Overcoming PTSD: A Personal Journey to Healing

Over the past 20 years, I've battled with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following a tragic event during my time as a police officer. Today, I want to share my journey and some practical steps that may help others on their path to healing.

The Trauma of November

On November 20th, 2003, I was called to the scene of a tragic incident, where two young ladies had tragically taken their own lives. As the first responder, I was tasked with guarding one of their bodies for hours, which caused me to lose my mental stability. Every year, around this time, the memories resurface, leading to flashbacks, nightmares, panic attacks, and an overwhelming sense of guilt and fear.

Breaking the Shield

After a year of suffering, I decided to take control of my life and fight back against PTSD. Here are some of the key steps that helped me:

1. Medication

The "experts" didn't just help with my depression; they provided me with the necessary medications to manage my symptoms. It was an arduous process of trial and error, but I found the right combination that helped stabilize me. I've come to terms with the fact that I need medication for life to manage my schizophrenia, and I believe that everyone with a mental illness should seek the appropriate treatment. Mental health is no different from physical health – we wouldn't hesitate to see a doctor for a broken leg, so why should we hesitate for a fractured mind?

2. Support from Family

Once I started feeling stable, my family became an incredible support system. I realized that it was okay to be vulnerable and that I needed their love and support to heal. In 2008, I even signed documents giving my mother control over my finances, acknowledging that I needed help. Today, I'm proud to say that I've grown from this experience and am now a successful stock market investor.

3. Opening Up About the Trauma

Until this year, I kept the incident and its details a secret. However, I realized that this only fueled my PTSD. By openly discussing the incident with family and friends, I began to let go of the burden I had been carrying alone. I started saying the names of the victims, a step that I believe was crucial in taking back control of my life.

4. Writing About My Experience

Writing became a vital tool in my journey to healing. By putting my thoughts and experiences on paper, I was able to process my emotions and share my story with others. While I faced some bad advice from a so-called "guru," my writing ultimately became a source of strength and support for both me and others.

5. Enduring the Bullying of Mental Illness

Mental illness often feels like a constant bully, pushing me to my limits. By deciding I wouldn't tolerate this anymore, I began to address my PTSD head-on. I had to confront deep-seated pain and find the strength within myself to push forward.

Final Thoughts

My journey to overcoming PTSD is not unique. What works for one person may not work for another, but the key takeaway is that recovery is possible at any stage. The 20th anniversary of my PTSD is a significant milestone for me. Instead of crying or begging for forgiveness, I will embrace a typical day and remember the victims without letting the trauma define me.