If you have followed me for a while you will know that I was diagnosed with PTSD after my accident. You may also know that it was after the accident that I returned to my passion, writing. And recently I have shared my story of how writing has helped me to cope with PTSD on the PTSD UK website.
As you may guess from the name, PTSD UK is a charity that supports people with PTSD and their families. However, their mission goes behind the doors of just those families as they are also raising awareness of PTSD and the stigma surrounding it.
This year on PTSD Awareness Day, 27th of June, PTSD UK published a book, Broken Crayons Still Colour: Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder through Art. It is a beautiful book, filled with unique art pieces written or created by many inspirational warriors. And I am both grateful and pleased to say that my work is among them.
Read also ‘What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder? My Experience‘
Writing and PTSD
After a decades-long break from writing, I had found a silver lining amidst a personal nightmare. Since then, I have had the knowledge that I can always fall back upon my writing in times of difficulty. Writing has become a tool in helping me cope with my PTSD.
Although writing started as a kind of therapy for me, it has become a calling. A calling to share my story and encourage others to do so too. I believe in the power of communication and have therefore created the PTSD: My Story Project, a safe space for other trauma survivors to share their stories and inspire others whilst helping to fight the stigma surrounding mental health. And I am so grateful to all the survivors who decided to share their experiences. You can read their powerful stories here.
I know that sharing your own story isn’t always easy. But whilst it may be very emotional, it is also extremely valuable and meaningful. In my guest blog post on the PTSD UK website, you can find out more about writing your own story. Perhaps it will inspire you to share your story and become part of the PTSD: My Story Project too.
Check out some inspirational stories on PTSD: My Story Project
How can writing help to cope with PTSD symptoms?
Whilst my main aim now is to raise awareness of PTSD and help to empower and inspire others, writing is still a tool I use to cope with my own PTSD. It has been proven that expressive writing can improve both our mental and physical health outcomes. Why is this so? Where lays the power of writing? And can anyone do it?
Read also ‘Finding Gratitude After a Serious Injury and Healing PTSD Through Writing – MatChat Wellbeing Podcast‘
You can read all about writing and PTSD in my guest blog post on the PTSD UK website. So whether you are not sure if writing is the right tool for you to help manage your PTSD symptoms, or if you are stuck and not sure where to start and what to write, then head to the PTSD UK website and read my guest blog post.
Would you like to win a copy of the book that compiles the beautiful work of brave and inspirational artists affected by PTSD and C-PTSD? The book Broken Crayons Still Colour: Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder through Art can be yours! All you have to do is to subscribe to Journeyofsmiley’s blog and check out journeyofsmiley on Instagram for the instructions. Thank you PTSD UK for this amazing Giveaway prize!
GIVEAWAY
Thank you for reading and till the next blog post,
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I love this post! I am not one to typically share personal information but since my daughters leukemia diagnosis I have found writing about it helps me to process it and hopefully help someone else in the same situation. 💛
Samantha, thank you so much for sharing! I am so sorry to hear about your daughter, but I believe that there is power in sharing our stories. I am sure it will be valuable for many people. Blessings!
This was an amazing read. I have found writing and getting on stage to do spoken word has been very healing for me. Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much! I believe that there is power in sharing our stories. Well done!
great read and very inspiring
Many thanks, Jimmy!
I also have found that writing helps tremendously in releasing my story and trauma from my body by putting it on paper (or a computer, LOL!). Congratulations on your inclusion in this helpful book!
Thank you so much, Jenn! I feel so honoured to have my work included in this amazing book. I believe in the power of sharing our stories, it helps us, and the readers too. Many thanks!
Great post, I agree that writing is very therapeutic. It’s like releasing thoughts to paper somehow frees up space in my brain! Thanks for the great read!
Thank you so much, Hannah! I am glad you enjoyed reading it. You are so right, it feels like emptying our heads and freeing up the space. Thanks for sharing!
As a writer myself, I can definitely see how expressive writing can improve both our mental and physical health. Thank you so much for sharing your story!! 🤍
Thank you so much, Jenna! We are so privileged to have the opportunity to heal through writing. Many thanks!
Interesting read
Thank you, Claire!
Such a great post! I’m so sorry for your accident but I’m glad you’ve found writing as a way to cope. I recently just started writing again as I felt some fog in my mental health journey clean and it has been so great. Writing is so powerful. Thanks for sharing with us 🙂 saylahvee, lighthearted mental health
Thank you, Michelle! I believe in the power of sharing our stories, but I also think it is important to take breaks. After all, writing isn’t only sitting at the computer or with a pen and paper, it’s so much more…observing our surroundings, collecting ideas, listening to others, reading other people’s work and we need time for this too. Thanks for sharing!