Living with PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Four years ago, I experienced a traumatic event that completely changed my life as i learnt trauma was knocking on my door from a little girl. It's never easy to talk about, but I think it's important to share and living with PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

You know, before this happened, I thought PTSD was something only war veterans dealt with. I was so wrong. PTSD can affect anyone who's been through a traumatic experience - whether it's an accident, assault, natural disaster, or any event that leaves deep emotional scars. It's like your brain's alarm system gets stuck in the "on" position, constantly watching for danger.

Living with PTSD is like carrying an invisible backpack filled with rocks. Some days, it feels lighter, and other days, it's so heavy I can barely stand. I get these vivid flashbacks that feel like I'm reliving the trauma all over again. Simple things that used to be normal - like going to crowded places or hearing certain sounds - can trigger intense anxiety. Sometimes, I find myself avoiding places or situations that remind me of what happened. Night time can be the hardest - sleep often feels like a distant friend, replaced by nightmares and racing thoughts.

But I want you to know that there's hope. Over time, I've learned to manage my PTSD through various strategies. Therapy has been a game-changer - particularly cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR treatment. I've also found that mindfulness meditation helps ground me when things get overwhelming. Building a support network of understanding friends and family has been crucial - they're my anchors when the storms hit.

I've also discovered that creative outlets like journaling and art therapy help me process my emotions. Regular exercise, especially yoga, helps me stay connected to my body when anxiety tries to pull me away. And most importantly, I've learned to be patient and kind with myself. Recovery isn't linear - it's okay to have bad days, and it's okay to celebrate the good ones.

You know what's beautiful about this journey? It's taught me tremendous empathy and resilience. While I wouldn't choose to have PTSD, it's shown me strengths I never knew I had. To anyone out there struggling with PTSD - you're not alone. Your feelings are valid, and there's no shame in seeking help. We might carry these invisible scars, but they don't define us. They're just part of our story, and we're still writing new chapters every day.

Remember, healing takes time, and that's perfectly okay. We're all walking our own path at our own pace, and every small step forward is a victory worth celebrating.