June is PTSD Awareness Month. Although veterans, first responders, or people who suffer accidents are the first demographics people think of when it comes to PTSD, they are not the only ones. 

Abusive relationships, childhood adverse experiences such as long-term bullying or abandonment, sexual assault, or any traumatic event can leave someone with varying degrees of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
 There is even Complex PTSD which has more relational components, like lacking trust, avoiding intimacy, and having what seems to be a personality disorder.

You may find yourself reliving the event or it becoming a "living nightmare". You may also avoid places or people you used to frequent, suddenly becoming a negative person with torn feelings and a suddenly altered belief system about the world. You may also be on guard and hypervigilant. Statistics show that about 8% of the population experiences PTSD in their lives. Since that is not the majority, some may not understand you or avoid you because you are negative.

The mind and body can heal, but it won't happen automatically with something like PTSD. You must be deliberate, and intentional and provide it with an environment that allows it to recover. 

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You can start by getting a good night's sleep, meditating, eating a healthy balanced diet, exercising, using positive affirmations, doing yoga, and getting massages (if being touched doesn't re-ignite your trauma). You have to find what works for you and double or triple down on it over time. The recovery process is not linear. 

You may notice you are getting better when you stop avoiding places (or practice in small doses), feel generally less shameful, have fewer nightmares and can relax in the presence of a bad memory, situation, or person that used to set you off. If you have supportive friends, hold on to them. Allow them to be in your life in some capacity and avoid isolation. Try to get back into things you enjoyed prior to your debilitating trauma. 

Remember, boundaries may also be necessary especially if it was something abusive you are recovering from or someone who hurts you. Overall, the human mind and body are very resilient if you give them the proper tools and work with the grain, not against it. Happy healing and spread awareness for PTSD this month. 

Happy healing and don't be ashamed for having hard days. 

PTSD and Mental Health Resources:

Apps:

Calm: https://www.calm.com
Headspace: https://www.headspace.com
PTSD Coach(VA): https://mobile.va.gov/app/ptsd-coach 

Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255
Mental Health America: 1-800-969-6642 and https:/www.mhanational.org/ 

#calmapp #ptsdawareness #ptsdrecovery #traumainformed #ptsdawarenessmonth #metalhealth