Today we’d like to introduce you to Tomika Prouty.
I am a married (Pastor Craig Prouty) retired veteran who is also an Elect Lady and Evangelist. I have a handsome son and three beautiful bonus daughters. Initially, I started with a very successful jewelry company, House of Stone by CoCo. I was fortunate enough to work with women, men and children in the entertainment industry as well as business professionals and celebrities, one in which was Chrisette Michelle. During my time in the military after deploying to Afghanistan, I began to experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I was familiar with the term and some of the symptoms but it was not until I received my diagnosis that I began to understand the full effect of PTSD. PTSD causes survivors to struggle with a myriad of mental health issues. I took the first steps toward receiving mental health services from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Years later I began the process of writing “A Soldier’s Story Strength Despite Adversity.” It was truly a passion project. This book is a memoir, which chronicles my early life, my decision to join the military, my experiences while active duty, and finally the effects of PTSD and how I am now coping. I incorporated viable mental health services (for a short period of time) with my faith.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
PTSD can take over a persons life. A few of the symptoms I experienced are depression, anxiety, anger, sleepless nights, easily startled and flashbacks. Despite how horrifying this may sound, the symptoms can be even worse for some veterans. It was a difficult uphill battle but God is a healer!
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
As an author, I inform and enlighten people both military and civilians of the realness of PTSD. In addition to being a writer, I am known for being an Inspirational and Motivational Speaker, an Evangelist and Pastor’s wife as well as a business professional. There are many proud moments in my life. I am most proud that through prayer God removed the fear of sharing my testimony through writing and speaking. The first thing that sets me apart is the courage to walk in my truth. Oftentimes, people can not fulfill their destiny for fear of what others might think. Writing this Memoir gave me the freedom to begin fulfilling other life’s purposes.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment is completing my memoir which can be found on my website. This is a reminder to everyone to move forward to the finish line.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tomikaprouty.com
- Phone: 1-800-309-6850
- Email: info@tomikaprouty.com
Image Credit:
Bernice Loman, Major Mindz, John Riddick
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