Take a Moment

I’m asking everyone to take a moment and hear me out.

PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is becoming a rising problem in our society. Among civilians and soldiers alike. As a civilian with PTSD, this subject is very close to my heart.

It’s hard to describe what life under PTSD is like, but it does feel like a life sentence. The day I got officially diagnosed with it I sat in my car for 20 minutes and cried. It felt like a life sentence. I didn’t have the money for counseling, I couldn’t start taking medications, and I didn’t feel like I could open up to most of my family. I felt alone, cut off from the world and any chance of help.

I found hope though. I discovered a program that offered me enough free counseling to get back on my feet. I’ve got the symptoms more under control now, and I don’t feel trapped like I used to. My closest friend right now is a veteran who also has PTSD. Together we’re fighting to get back to healthy.

The answer is: you can’t. People with PTSD are fighting a battle in their psyche every day. I needed a lot of support to get to where I am now. And I know that not everyone with PTSD gets that support. That’s why I think associations like APTSDA are so important. They raise awareness and funds to help people like me battle the demons no one can see.

I’ve learned that “together” really makes a difference. If you need help (with PTSD, or any mental illness) seek it out.

This is for HG. I’m glad you’re still with me, man, and I appreciate you more than you could ever know. All I’m asking is that all you fine people of Imgur check out PTSD support associations and consider a small donation. Even $1 could make a big difference. https://www.aptsda.org/ is what I would recommend, but I’m sure there are others out there. And if you can’t afford to donate, just spreading awareness helps a lot. A lot of us are fighting invisible battles. But it gets easier when we can fight them together.