Reflections on Growing Up with PTSD
I’m curious about how many people out there have had similar experiences growing up with PTSD. It’s something I’ve been reflecting on a lot lately. For me, it wasn’t just a word; it was a part of my daily life that I didn’t quite understand until much later.
When I was younger, I remember feeling like I was living in a bubble, seeing the world through a haze that nobody else seemed to notice. Events that were traumatic felt like a storm I could never fully escape. I often found myself overwhelmed by small things that would trigger memories or feelings I wasn’t ready to face. It’s funny how certain smells, sounds, or even places can bring everything rushing back.
I think the hardest part about growing up with PTSD was not knowing how to express what I was feeling. I didn’t want to burden anyone with my struggles, so I kept a lot of it bottled up. There’s this misconception that we need to be tough and power through, right? But in reality, it’s okay to not be okay. It took me a while to realize that sharing my feelings—whether it was with friends, family, or a therapist—was a huge step toward healing.
I also remember times when I felt really isolated. It seemed like everyone was moving on with their lives while I was stuck in the past. But then, I started to connect with others who understood what I was going through. Finding that community, whether in person or online, made such a difference. It was comforting to know I wasn’t alone and that others had similar stories.
Looking back, I wish I had known earlier that healing isn’t linear. There are good days and bad days, and that’s completely normal. I’ve learned to celebrate the small victories, even if it’s just getting through a day without feeling overwhelmed. What I’ve come to appreciate is the strength that comes from navigating through those tough moments.
I’m really interested to hear from others who’ve had similar journeys. How did you cope with your feelings growing up? What strategies have you found helpful? It feels so important to talk about these experiences and support each other.