PTSD AND THE ART OF RELEASING

The stress and burnout from life these past few years led to not only creating this blog, but also to a fresh desire to understand PTSD -- what it actually is, how trauma affects us, and how to overcome the fear narrative in our heads. Things like seeing Johnny nod off, or even anytime I reach for tin foil, bring me back to some of my family’s darker days, triggering the tears. Driving on the highway in the rain, late bills, pills on the floor -- all moments that launch a new wave of panic, of agitation, of overwhelm. It can happen at any moment, these small moments and crippling flashbacks, which means I’m always on edge. I’m always on edge about the things I can’t control. And that’s why I’m having to learn and relearn the art of releasing, letting go of what’s not in my hands, and handing it over to God. It’s an everyday process, an exhausting process, but a very necessary one.

PTSD plays a big role in the U.S., with over 24 million people having the disorder. Of course, the statistics are much higher for war veterans, but according to the American Psychiatric Association, anyone can experience PTSD. It doesn’t matter the age, ethnicity, or culture, one traumatic experience is all it takes. One traumatic experience can create horrible, isolating life patterns, which are passed down to the next generation, and the next, and the next. It can even be passed to bystanders and witnesses of that trauma. Take 9/11, for instance. We may not have been in those buildings, but the experience still affects us.

Trauma is a disrupter -- it strips the balance of feelings, memory, and being present in life. It’s also hidden. Oftentimes, things look perfect on the outside. I may reach for the tin foil and have no outward reaction, putting on a brave face. Internally, however, is a whole different story. Internally I may be fighting demons and an oncoming panic attack. It’s easy to mask our pain, even from the ones we’re closest with, in the name of being strong and being ‘okay.’ It’s verbalizing the trauma, coming to a place of vulnerability, that’s hard. It’s mixing positivity with the reality of the battle we’re in that’s the challenge.

One of the hardest aspects of PTSD is in all the other emotions that come with it. As we throw ourselves back into a moment or event, we find ourselves buried not only under fear, but under guilt, shame, rage, grief, and ultimately hopelessness (‘After Tragedy, Brain Needs To Heal’ CNN). When we don’t deal with these emotions, the trauma often manifests itself outwardly, causing issues like muscle tension, skin breakouts, sleeplessness, and other chronic illnesses.

But how do we even begin to heal from PTSD? How can we renew our minds to live freely instead of allowing panic to dictate our experiences? Freeing yourself from the ghost of your unhealed past doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a lengthy process that requires patience and grace for yourself. I still struggle with past trauma: seeing my son on drugs, struggling to survive, my lips distorted from skin cancer, my childhood, a car accident that almost took my life. These memories are a part of me, but I’m learning not to let them consume me. Becoming a witness to my own thoughts and feelings, slowing down, connecting to nature, and learning to listen all started my process toward healing.

If you or anyone you know struggles with PTSD from emotional trauma, whether it was from childhood, from witnessing trauma, or even from the pandemic, here are a few ways to help release stress from your body and mind. And keep in mind: to win the battle, you must fight back. You’ve got to be an active advocate for your mind, and reclaim territory that’s been previously surrendered to trauma or fear.

Here are some ways to release stress and trauma from your body and mind-

Get Grounded

1. Connecting to Nature

Connecting to nature is one of my favorite ways to get out of my head! Take your shoes off, breathe in vitality, release that dark, toxic energy, and surround yourself with healing light and love. (We’ll be exploring the power and benefits of being in nature for the rest of July, so stay tuned!)

2. Meditation & Mindfulness

I meditate in the morning before I start my day, setting my day with intentionality. It’s important we engage in healthy, truthful thinking so that we’re grounded for whatever the day holds.

3. Exercise

WALK,WALK,WALK...recharge and de-stress, I exercise every day, if I'm not at the gym, I am walking my dogs. Whether it’s kickboxing, kayaking, or playing tennis, making time to exercise is a great way to lift your spirits.

4. Music

Music is the pathway to the soul. Music has the potential to really lift our moods and shift our mindsets. It’s also a great way to help us get out of our own heads and think about something else for a few minutes.

Practicing the 4 methods above has sincerely freed my mind and calmed my spirit. I hope they will do the same for you.

<3 Regina