If you’re like me and have experienced PTSD, you know just how terrifying and crippling it is.

You wonder if you’re losing your mind. Others can’t possibly understand what you’re going through.

Luckily, that’s not true.

You’re not losing your mind. And others do understand.

Many, many people have gone through it. War veterans. Rape and sexual abuse victims. Survivors of extremely traumatic events.

Look for a support group for PTSD survivors. There, you will meet people who know exactly how you feel.

Then talk, talk, talk about it. Let it out. Scream if you have to. Cry if you feel like it. No one will judge or make fun. They will embrace and support you, and will do their utmost to help you get through it.

Even better: you will have a chance to help others.

As the old maxim goes: when you help others, you help yourself. It has a wonderfully healing effect and allows you to gain a strong sense of self-worth. Many who struggle with mental health issues learn to feel worthless, of no use to anyone.

And that’s absolutely not true.

You need not go through this alone. Join other like-minded individuals in your recovery, and you will find yourself regaining your inner peace and tranquility, day by day, step by baby step.

Remember: you deserve to feel joy. You deserve peace of mind. You deserve to feel happy about yourself. You deserve to feel strong.

Of course, you already are strong. You survived. That takes tremendous courage.

Walk the journey slowly but steadily, with determination and resolve. You will get there. And when you do, you will feel happier and stronger than ever before.

Be well.