Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Why is This Happening?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can emerge from a wide range of traumatic experiences—combat, childhood abuse, domestic violence, serious accidents, near-death experiences or witnessing something life-altering. It doesn’t discriminate. For many, PTSD develops silently over time. For others, it shows up suddenly, shaking the foundation of everyday life.

The emotional toll often links back to how someone grew up. If they were nurtured in a supportive environment, they may have internal tools to cope. But for many, trauma compounds over the years, surfacing in sleep disturbances, panic attacks, flashbacks, and emotional isolation.

One woman noticed her symptoms escalating when she could no longer sleep through the night. Everyday triggers, smells, sounds, or even a look, sparked overwhelming reactions. At first, she dismissed her distress as exhaustion, but the emotional unraveling continued until she sought therapy. She learned that trauma doesn’t stay in the past, it lives beside us until we confront it and process the trauma.

In the beginning, speaking about the trauma felt unbearable. People feared judgment, misunderstanding, or being dismissed. The stigma surrounding mental health can make it hard to open up. Many isolate themselves, believing no one could possibly understand.

Guilt, shame, and anger often walk hand-in-hand with PTSD. Guilt over not “healing fast enough,” over not being present in relationships, over struggling to function in daily routines. One survivor described snapping at loved ones, then collapsing in regret. Tools like mindfulness, journaling, and group therapy brought glimmers of relief—but healing was never linear.

There is Hope

A powerful therapeutic modality that has helped many trauma survivors is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR works by using guided eye movements to help reprocess traumatic memories, so they become less emotionally charged. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR taps into the brain’s natural ability to heal by stimulating both hemispheres through bilateral movement, often using visual cues, sounds, and tactile sensations. One man shared that after years of battling intense flashbacks and panic attacks, EMDR finally gave him the emotional distance he needed. “I still remember what happened,” he explained, “but now it’s like watching it through a window. It doesn’t own me anymore.” For him, EMDR was the turning point that allowed him to reclaim his inner peace. While not a one-size-fits-all solution, it has proven especially effective for those dealing with flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional triggers tied to past trauma. Many describe it as finally having the volume turned down on experiences that once dominated their every waking moment.

For many, routine becomes a life raft. Establishing a rhythm with therapy, quiet moments, and manageable responsibilities helps restore a sense of control. In one therapy session, a woman said, “I don’t even know who I am anymore.” Another participant gently replied, “You’re still finding pieces of yourself.” That moment reminded her that healing is not about returning to who one was, it’s about becoming someone whole.

Support from friends and loved ones is vital, even if they don’t always know what to say. Texts that simply say, “I’m thinking of you,” or sitting together in silence can offer deep comfort. Presence matters more than words.

Forgiveness, especially for oneself, is essential. Survivors must learn to be gentle with how they’ve coped, how long recovery takes, and with the setbacks they experience along the way. For some, prayer and spirituality provide an anchor. Not always answers, but solace.

Journaling, too, becomes a form of tracking growth. Documenting both victories and difficult days allows survivors to see their journey unfold. Over time, they notice patterns, progress, and resilience.

PTSD may cast a shadow but healing welcomes light. And through therapy, support, reflection, EMDR, and self-compassion, many find that they are never truly alone.