Improving Your Mental Well-Being.

PART 3 - TRAUMA & PTSD.

Before reading this chapter, we're going to do a simple breathing exercise, we are going to breathe in through our nostrils and exhale out through our mouth. Ready? Go.

PTSD can affect anyone, regardless of their age or gender. If you have ever been through a terrifying experience, which affects your overall ability to cope; I recommend that you consult with your doctor because it's possible that you may be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

It is important to note that PTSD can NOT be self-diagnosed; only a psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose you with PTSD. If you do not develop PTSD after going through a traumatic experience, it does not make your trauma any less valid. You deserve to heal.

Trauma to me, is like that one ex who won't leave you alone. No matter how many times you've declined their number, and ignored their text messages they still find a way to haunt you. There's nothing I hate more than remembering a traumatic memory.

One can receive trauma from assault, a miscarriage, abuse, neglect, an event where you were bullied, loss of a love one, natural disasters, or a car accident to name a few.
Studies show that approximately 50% of people go through at least one traumatic experience in their lifetime but only 8% of them will go on to develop PTSD. This means that experiencing a traumatic event does not automatically mean that you have PTSD, only proper consultation from a medical professional will be able to diagnose you with such.

Trauma is your unique response to a traumatic event; therefore, you should not let others dictate how YOU should feel about YOUR traumatic experiences. Read that again if you must. Never let your friends and family members tell you that you're "overreacting" or "doing the most" in situations that they themselves have never experienced; don't let their careless remarks get to you.

Symptoms of PTSD include:
1) Flashbacks
2)Nightmares
3)Aggression
4)Self Harm
5) Difficulty Sleeping
6) Negative mood Swings
7) Intense Paranoia

Here are some key points which I would like you to take from this chapter.

1) Healing is an internal process; just because outsiders don't see your progress/growth that doesn't mean it isn't taking place.

2) It's okay to ask for help; asking for help does not mean that you're needy or weak, having enough self-awareness to recognize your limits is a strength.

3) Heal at your own speed and remind yourself of how far you've come.

4) The "fake it til you make it" strategy does not work for everyone. Sometimes when you push your emotions away, they can resurface stronger within the form of an anxiety/panic attack. You are a human being with real feelings, so allow yourself to be in touch with your emotions.

-You didn't deserve what happened to you, nor was it your fault. You are worth more than what has happened to you and I'm sorry if things have been painful -