Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

Living under the shadow of consistent trauma is no joke. Some people move through their lives carrying with them a load of distress. Before they can get over one trauma, life hits them with another one. Imagine that for some trauma, it takes years to heal. However, days, weeks, or even months later, they are hit with another traumatic event. When I say traumatic events, I mean life-altering events that affect a person on multiple levels.

Traumatic Experiences Run Amok

A back laden with too much weight breaks. A person who is consistently denied nutrient oxygen eventually suffocates.

Many people suffer from repeated traumatic events, and the effects can be crippling, especially without the right resources. According to the USCF Center to Address Trauma-Informed Health Care, “From extensive trauma-related research, it is now recognized that unaddressed trauma is the hidden cause of most preventable illnesses, and is associated with eight of the 10 leading causes of death, including heart, lung and kidney disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, suicide, and accidental overdose.” So it is surely something which needs addressing.

I, Too

In my life, I am currently experiencing intense trauma. I know that I am dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It’s been one major disruptor after another in my life since 2020. Before I could heal from one thing, another came along. I have been uprooted in every sense of the word. Most people don’t share their stories for whatever reason. But healing can be found in finding a community of people who understand. In addition to sharing my growth experiences, I will also share the lessons I have learned and continue to learn.

Traumatic Responses: Put Your Oxygen Mask on First

When there is an emergency, they advise you to put on your own oxygen mask first. Once you have done so, you can help others. I agree, but sometimes you can’t see the oxygen mask dangling before you. Maybe your oxygen mask has come loose. Sometimes your level of anxiety prevents you from correctly fixing the oxygen mask to your face. So, it’s challenging to find that healing within oneself. And that’s okay. That is why we need each other.

A Shared Experience

As my life has unfolded, I’ve dealt with everything from the death of a family member to the slow decline of relationships, moved, worried about homelessness, and dealt with depression in myself and my children. Throughout my writing this post, I’m still going through a lot of this. I have lost myself, fallen to a point where I couldn’t recognize the people around me or who I was anymore.

Even the person who strives to motivate others often needs motivation. Even I am amid chaos and yet am expected to function as a whole human being, and it is exhausting. I keep trying to keep on keeping on, but it is trying.

Conclusion: You Are Not Alone

I said all that to say is that I am here. The more I learn, the more I work toward growth. And even though I am going through a lot, I am holding on to hope; and I want you to know that you do not need to suffer alone.