Lendyman

You're not alone on those feelings.

There's an old saying that goes: Laughter is the best medicine. I think humor has a way of breaking down barriers to things that can be difficult to talk about or that we hide because we're ashamed of own own perceived weaknesses.

As a stand up and a vet, how has the humor you've embraced as a new calling impacted or helped you in your journey with PTSD?

That kind of raises another question. Gallows humor is defensive, as you say. It a way to exert control over situation where the outcome is uncertain and control is limited. How do transcend from that defensive kind of gallows humor when facing adversity such as death, trauma and PTSD to something that becomes more open, positive and cathartic? Or does gallows style humor do that too?

Thank you for your answer. I was kind of curious of the perspective of someone with your experiance and job as an advocate and entertainer.

My grandfather was a WW2 vet who was on the ground at the army air base at Pearl Harbor on Dec 7, 1941. He used humor and alcohol to cope with the trauma of the things he experianced but sadly, real treatment wasn't really available for him when he needed it. That generation was expected to suck it up. Thankfully we understand better now, though I believe there's a lot of work to do still. Thank you for your advocacy. It's important to know that you can find a way forward.

I guess that question was like asking for someone's favorite movie. How can you choose just one when there are so many great movies?

Refining the question then, of the fish you've studied, which have you found to be the most interesting and why? (I'll admit to having an only passing knowledge of fish, but your book looks interesting.)

Ok, here's an easy one... or a hard one. What is your favorite fish species? And why is it your favorite?