Early Mornings with Herman Thomas is a Sports and Mental Health related website with a strong emphasis on the subject of PTSD. We believe that no one should be left behind as it pertains to mental health wellness.
At the age of seven, I survived an armed robbery but witnessed the murder of my mother (Helen Thomas), her partner (Ian Richardson), and my godmother (Ethylene Carn), in Harlem. Although I suffered from a gunshot wound, it was the mental scars that resulted in the most significant damage. Several years after this tragic event, I was clinically diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. (PTSD)
After battling PTSD for over 35 years, I decided that it was time to fight back by utilizing available mental heath services. Ultimately this decision saved my life.
As a child, witnessing multiple traumatic events, to include being verbally, physically, and sexually abused by my mother's boyfriend, I experienced a lot of moments crying due to sadness and hurt. As an adult, I cry from those painful childhood memories which can reappear in the form of flashbacks and nightmares.
From a young age participating and watching Atlantic Coast Conference sports; LA Lakers basketball and NY Yankees baseball served as an "escape" from thoughts of my past that plagued my life. As I grew older, I evolved from participating in sports to analyzing coaching and mental health counseling strategies to help with my daily battles with PTSD.
Although I have been clinically diagnosed with PTSD, I refuse to be defined and limited by this disorder. My hope is that my story will prevent others battling mental health disorders from falling into the same pitfalls that I did.This site isn't a substitute for direct mental health services but we do offer additional resources that can support and enhance care. (please reference our Mental Health Resources page)
If you are having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) to reach a trained counselor. Current Military/Veterans: use the same number and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Hearing impaired 800-799-4889 LGBT youth 866-488-7386.
Also, please feel free to visit my other website emcbth.com to access past and present blogs.
