PTSD and it's Wide Net

As National PTSD Awareness Day wraps up, I wanted to share a little about my situation that had me diagnosed with PTSD. Yes I serve in the National Guard, no my story is not at all related to my time in service. I think this is a great reminder for any employers, coworkers, peers etc. that it is not always easy to spot those who struggle with PTSD and that at no point, should anyone's diagnosis be devalued because it wasn't as bad as {insert name's} situation.

When we hear PTSD we often think of our Military populations, and our first responders. They are a population with a high diagnosis, but we know that anything traumatic can cause PTSD, and trauma is different to everyone. A violent car crash, the trauma of being in the vicinity or direct area of a mass shooting, witnessing a car accident or even watching CPR performed on a loved one. These are all valid, real forms of trauma. And if someone says they have PTSD we should believe them.

911 dispatchers for example, don't often have the "direct" trauma those on scene do, I can tell you with certainty that does not devalue their experience as being the 1st, 1st responder. What about a parent who finds their child lifeless. So many reasons for this diagnosis.

My story, is one of domestic violence. Which a very high number of those with PTSD are domestic violence survivors. I'll share my story below. It's my story. I lived in fear for a good chunk of a year, at the hands of someone who "loved me." Please feel free to read it, I wrote it a few years ago. But if you have heard me say I hate turkeys, you'll find out why in the story. ??

PTSD is not a competition of who had it worse. I hear it a lot in the military community, well you didn't get shot at directly....no...I didn't in combat...but in my own home I had a knife held to my throat, then was stalked to the point that no where I went was safe and no one who took me in was either.

??I think there's enough space and resources that we just need to open up our arms to each other who have been diagnosed with PTSD and collectively agree that regardless of the situation you were in, you don't have to think your situation is less than, because so many had it worse. And frankly if someone makes you feel that way...well I am sorry.

(If you are struggling with a DV situation here is their hotline. 800-799-7233 and if you are struggling with any mental health concerns please dial 988.)

Here is my story.