One evening, I saw my neighbor carrying buckets of water down several flights of stairs. “Why all the trouble?” I asked, surprised. “Surely our floor has bathrooms too?”
Her reply stopped me short: “That bathroom gives me PTSD.”
Now, I’m no stranger to hearing the term PTSD thrown around casually, often as a trendy way to express stress or anxiety. But seeing the raw distress on my neighbor’s face made me realize – there’s a world of difference between using a word and truly understanding its weight.
Imagine this: You’re walking down the street, enjoying a sunny day, when suddenly, a car screeches past, narrowly missing you. Your heart races, your breath hitches, and you’re flooded with a wave of fear. This is a normal reaction to a near accident. But what if this feeling never goes away? What if every loud noise, every unexpected movement, sends you back to that moment of terror?
This, my friends, is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and it’s not just a trendy term thrown around by the Gen Z generation. It’s a real, serious mental health condition that affects millions of people around the world, including many Nigerians who may not even know what it is.
So, what exactly is PTSD?
Think of it like a scar on your mind, left behind by a traumatic experience. This could be anything from witnessing a violent crime to experiencing a natural disaster, a car accident, or even bullying. The event is so intense and overwhelming that it leaves a lasting impact, causing you to relive it through flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.
But here’s the thing: PTSD isn’t just about reliving the trauma. It also affects how you think, feel, and behave. You might become easily startled, avoid situations that remind you of the event, or feel detached from others. You might struggle with sleep, concentration, and even physical health problems.
Ijeoma’s Story: Holding Hands with Healing
Ijeoma, a university student, knows this struggle all too well. “The surgery lights, the instruments… just thinking about it sends me back to that operating room,” she shares. “Sleep became a nightmare, and every closed space felt suffocating.”
But Ijeoma, found hope by holding her sister’s hand. This simple act of connection grounded her, helped her differentiate reality from the echoes of her trauma. It’s a powerful reminder that healing can come from unexpected places, from the warmth of human connection and the courage to face our fears.
So, what can we do?
Here’s the good news: there’s hope. PTSD is treatable. With the right therapy and support, you can learn to manage your symptoms and live a fulfilling life. If you think you or someone you know might be struggling with PTSD, please reach out for help. Talk to a doctor, therapist, or counselor. There are also many resources available online and in your community.
A Call for Awareness and Action
Unfortunately, many Nigerians are unaware of PTSD or its symptoms. This lack of awareness can lead to people suffering in silence and not seeking the help they need. It’s crucial to:
- Educate ourselves and others about PTSD.
- Destigmatize mental health conditions.
- Advocate for better access to mental health resources.
- Support individuals experiencing PTSD with compassion and understanding.
Remember, PTSD is not a trend or a badge of honor. It’s a real condition that requires empathy and support. Misusing the term can be hurtful and disrespectful. It minimizes the experiences of those who truly suffer from PTSD. Let’s work together to create a world where everyone struggling with PTSD can access the help they need to heal and thrive.
