What does PTSD look like for victims and Survivors of abuse?- Episode #31

PTSD can take many forms. You may feel like there is a war raging inside you. What does it look like and a few tips to help you on your journey.

Things you may experience:

Easily frightened

In a cycle of fight or flight

Nightmares

Bedwetting

Flashbacks

Find it hard to concentrate

Trust issues

Negative thinking

Chronic illiness

And more!

When I heard the words that I had PTSD and Stockholm Syndrome I was floored. PTSD is something for the military, law enforcement, or firefighters not me! It took me a while to wrap my head around that. I'll be honest those things made me feel weak when all I wanted to be is strong. It took me longer to heal from that than I wanted it to. Every day was baby steps.

How did I begin? I shared this with a friend when she asked me how I got over my PTSD.

It is still a work in progress. I prayed. I read my bible. I talked to God A LOT! I journaled. I did mirror work (I found I needed to learn to love myself). I took the advice of those that would become dear friends- Dr. Phil, Oprah, Beth Moore, and Louise L. Hay, and a few more leaders in the secular and Christian world. Well, I took them along in the car- Books on tape! I listened so much I felt like they were my friends!

I began to stop myself when I was having these triggers to focus on what set me off. Was it a song? Smell? A situation that went sideways? Once I recognized these going forward I would take myself out of the situation by walking away or change the channel to a radio station.

Recognizing also helped me focus less on the panic attack but shifted it enough to bring me into awareness of my surroundings.

Nature helped a lot! Just getting outside to enjoy the birds, the warmth of the sun or just to be still. Usually, with my shoes off I'm big on grounding even in the winter! You will heal from this. I promise it will take time. You may need to see a counselor (Find one that fits with you! If not keep looking until you do!). You may need to use mood stabilizers or anti-depressants. And that is okay! Do what works and is right for you! What works for me may not work for you.

Someone out there needs to know they are not alone and that they can survive. Perhaps you are a parent or friend of someone trapped in an abusive relationship and need to know how to help. Message me privately for support or help. My goal is to share awareness, offer empowerment, and educate others about emotional traumas and domestic abuse.

This is the first of many episodes to come where I will share my story but also stories of courage and healing from Survivors, Coaches, to Therapists/Counselors.

You can find my books and my Journals here- https://www.amazon.com/Melinda-Kunst/e/B0788SWSB1

Find me on Facebook here- www.facebook.com/hopewhentherewasnone

Find help and info here-

https://www.thehotline.org/

https://www.domesticshelters.org/

https://internationalwomenshouse.org/get-help

https://www.domesticshelters.org/resources/national-global-organizations

https://www.rainn.org/