Living with PTSD: Understanding the Ongoing Battle By BigmommaJ
When the Past Won’t Stay in the Past
PTSD isn’t something anyone chooses—it’s something that arrives uninvited, often after experiences that were too painful or overwhelming to process. For many, it feels like living in two worlds at once: the present and the past. Memories replay without warning, nightmares disturb sleep, and even ordinary moments can trigger waves of fear or panic that seem to come from nowhere.
It’s Not a Sign of Weakness
It’s important to remember that PTSD is not a sign of weakness. It’s the brain’s way of trying to make sense of trauma—of protecting itself after something deeply distressing has happened (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). Trauma doesn’t wait until we’re ready to face it; it simply shows up and sometimes stays for longer than we’d like.
The Unpredictable Nature of Symptoms
The symptoms can be unpredictable. Some people find themselves avoiding certain places, people, or situations that remind them of what happened. Others might feel disconnected from loved ones or experience emotions like guilt, anger, or numbness. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2023), these reactions are natural responses to trauma—a reflection of the body and mind still trying to stay safe.
The Long Road Toward Healing
Healing from PTSD takes time. It’s not about erasing the past, but learning how to live alongside it without letting it control life’s every moment.
Therapies such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) have been shown to help individuals process painful memories and reduce their intensity (Watts et al., 2013).
Mindfulness, journaling, and self-compassion can also provide grounding tools when the mind begins to spiral (Kabat-Zinn, 2013). For some, medication can be a valuable part of finding balance and calm.
Small Steps, Big Victories
Recovery is rarely a straight path, but small steps forward matter. Getting out of bed, connecting with a friend, or facing a fear are victories worth celebrating.
To anyone walking this path—your pain is real, your experiences are valid, and seeking help is an act of strength. And to those supporting someone with PTSD—your patience, empathy, and understanding can mean more than words ever could.
Redefining Strength
PTSD may shape a person’s story, but it doesn’t define who they are. Healing is possible—one day, one breath, and one small victory at a time.
With compassion and strength,
BigmommaJ
Rise Above Your Norm 🌿
