Dealing with a Turbulent Marriage and PTSD

1. Can you briefly describe the challenging or traumatic experiences you've faced?

I was stuck in a really rough marriage that shook me to my core and left me dealing with PTSD.

2. What were the initial steps you took towards recovery and healing?

The first thing was to face the truth that I was in pain. After opening up to a buddy who'd been through their own battle, I realized I needed to get some serious help.

3. How did you come to the decision to seek therapy or other forms of help?

I knew I needed to get help when I saw my usual ways of dealing with things—like shutting people out and burying myself in work—just weren't cutting it.

4. What types of therapy or healing practices have you found most beneficial?

Talking to a therapist (that's CBT) and a special kind for dealing with past trauma (called EMDR) really helped me out.

5. Can you share a particular moment or turning point in your therapy that was significant for you?

A big turning point was being able to get into the nitty-gritty of my trauma without losing it. It showed me I was starting to heal for real.

6. How has your perspective on life and mental health changed since beginning your recovery?

I've learned to look after my mental health the same way I do my body, and I'm way kinder to myself and others than I used to be.

7. What have been some of the most valuable lessons you've learned during your journey?

I've learned that it's totally fine to say no, it's okay to not be perfect, and that healing isn't a race—it takes as long as it takes.

8. How do you maintain your mental health and cope with potential triggers or challenging days?

When things get too much, I do stuff like breathing exercises, ask for help, and try my best to just live in the moment.

9. What words of encouragement or advice would you offer to someone who may be experiencing something similar?

If you're in a tough spot, it's completely okay to reach out for help. It's rough, but you're stronger than you think and you can get through it.

10. How has sharing your story and experiences impacted you and your healing process?

Talking about what I've been through has set me free in a way, and it's given me a chance to help others who are in a similar boat.

11. Have you developed any self-care routines or habits that help you in maintaining mental wellness?

I stick to a routine that keeps me steady—working out, eating well, jotting down my thoughts, and taking time to just sit quietly and meditate.

12. What role have friends, family, or support groups played in your recovery?

I did nit get much support from my family but my friend stood by me. They're there to catch me whenever I might fall.

13. Were there any books, resources, or quotes that you found particularly inspiring or helpful?

The book "The Body Keeps the Score" really opened my eyes to a lot about trauma and how to deal with it.

14. How do you measure your progress, and what does recovery mean to you?

I see progress in how I handle the hard times, the state of my relationships, and how much peace I feel inside. Recovery means not letting what happened in the past take over my life.

15. Is there anything you wish you had known or done differently at the start of your recovery journey?

I wish I'd been easier on myself right from the get-go.

16. How do you navigate setbacks or challenges in your healing process?

Whenever I hit a bump in the road, I remind myself it's all part of getting better. I try to see what I can learn from it.

17. What role does self-compassion play in your recovery?

Self-compassion is huge. It's what lets me forgive myself for not having it all figured out and for the times when I just can't cope.

18. How do you celebrate your successes and milestones in your journey towards healing?

I give myself a pat on the back by writing down my wins and sharing them with the folks who've been there for me.

19. Are there any misconceptions about therapy or mental health recovery that you would like to address?

Some folks think therapy is like a magic pill that fixes everything fast. It's not. It takes time and effort to work.

20. What message of hope can you share with our readers who may be struggling?

The message of hope I will share is that it is never too late to start healing. No matter how deep the wounds are, with time, support and right treatment it is possible to be happy again.