3 Lies About PTSD

1. You will be stigmatized.

People will assume you have been to war, or you were involved in such a horrendous attack that you can’t possibly function as a human being. While this IS true and valid, this may not be the case for everyone. Some individuals living with PTSD may have been assaulted sexually or physically, or may have been mentally or physically abused, or have faced a mass shooting, as is unfortunately becoming so prevalent as of lately. Any diagnosis of PTSD is valid. One seemingly “greater” traumatic experience does not invalidate the way your brain processes the traumatic experience you have faced. Do not believe the lie that because what you faced “was not as bad” as someone else, that your experience cannot warrant you a survivor. It’s ok to have the feelings you have. You never have to answer to another person. Every person is different. There are no two people exactly identical, and the same can be said for the experiences people go through in their lifetime.

2. There will be days when you think that you have overcome the 'flight mode' your body goes into when faced with a triggering source (i.e. loud noises, certain words, certain images or videos). And just when you think you are ok, it will hit you all over.

That is completely normal, and completely ok. It is all a process. Healing takes time. In some cases, a person may never truly recover from what they have faced. And that is also completely normal and completely ok. It does not make you less of a person for how your brain has reacted to the traumatic experience you faced. Be prepared for the days where you will continuously be reminded by every little thing about your experience. Remember to be kind to yourself on those days. Prepare an emergency self-healing kit. Get a bag or a box and fill it with items you know will help you through the day. A blanket, a particularly favorite movie, a book, a couple cans of soup, maybe some sage (if you are into burning incense and sage), a bath bomb, etc. Pamper yourself those days. If you have to stay inside, stay inside! Always make sure your mental health comes first.

3. You can never live a normal life, have a family, etc.

This is the biggest lie of them all. You most certainly CAN have a “normal” life. Because what really IS normal? Everyone’s “normal” is different. As someone who suffers from PTSD, and who works full time manual labor, and has an amazing and beautiful partner, I can tell you this stigma is complete garbage! While there are days that are so difficult all I can do is lay in the bed while my partner holds me and comforts me, the good days offset the bad. Having someone by my side that supports me and hasn’t left my side is so vital to my recovery. It is all about finding a balance. Find someone you and your brain can agree IS on your side and will be there for you.

There is so much more I could touch on, but in my experience these are the three most prevalent issues that individuals living with PTSD face. Just stay strong! Hang in there, and while you could always face the challenges that come with this, just know that perseverance, no matter how hard, always brings you to a place that makes you stronger and more able to help others going down a similar path. If you need to talk to someone, reach out! Odds are, people would love to listen to you and help you through a difficult time. Talk to a trusted friend or your counselor. Many places offer resources specifically for those of us living with PTSD and will offer services free of charge, at a reduced rate, will take your insurance, or will help you with a payment plan. Don’t be afraid to take the first step to begin the healing process. Reach out. <3