between human interventions, rodent responses, and control measures implemented during the lockdown. The official evaluation by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in 2020, assessing the “Effectiveness of NYC Pest Management Programs,” serves as a benchmark validating our study’s findings. By acting as a standard for assessing present tactics, it guides our research towards suggesting advancements in the city’s pest control initiatives.

Exploring the remote, we draw parallels between major weather events and the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. Examining rat behavior during hurricanes reveals a spike in activity during disturbances. However, post-lockdown dynamics change. The driving force behind these changes is crucial. Hurricanes disrupt rodent habitats violently, introducing diversity to the environment. Conversely, the pandemic alters human behavior without significantly changing the physical surroundings. Restrictions during the pandemic led to reduced human food consumption by rodents. Rats, acting famished, deviated from their usual aversion to novelty. The immediate aftermath of the lockdown witnessed fewer rats, explained by both decreased food availability and more rats being trapped and consuming poison (Patel 2021). This combination paints a more comprehensive picture, suggesting that the pandemic’s underlying cause lies in its long-term impacts on human behavior and inadvertent effects on the rat population. Rats’ ability to thrive in various environments and seasons distinguishes them from pests that are restricted to specific conditions. This year-round problem necessitates continuous efforts to address rat infestations.

The precipitating cause, akin to the immediate cause, revolves around the unexpected upheaval revealing true problems. Here, the lockdown takes center stage. Envision a scenario where eateries, cafes, and food locations shut down, leaving significantly less human food for rats. Rats enter a feeding frenzy due to this abrupt change in the cityscape, intensifying their activity and resulting in increased trapping (Garcia 2017). The narrative of the rat population unfolds through hunger and human attempts at control, presenting an exciting exploration of the urban jungle. Examining the specifics of this rat pandemonium in the major city reveals intriguing details. The lockdown lasted only 45 days, yet its aftermath brought about more than just a temporary rat celebration. Post-lockdown, normalcy remained elusive. Enter the genetic bottleneck during the lockdown, acting as the puppet master. The City of Sydney Council, post-lockdown, distributed an excess of poison bait stations compared to other traps, creating a rat smorgasbord. This overdose might explain the sudden crash in the rat population. But the story doesn’t end here – there’s a genetic twist. Post-rat apocalypse, we might be left with a cohort of rats resistant to poison, forming what we could term a “founding gene pool.” It’s like a science fiction plot unfolding in the rat world, revealing the intricate dance between our efforts to control rat chaos and the unforeseen consequences that accompany it. Summing up the wild tale of New York City’s rat problem, it’s not just your typical bug issue; it’s an exciting urban journey. We’ve dived deep into the chaos, looking at short-term shocks, long-term changes, sudden triggers, and everything in between that makes this rat story so complex. Things got especially crazy during the lockdown, catching everyone by surprise. What’s fascinating is that it’s not just about rats partying; it’s like a symphony of the city, with the rats taking center stage. Now, we need to explore the ecology, history, and the psychological impact of this rat chaos – it’s not just about avoiding rat nibbles but also about safeguarding the city’s health, economics, and the vibe of our neighborhoods. This is more than a quick fix; it’s a call to action for everyone, from big-shot lawmakers to the unsung heroes of pest control and local communities, laying the groundwork for a city that’s not just rat-free but also safer, healthier, and more resilient.

Switching gears to the recurring rat issue in New York City, marring its iconic skyline tied to urbanization and progress, let’s take a deep dive. The idea of monetizing the rat problem is on the table, suggesting fresh perspectives for innovative solutions, better urban living, and economic opportunities. But, of course, there are objections to consider. Critics argue that putting money first takes focus away from the real issue – public health risks and the irritation from rat infestations. Johnson’s (2019) research underscores the dangers of rat-borne diseases, stressing the need for immediate action and robust waste management systems as essential for successful monetization. Ignoring these aspects, critics argue, could worsen the problem, especially considering the connection between rat expansion and poor waste disposal.

