The Play "Water by the Spoonful"
The play “Water by the Spoonful” features Elliot Ortiz whose life is characterized by a wide range of challenges. After returning from the Iraq War, he suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD) and psychological challenges after the demise of Ginny, his foster mother and biological aunt. After the death, Eliot turns out to be frustrated and bitter (Hudes 1).
Elliot's Frustrations
He is frustrated because Ginny is a nurturing and selfless person while his biological mother, Odessa is neglectful and reckless individual as well as drug addict. During the war, he executed an individual whose spirits came to haunt him. Elliot discovered that he murdered an innocent individual who was only demanding for his passport (Hudes 1).
Elliot's PTSD
Moreover, the physical impacts of the war leaves him with injuries and wounds which forces him to limp and continuous physical therapy. Participating in routine physical exercise has been confirmed to be effective in reducing anxiety and stress as well as improving physical fitness.
Elliott's Identity and PTSD
Elliot is a Marine veteran of Puerto Rico origin. His participation in the Iraq war exposes him to distressful experience. Consequently, on his return to the US, he suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The problem is evident via unforgettable memories of his first murder in the military in the Iraq War (Hudes 1). Nonetheless, Elliot was adamant to pursue psychiatric assistance owing to his prideful insolence, which could be attributed to embroidered male identity that is widespread with many Latin cultures.
Elliot's Fear of Seeking Help
The over-focus on machismo is utilized as a defence instrument against vulnerability femininity and vulnerability. Subsequently, it compounds the trauma associated with PTSD. There is a disconnect between his recognition and knowledge of PTSD with the notion that in case he decided to seek help he would viewed as weak (Hudes 3).
Elliot's Search for Translation
Finally, when he decided to seek help, he approached an Arabic scholar whom he interacted via his cousin Yaz. In this process, Elliot wanted assistance in translation of Arabic phrase that the Iraqi individual had said to him before his death (Hudes 3). Unfortunately, he was incapable of forgetting it. However, the translation failed to offer comfort and therefore, the problem persists.
The Use of Physical Exercise for PTSD
Physical exercise is very useful in the management of PTSD because it can lead to critical physical outcomes such as enhanced mobility, flexibility, weight loss, and cardiovascular health (Davidson et al. 279). Moreover, consistent physical exercise is also essential in enhancing mental health by lowering the level of depression and anxiety. Research has indicated that persons suffering from PTSD can engage in a 12-week physical exercise program, which is proven to significantly reduce depression and PTSD symptoms. It can also promote improved sleep quality. For a long time, Elliot had disregarded the medical assistance because he was in denial (Davidson et al. 279). Consequently, the utilization of physical exercise would have a higher chance of providing a remedy to the problem and increase his well-being.
Elliott's Challenges with the Demise of Ginny
Apart from these challenges, Elliot endures mental and psychological difficulties associated with the demise of his aunt Ginny. She was his adoptive mother after his biological mother abandoned her family (Hudes 3). Ginny is a responsible woman and spends her time helping others. Therefore, Elliot does not believe that she is dead and wonders what the reason is for his mother still being alive despite all carelessness.
Loss and Grief
Due to Odessa’s challenges with drug addiction and the associated loss of her daughter, Elliot was brought up by Ginny. The unanticipated loss of Ginny leads to devastating emotional pain for Elliot. Moreover, loss and grief increase his sorrow and inability to adjust effectively to changes in his life (Hudes 3).
Difficulty in Rebuilding Relationships
The situation affects his aptitude to socialize and is worsened by his mother’s refusal to participate in the preparation of the burial. Odessa also fails to attend the burial and instead resorts to drug use. Consequently, Elliot is unable to come to terms with reality, hence he could not rebuild his relationship with his mother. Since Ginny continues to exist in his mind, he attempts to avoid his own mother (Hudes 3).
The Role of Physical Exercise in Mental Health
Routine physical exercise can help Elliot to reduce anxiety and depression after the loss of her adoptive mother. In this regard, it acts as an effective antidepressant and improves mood (Davidson et al. 279). Research indicates that physical exercise is crucial for such individuals because it stimulates the release of endorphins, which helps him achieve a feel-good experience and well-being. Additionally, it plays a critical part in eliminating worries, hence an individual can escape from the phases of negative feelings that aggravate anxiety and depression. It also provides a chance to socialize with people (Davidson et al. 279). By greeting and smiling with friends as an individual exercises in the neighborhood, it can encourage a positive mood.
Conclusion
The play ‘Water by the Spoonful’ highlights the challenges of a young marine veteran after the Iraq War. Elliot struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and psychological challenges after the demise of his loving foster mother, Ginny (Hudes 1). He remembers the Arabic words of a man whom he killed in his line of duty. However, he opposes the advice to seek medical and psychological assistance (Davidson et al. 279). Routine physical exercises could be essential in his life because they can help in promoting physical help as well as reducing anxiety and stress.
Work Cited
Davidson, Collin L., et al. "The impact of exercise on suicide risk: examining pathways through depression, PTSD, and sleep in an inpatient sample of veterans." Suicide and life-threatening behavior 43.3 (2013): 279-289.
Hudes, Quiara Alegría. "Water-By-The-Spoonful." Scribd. N.p., 2009. Web. 4 Apr. 2018.
