I’ve been thinking a lot about how the pandemic shifted my world, especially when it comes to my mental health. I mean, I always knew that trauma could stick with you like a stubborn shadow, but the way everything unfolded over the last few years really brought that home.
Before the pandemic, I felt like I had a handle on my PTSD. I had my coping mechanisms, my support system, and life had its usual ups and downs, sure, but overall, I felt grounded. Then, when everything came crashing down, it felt like the floor just dropped out from under me. I found myself grappling with those old feelings of anxiety and hyper-vigilance, and they were somehow amplified by the uncertainty and isolation of lockdown.
I remember the early days of the pandemic vividly. The news was relentless, and it felt like a constant reminder of how fragile life can be. I started to notice my mind racing back to memories I thought I had put away. It was as if the fear and chaos surrounding me triggered those old feelings in a way I hadn’t expected. For instance, I became hyper-aware of my surroundings, scanning for anything that could pose a risk, even on my rare trips outside. It reminded me of past experiences where I felt out of control, and that was a tough pill to swallow.
What struck me the most was how isolated I felt. I’ve always relied on face-to-face connections to help ground me, but with social distancing in place, I had to navigate those feelings alone. I started questioning whether I was alone in this struggle. I was surprised to find that friends and family were feeling the weight of it too. It helped to talk it out, and I realized that sharing experiences created a kind of bond that was so healing in its own way.
I’ve also learned to embrace the small victories. Taking a walk outside felt monumental some days, even if it was just around the block. I’ve found comfort in routines—whether that’s a daily check-in with a friend or setting aside time for mindfulness. It’s not always easy, but I think that’s part of the process. Learning to sit with discomfort instead of pushing it away has been an eye-opener.
What’s been your experience with this? Have you found new ways to cope during these strange times? I’d love to hear how others are navigating the intersection of PTSD and this ongoing pandemic.