For me, my PTSD is worse when I’m stressed or overwhelmed. If life gets too chaotic, my brain goes into overdrive, and I start feeling like I’m back in survival mode. Lack of sleep also makes a huge difference—when I’m exhausted, it’s harder to manage my emotions, and old triggers hit me harder.
Certain situations bring it out too, like being in environments that remind me of past trauma or feeling like I’ve lost control over something important. Sometimes, it sneaks up on me when I least expect it, like a random smell, a certain pattern of someone walking or a certain tone of voice that sends me straight into panic mode.
But the good news is, I’ve learned to recognize the signs early and use coping strategies that help. Grounding techniques, deep breathing, and stepping away from triggering situations when possible have all made a difference. It’s still a work in progress, but I remind myself that healing isn’t about never struggling—it’s about learning how to handle it when it happens.