Cultural sensitivity may be emphasized by critics while developing monetization tactics. They say that programs should be culturally inclusive, taking into account New York City’s wide demographic composition to ensure that proposed solutions resonate with different communities. To address concerns regarding disinformation or disregard of health-related factors, a vigorous educational campaign is required. Critics may argue that alerting the public about the dual emphasis on economic advantages and health outcomes is vital to encouraging residents to make educated decisions. Smith’s (2018) research underlines the importance of New York City’s complex urban infrastructure in offering suitable nesting locations for rats. Subway tunnels, sewers, and abandoned buildings become refuge, adding to the difficulty of identifying and removing rat populations. Some may dispute if the economic benefits of monetization are inclusive and available to all members of the community. Advocates must address this problem by ensuring that economic opportunities are spread equitably so that a diverse range of residents benefit. Rat-infested populations endure greater tension, worry, and irritation, similar to the psychological consequences reported in retired football players (Garcia 2017). The continual presence of rats in public places and residences causes anxiety, hurting residents’ mental health. Smith’s (2018) study emphasizes the role of New York City’s complex urban infrastructure in providing rats with ideal nesting sites. Subway tunnels, sewers, and abandoned buildings become shelters, contributing significantly to the challenge of locating and eradicating rat colonies.

Some may argue that economic advantages should be directed on improving healthcare infrastructure in order to address and reduce the health hazards associated with rat infestations. This necessitates advocates considering the larger health effects and advocating for targeted funding. Opponents may argue that any monetization plan should prioritize preventive over reactionary actions. Addressing this issue entails laying  out specific preventive measures that will be incorporated into the broader strategy to combat rat infestations. Critics may emphasize the importance of government responsibility in overseeing and regulating monetization activities. This entails ensuring that government entities actively monitor, evaluate, and change strategies to avoid potential hazards. Before implementing any monetization tactics, proponents must realize the importance of performing a complete social impact evaluation. This entails comprehending the potential ramifications for various social groups and mitigating any negative effects. According to Smith (2018), the city’s output of organic waste provides a significant food supply for rats. Rats find food everywhere in the city, from public trash cans to residential areas, indicating a critical link between waste management and rat development.

In the quest for a comprehensive grasp of New York City’s rat problem, it becomes imperative to delve into the most robust counterarguments against the idea of commercialization. Proponents seeking to fortify their stance can significantly enhance the depth and impact of their argument by skillfully integrating qualifiers that touch upon vital aspects such as public health, waste management, ethical considerations, community engagement, innovation in pest control, and a multitude of other factors. This multifaceted approach not only acknowledges the inherent intricacies of the issue but also positions itself as a proponent for a well-rounded strategy. Such a strategy aims to harmonize economic opportunities with an unwavering dedication to public health and the overall well-being of the community. In recognizing and addressing these nuanced dimensions, proponents can construct a more persuasive and compelling narrative, advocating for a balanced and sustainable solution to the intricate challenges posed by the persistent rat problem in the bustling metropolis of New York City.

References

(“Rat Population Dynamics in Urban Environments” (Smith, J., Urban Ecology Journal, 2018): This source offers scientific insights into rat population dynamics. It provides valuable data to quantify the rat population in different neighborhoods, helping substantiate our research findings. 

Diseases Spread by Urban Rats: A Comprehensive Study” (Johnson, L., et al., Environmental Health Perspectives, 2019): This study delves deep into diseases transmitted by rats, providing statistical evidence of health risks. It strengthens our argument regarding the urgency of addressing the rat problem to safeguard public health. 

Effectiveness of NYC Pest Management Programs: A Critical Review” (Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 2020): Our study’s findings are validated by an official evaluation of the city’s pest management initiatives. It acts as a standard against which we can assess our present tactics and provide suggestions for advancements. 

“Voices from the Streets: Community Perspectives on Rat Infestations” (Garcia, M., et al., Urban Health Journal, 2017): This qualitative study captures the experiences and challenges faced by residents. It enriches our research by providing real-life narratives, making our findings more relatable and compelling. 

“Towards Sustainable Urban Pest Management: Best Practices and Case Studies” (Patel, R., et al., Environmental Sustainability Journal, 2021): This source explores sustainable pest management practices, offering innovative solutions. It inspires our recommendations, enabling us to propose eco-friendly approaches to rat control.)