Wow, where do I even start with how heavy 2020 has felt? It’s like a weight that’s been sitting on my heart, and honestly, I think it’s something many of us are still trying to shake off. When I think about PTSD, it used to be something I associated mainly with trauma from the past, but this past year really showed me that trauma can come from our present circumstances too.
The events of 2020—everything from the pandemic to the social unrest—felt overwhelming in ways I hadn’t experienced before. It was like being in a constant state of alertness, where every news bulletin sent waves of anxiety through me. I remember nights spent staring at the ceiling, my mind racing with worries about loved ones, the future, and whether life would ever feel normal again. There’s this lingering sense of unease, like you can never fully relax.
It’s intriguing how our brains can get stuck in that fight-or-flight mode. I used to think I was more resilient, but when the world feels like it’s crumbling, it’s hard to hold onto that sense of strength. I found myself withdrawing from friends and activities I used to love, almost like I was retreating into a protective shell. Have any of you felt that way?
I’ve started to find solace in small routines—things like morning walks or even tending to my garden. There’s something grounding about being in nature and focusing on something simple. I’ve also tried journaling my thoughts, which has helped me process everything. It’s like putting those racing thoughts down on paper helps to ease the heaviness in my chest, even if just a little bit.
It’s been a journey, that’s for sure. There are moments when I feel the weight of the past year pressing down on me, but I’m learning to take one day at a time. I’d love to hear from others about how you’ve been coping. What little things have you found that help lighten the load?