Acknowledging the Problem
Good morning to all my beautiful family, friends, and followers! Happy Wednesday! It’s a beautiful day that we have been blessed with, so if you are reading this, be thankful you woke up this morning.
For the last month, I was challenged to make a post everyday about PTSD, since June is PTSD Awareness Month. I am proud to say I completed the challenge! And to be honest, it wasn’t hard for me to do.
As most of you know, I am a veteran. I am proud of my service to my country and to you all, and I am honored to have served! Unfortunately, I returned home with scars most people do not see. I came home with PTSD.
I spent years living with untreated PTSD. Years of constantly wondering what was wrong with me. Years of trying to forget things I had not only seen, but also done. Years of being prescribed medication after medication from the VA, in an attempt to “fix” me. Years of trying to “fix” myself with no help. Years of reckless behavior that caused embarrassment to my friends and my family. And years of losing friends who were fighting the same battles I was fighting. Battles I still fight today.
My daily posts were not just part of a challenge, they were also a part of therapy. Some were also parts of a book I am writing about living with and loving someone with PTSD. A book that I hope will help not just bring awareness to PTSD, but that will help others who live with it, and those who love someone who lives with it, to understand it.
So thank you all for taking the time to read and comment on my daily posts about PTSD. If my posts helped one person other than myself, or resonated with someone, then I accomplished something!
If you recognized yourself in any of my posts, or if you are struggling with PTSD or mental health, and you need someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or anyone else you feel comfortable with.
Don’t ever forget that you matter, you are enough, and you are not alone! Y’all get up and have a great day!
Salty Sailor
#ptsd #ptsdawareness #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #fyp
Acknowledging and living with PTSD is a deeply personal journey, especially for veterans who often face their struggles quietly. From my own experience and conversations with others who have PTSD, I understand how crucial it is to have an outlet for expression, whether it's daily posts, writing, or speaking with trusted individuals. When I started opening up about my PTSD, I found it not only therapeutic for myself but also a way to connect with others facing similar battles. One of the most helpful steps has been embracing the idea that "YOU ARE ENOUGH AND YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!," a powerful reminder that resonates every day. Sometimes the most damaging part of PTSD is the feeling of isolation or shame, but through community support and raising awareness, those feelings can diminish. It's also important to recognize that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Along with professional help like therapy and medication, finding personal coping methods—such as journaling, mindfulness meditation, or exercising—can significantly improve day-to-day life. For many veterans, reconnecting with family and creating a supportive environment helps heal invisible wounds. If you’re reading this and struggling, whether you are a veteran or someone who loves a person with PTSD, remember it’s okay to ask for help and seek out understanding people. Sharing stories, like writing a book or posting regularly about your experiences, not only raises awareness but can be a form of healing for you and your readers. Always keep in mind that acknowledging the problem is the first brave step toward recovery. Your journey might be difficult, but with patience, support, and self-compassion, living a fulfilling life after PTSD is possible. If you recognize these struggles in yourself or others, please reach out—there is a community ready to stand with you.
