PTSD – We Love Puppies Too

Trauma Survivor to a Trauma Doctor: Jess’ story

Diagnosed with complex PTSD following years of abuse and assault, finishing doctorate in trauma-informed care, better able to provide support to others because of her experience and thrived when employer gave her the opportunity to excel.

There’s also the stigma I face, like when potential employers have questioned my ability to care for other people experiencing trauma when I have a trauma history myself. But the thing they don’t understand is that my history makes me BETTER at caring for others. When I found a place that gave me the opportunity to show what I could do, I excelled. I have ongoing care with a therapist, a supportive group of friends and colleagues, a fantastic little dog, and a helpful self-care routine. I am now an expert on Trauma-Informed Care, finishing my doctorate in that field, and I’m a highly effective member of the spiritual care department.

Shadows Over Sunshine

The loss of my job finally pushed me to seek professional help. I had been ignoring the signs of my deteriorating mental health, hoping they would vanish once I found new work. Instead, they intensified. Acknowledging the severity of my condition, I visited a psychiatrist and was diagnosed with severe psychiatric co-morbidities: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

Blogging and advocacy transformed my sense of purpose. I championed workplace mental health, pushing for regulations and support systems for content moderators. My efforts attracted media attention, sparking debates that reached beyond my immediate community.

Healing Physical and Mental Trauma Bone by Bone: Depression, Anxiety & PTSD After the Amtrak 188 Train Crash

I was extremely lucky to be alive. I was lucky not to be paralyzed. I was lucky I didn’t have a traumatic brain injury. I was lucky to have excellent medical care and the support of my family, friends and colleagues. But months after barely surviving the Amtrak 188 train derailment in 2015, I was dealing with not just the physical repercussions of a significant traumatic event, but also the emotional ones.

I had a lot of time on my hands while recovering and being curious, I began reading and educating myself on trauma and how pain impacts, and changes, our brains. I asked questions, I paid more attention to my mental wellbeing, and took copious notes from my research – which later would become part of my book, Bone by Bone.

What could I do to help others? The book is meant for anyone or even just one person who finds it helpful. In many ways, if no one needs it, that’s even better but if it can impact one life, then I know it was worth it. All proceeds from Bone by Bone are being donated to non-profit organizations that support trauma professionals and survivors.

Recovery as a Collective Process

“Every time you pick up food with your fork, your mouth opens.” This silly statement, made to me by a family member at a family function, was meant to be funny. Sarcasm, quips and dark humour were standard in my family. You laughed at the statements made about you and carried on. Everyone chuckled and that was the end of it—for everyone else.

But not for me.

One of the things that helps me retain a positive perspective is working with youth who are experiencing mental health and addiction issues, and their families—providing support to caregivers, young people and peers who are experiencing some of the same things that I have experienced. Being able to provide this support to someone who needs it makes me realize—in unexpected ways—how far I have come on my own recovery journey.

There isn’t a shortage of people who need a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on or a high-five for living the best day they could have lived under the circumstances. I feel blessed and deeply honoured when I can be there to give empathy to a struggling youth or a caregiver who has nothing left to give.

From service user to staff member: Katie’s journey

As a teenager, Katie was detained in a psychiatric hospital and supported by an Advocate from Rethink Mental Illness. Two decades later, she is helping others in her role as Associate Director for Community Services, with the very charity which supported her.

I felt excited to be coming into a job role where I could help people affected by mental illness as I knew from my own experiences how difficult it is for people on their recovery journey. I was even happier that I was able to come to work for a charity who had helped me in one of the difficult points in my life.

Weight loss transformation for army veteran with PTSD

An ex-soldier who suffers from PTSD achieved a dramatic weight loss transformation after experiencing a mental health crisis during lockdown.

In a happier and healthier place, Richard wants to inspire others and is now taking on a 30 marathons in 30 days challenge to raise money for the mental health charity Combat Stress.

Humber Bridge: Veterans complete PTSD crawl challenge

Two Army veterans who have suffered with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have crawled over the Humber Bridge to raise money for others with the condition.

David Neaves and Joe Hall, both from Yorkshire, completed the 4,659ft (1,420m) challenge in three hours and have raised more than £2,700.

“It’s quite emotional, I’m thinking of all the people who are no longer with us, I was thinking about them while I was crawling across,” he said.

“Hopefully we’ll have raised enough money to save two or three lives so it’s all worth it.”

I first realised that I was experiencing mental illness when I was constantly feeling like everything I did wasn’t good enough

I first realised that I was experiencing mental illness when I was constantly feeling like everything I did wasn’t good enough.
Initially, I found it overwhelming to find support because I felt like I had to take every step to getting better at once…

I volunteer at 7 different organisations because it keeps me part of the community, gives me a sense of purpose and makes me grateful for the things that I have…

My first presentation was in Esperance and I told my story to about 300 kids over 3 talks in only one day. It was an unforgettable experience and I am so very grateful to have had that opportunity.