Here's to the disorder that goes un-mentioned. I'm writing this letter because I feel like there should be more awareness about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
I have been diagnosed for two years and it's been a rough journey. If I had the knowledge now of the disorder, I feel like it would have helped me alittle more get through the rough days knowing I'm not alone.
Truth is unless you have PTSD, you don't truly understand or know how to help someone get through it.
In my words, PTSD Is a disorder where you relive the trauma over and over again, let's just say more times than you would want to see it "continuously" happen. Especially because after all it was traumatic and ALL you want to do is move on with your thoughts, emotions, and life. It definitely holds you back and sometimes can make you feel trapped. You don't exactly always know if you're living a reality or in the past. You get flashbacks, hallucinations, and nightmares because of this disorder.
There's a ton of triggers that set it off including but not limited to television shows, smells, songs, and dates. Even though majority of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder victims get it from war, it's definitely not limited to just that. Anything from car accidents to "natural disasters" or abuse and violent crimes. It's something that doesn't have a cure but can get better over time and if treated.
If you are reading this and know someone with PTSD, the worse things you can say is "it's in the past" or "move on" Someone who suffers from PTSD clearly knows it happened in the past and they cannot physically control reliving it. As much as people try to understand this daily struggle no one will, which gives you a feeling of hopelessness and loneliness. The feeling of being alone in a crowded area. If someone you know has PTSD please get them the help they need and deserve. This can't be fought alone and anyone going through this needs all the love and support in the world.
No matter how severe the situation can be, things will get better if you want them to. It's not healthy or fair to live your life in fear, with guilt, upset, taking the blame on yourself, and alert in everything you do. If you have PTSD, just know you're not alone, you can get help, and you can overcome this. Even on the darkest days when you want to give up, don't. When the demon in your head is controlling you, ignore it. and you re-see the past over and over just by a song played on the radio, hang on because dealing with it does get easier even if it can't go away. Just know coming from someone who has gotten help, felt helpless and hopeless that you will be okay. Do not be afraid to go turn to your friends and family because they may not understand what you're going through, but they love you and don't want to see you suffer.
Ways I've learned to cope with the disorder was music. Music has been my escape. Sometimes songs and music can leave upbeat and positive messages that have helped me focus and stay positive.
Keeping busy also helps with keeping my mind off of everything. Forexample work and/or school. Go out and be with your friends and family. They will help you with what they can. I've been blessed for the support system that I have.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder may not be the most common disorder out there, but it does occur. With the right knowledge about it, it could make a difference on someone's darkest day to help them through it.
