My Thoughts and Opinions Regarding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Lately, I’ve noticed so many people carrying invisible pain—hearts weighed down by memories they wish they could escape. If you are reading this and it feels like I’m speaking to you, I want you to know something first: you are not alone. There are so many people with similar struggles.
For many, that pain often connects to one of life’s hardest truths—loss. Whether it’s the death of someone we love, a near-death experience, or even witnessing something terrifying, these moments leave lasting marks on our hearts and minds. There are several aspects of death that we encounter: death of a loved one, a near death experience, causing an accidental or intentional death, or someone attempting to kill you. You could have survived an illness or injury that almost resulted in death. All these events can create stress. This stress can be so difficult to deal with.
People react to stress in different ways or combination of ways: through anger, regret, remorse, irrational behavior, depression, uncontrollable anxiety, regression, suppression, and reliving the event over and over again. Our stress related actions can be confusing to ourselves and our loved ones and people close to us.
Sometimes, our reactions can be induced by a trigger that reminds us of the traumatic event. These triggers can come from anywhere from stimulation of our senses—sight, smell, sound, touch, and taste. The sound of gunshots or fireworks is a common trigger for many people. The sight of a person resembled a loved one who died is also a trigger that could cause someone to begin to act irrationally. The pain of the memory flashes back, and anxiety grows. If you are a fighter, or suppress pain, you may begin to become aggressive and angry at whatever crosses your path, and not even know why you are acting out. Seeing a similar vehicle, or same intersection of a deadly (or near deadly) car accident can bring back fear and sudden loss. Passing a body of water after dealing with a drowning or near drowning could become a trigger. You could come across your loved one’s favorite movie, song, perfume, meal, colors, clothing, ect., and suddenly you are triggered. You could come across a reminder of your abuser and become frightened.
Like the prey of a hunter who pulled the trigger, you go into fight or flight mode. You begin to act out and do not know why you are not acting like yourself. People around you are confused, and do not understand why you are acting differently. Meanwhile, you are searching for understanding and clarity, but your mind cannot focus. Triggers of PTSD may be hard to manage, but you can learn how to heal again.
Healing after loss is never easy, and it’s okay to feel lost or overwhelmed. You’re not alone in this—so many people walk this path.
Sometimes, healing comes from faith or spirituality. Other times, it’s found through reflection, connection, or simply giving yourself time and kindness. No matter your beliefs, healing begins when you accept the pain and allow yourself to move forward at your own pace.
Hold on to whatever brings you comfort and hope. Healing isn’t about forgetting—it’s about finding peace and strength to keep going.
