PTSD DOESN ’ T HAVE TO MEAN THAT ONE ’ S CHANCE OF LIVING A BEAUTIFUL AND NORMAL LIFE IS OVER . PTSD IS A CONDITION , NOT WHO A PERSON IS .
Essentially , the body is in a constant state of “ fight or flight ”, in order to keep the body out of harm ’ s way . The “ fight or flight ” response is a good thing , in acute instances , as it signals our body to “ go , run , protect yourself ”, and it is our means for survival . If a tiger was running after you , you ’ d better hope this physiological response kicked in , or else you ’ d be dinner ! Once you were able to flee from the tiger and you were safe , your sympathetic nervous system and the adrenal-cortical system would calm down ; and the stress would dissipate . Now think of how you would feel , if you were constantly running from that very same tiger — day in , day out . Wouldn ’ t you get tired ? Stressed ? Emotionally and physically exhausted ? The body can only keep up with this situation for so long , until it says “ no more ”. If this state of distress and panic continues for too long , the system will eventually start to break down — physically and mentally . No one ’ s body was meant to live under such extreme conditions , no one ! Chronic fatigue syndrome , low thyroid , hormonal and neurotransmitter imbalances , weight gain ( or loss ), insomnia , diabetes , etc . are just a few of the many health issues that may result , if a person does not seek treatment and take the necessary steps to heal . You think you are overwhelmed with the demands of daily life — work , school , children , your bills . You have no idea ! Those who ’ ve been in abusive relationships , witnessed horrific crimes , sexual assault victims and military men and women ( especially those who have served and fought in war ) are at a higher risk for developing PTSD — but there is Hope ! When significant lifestyle changes are made and emphasis is placed on improving stress management , exercise consistency , sleep hygiene , optimizing nutrition and consistent emotional therapy , individuals have been shown to make incredible strides in their recovery . Conquering and overcoming unimaginable obstacles become easier and more manageable ; and the body slowly learns to regain balance . Some of the strongest people I have been blessed to know have been diagnosed with PTSD , and they are taking the necessary steps to heal and live life to the very fullest , again . Many times , I see these heroic men and women find their purpose , in the pain , and they use their tragic experience ( s ) to help others . PTSD doesn ’ t have to mean that one ’ s chance of living a beautiful and normal life ( whatever that means , right ?) is over . PTSD is a condition , not who a person is . If you know someone living with PTSD , sit down and try to understand their point of view , what they ’ ve been through and ask how you can help . You , me , they … we ALL need support , just in different ways . Be patient , be open and listen — don ’ t try to “ fix ” them . Be there , be there often and refuse to give up on him or her , when they are ready to give up on themselves . A little love and compassion go a long , long way .
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