Remnants

I couldn't help but paint more Winter Soldier art, so here's this!  This one was tough because it isn't a direct study like the previous two, so getting Sebastian Stan's likeness was pretty difficult.  I wanted to play off the idea of Hydra having invaded Bucky's mind, and how difficult it is to rip those poisonous tendrils away once they are there.  He may feel like he'll never be himself again after what happened to him, but the real him IS there. It's a feeling shared by many real folks who suffer from PTSD, who have to fight this daily.

PTSD can come from many sources, and most people living with it are essentially living with an "invisible illness".  Which means it's not immediately obvious to people without it that they may be struggling, which unfortunately leads to many not getting the help they need.  I spoke with several acquaintances and friends who live with it themselves, and a friend who's job it is to work with folks out of the military with PTSD before uploading this piece.  I wanted to gather some useful resources, and use this piece as a way of gaining some helpful awareness.  The following are some of the resources provided to me by those wonderful people!

www.psycharmor.org - provides free training on veteran's issues including mental health.
www.giftfromwithin.org/ - a place to learn more about PTSD
healmyptsd.com/10-tips - tips to understanding people with PTSD
sometimesmagical.wordpress.com… - supporting a loved one through a panic attack
www.healthyplace.com/blogs/tre… - anxiety grounding techniques
www.adolescentselfinjuryfounda… - alternatives to self harm
www.beyondblue.org.au/get-supp… - immediate support for people with PTSD

If you or someone you love have PTSD and wish to share some helpful resources, please list them in the comments!  Cheers to all of you battling this demon, you're going to be ok.