PTSD & C-PTSD

Scary situations happen to everybody at some point in their lives. The resulting reactions can cause nervousness, difficulty sleeping and the reliving of the event. These are all normal reactions that usually diminish over time with people going back to their daily lives.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) typically results when these single event traumas involve death, threat of death or serious injury. The effects tend to last much longer and can seriously disrupt a person’s life.

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is the result of chronic exposure to traumatic events over an extended period of time. In the general population, violence, neglect and abuse can be some examples of this type of trauma. When talking about First Responders, we take it to another level. The exposure to trauma occurs on almost a daily basis over many years. If the First Responder has already experienced their own personal traumas, then their work traumas are just added into a bucket that is already overflowing.

Everyone’s journey with PTSD is unique to their own set of circumstances. There is no one size fits all and it is important to recognize these differences. While my husband and I shared some of our symptoms; hyper-arousal, worry, sleep disturbances and flashbacks, we also had some that manifested themselves very differently.

My husband’s symptoms were fairly common for someone with PTSD, irritability, short-tempered and social anxiety. In my case, things were more subtle. Even though I was overwhelmed, indecisive, had reduced self-esteem and battled fatigue, I had become so accustomed to it that I didn’t realize it wasn’t normal. If I didn’t even know I was struggling, how would anyone else know.

My husband and I were very fortunate to be treated at an Operational Stress Injury Clinic which assesses and treats mental health problems caused by shock or stress for Veterans, Canadian Forces members, RCMP members, and their families. We each had our own unique therapy programs as we had our own traumas to deal with. It took me almost three and a half years of treatment to graduate from the program.

Through our treatment programs my husband and I learned how to live with PTSD. It doesn’t mean it’s always easy. We were finally able to give ourselves permission to be human. We have changed how we perceive ourselves. We now understand that we are survivors, not victims. We allow ourselves to laugh and have fun but are also kind to ourselves when we struggle. We understand the importance of reaching out, supporting both ourselves and supporting others.

This is not a journey that anyone should be on by themselves. Please reach out and get the help you need, because you are worth it!