Learning that I had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) helped me recover from my trauma.

Symptoms of PTSD typically begin within 3 months after a traumatic event but in rare cases, they may not occur immediately. Because of PTSD stigma people often dismiss symptoms of PTSD until it is no longer able to be ignored.

Everyone has a different story

In my own case it took a while for myself to realize I had PTSD. Even longer to fully accept the diagnoses. But learning I have PTSD has enabled me to seek the help I need to heal.

I first experienced symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when I was seventeen. Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, I began having nightmares, depression, panic episodes, and hypervigilant behavior during my junior year in college. At the time, I didn’t know what was happening to me; I just knew something wasn’t right. I felt like I was losing my mind, and no one around me seemed to care.

The diagnosis

The first therapist I visited confirmed my suspicions that I was suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I was relieved to have an official diagnosis, but I was also terrified. I didn’t want to have PTSD. After all, I knew lots of college students who struggled with depression or anxiety, yet I had never met anyone who had PTSD before. I didn’t know how to fix myself and I didn’t understand why this was happening.

Over time, my post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis became less frightening. Little by little, with the help of counseling and support from friends, I was able learn how to manage the symptoms that were present in my daily life. With the help from counseling and the support of my friends, I was able keep chasing my goals and dream despite having the disorder.

PTSD is a serious condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. While it may initially be difficult to accept that you have PTSD, once you learn about the signs and symptoms of the disorder, you can begin to take steps toward recovery. Recognizing that you have PTSD can be scary, but it is the beginning of the process of getting better. Once you understand what PTSD is and how it impacts your life, you can start working on ways to overcome the effects of trauma.