PTSD: It knows No Boundaries
PTSD comes in many forms, and it doesn’t discriminate. For me, it’s the shower door.
When my son was sick, I rarely left his side—except for one time. My husband stayed with him at the hospital while I went home to shower and grab necessities. I thought I was holding it all together—until I wasn’t.
We have an enclosed standing shower, the kind that doubles as a steam room. That day, I rushed in, determined to be quick so I could return to my son. Without warning, because that’s how these things often happen—I had a full-blown panic attack. My chest tightened, my breath became shallow, and an overwhelming sense of fear consumed me. I gasped for air, sinking to the tile floor. My only relief came from opening the shower door. Watching the steam escape, feeling the cold tile beneath me, slowly, my breath returned.
Six years later, I still keep the shower door open. It doesn’t interrupt my daily life—I don’t even think about it most of the time. But the moment I stand before that glass door, my feet touching the cold tile, my breath catches, just a little. I coach myself through it, allowing the cool air to enter through the ajar door. I don’t always relive that moment—I mask it now with an open door.
My story, though small, is my own. There are countless heartbreaking tales, some shaped by the magnitude of war and global conflict, others by personal battles waged in silence. Regardless of its origin, PTSD is real.
Understanding PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While often associated with veterans, PTSD affects people from all walks of life—survivors of abuse, medical crises, accidents, and more. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms can include intrusive memories, flashbacks, severe anxiety, and avoidance behaviors. These reactions are not just “bad memories” but a profound physiological and emotional responses to trauma. Learn more here.
PTSD is not a sign of weakness. It is the brain’s way of processing an overwhelming event.
Breaking the Silence
Many who experience PTSD suffer in silence, afraid of judgment or misunderstanding. But awareness, education, and open conversations can help dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health. Healing is not linear—it takes time, support, and self-compassion.
If you or someone you know struggles with PTSD, reach out. Seek therapy, talk to a loved one, or join a support group. You are not alone, and your story—like mine—deserves to be heard.
There is Help
The National Center for PTSD, a program of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, is the leading federal center for research and education on PTSD and traumatic stress. You can find information about PTSD, treatment options, and getting help here.
A personal note from the Author – Lisa Viliott – ABC Community and Marketing Liaison:
This article reflects my own experiences and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I hope you found something in it that resonates with you. If you have any questions, thoughts, or would like to chat more about the topic, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to connect and offer any advice or support I can!
