Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

Photo by Melanie Wasser on Unsplash

A few months back, my friend Eyram Tawia was evil enough to nominate me for a Challenge to raise awareness for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), anxiety and depression that drive people to commit suicide.

Basically, for 25 days,

• Record yourself doing 25 push-ups even if you have to drop to your knees to get 25. Or even do them in clusters of 5.
• Every day you must nominate a different person.

While I didn't think I will have the fundamental discipline to do that every day for the next 25days... I decided to raise awareness by saying a little something about PTSD at least to compensate for my inevitable slip-up.

Here are some common signs and Symptoms of PTSD

• Intense feelings of distress when reminded of a tragic event
• Extreme physical reactions to reminders of trauma such as a nausea, sweating or a pounding heart
• Flashbacks (feeling like the trauma is happening again)
• Nightmares of either frightening things or of the event
  and more on https://blackbearrehab.com/mental-health/ptsd/signs-and-symptoms-of-ptsd/

Here are some of the ways in which People commonly Describe their PTSD

• “I don’t want to think (or talk) about it.” (...not to be confused with when your bae is trying to hide what's happening between them and "my bestie my bestie")
• “I can’t get it out of my head.”
• “I feel like I’m losing my mind.”
• “I keep having panic attacks.”
• "I don't want to eat" ...because... really??? right?

Many people are unaware that untreated post-traumatic stress disorder can have a devastating effect for both those who have the condition and their loved ones. It not only affects relationships with your family, friends and others, it can trigger serious emotional problems and even cause health problems over time.

It's important to be careful when speaking to someone with PTSD and know the right things to say and WHAT NOT TO SAY.

PTSD affects people of all ages. It can even impact the health of unborn babies when the mother is under constant stress.

Getting effective treatment after PTSD symptoms develop can be critical to reduce symptoms and improve function.

A mental health therapist can help a survivor process the trauma in a healthy, effective way. Therapy enables a person to replace negative thoughts with thoughts that are less distressing.

While Black culture has almost demonized Therapists, Counselling, etc... it is high time we realize that our Mental health should be of prime importance to us all... and these professionals are the most often unappreciated Angels who can help us stay sane.

I personally have had my share of PTSD. I once stumbled on a gruesome case of GBV when I was among the first people to notice a man had brutally murdered his wife and baby with a machete... I was on my way to church when the first person who saw this raised the alarm and about 3 of us went to see what happened.

we immediately jumped in, I drop-kicked the guy in face and we quickly rushed the victim to the hospital... at least that's what I wished we did. But no!!! we stood outside peeking in thru the door and I was pretty much pissing my pants with the way the man was looking at (in my mind) me outside...

I still haven't been able to get his evil eyes... the way he was looking straight into our souls out of my mind (as in I'm going to haunt you all in your dreams)

anyways... it was talking about all of this over the last few years that helped.

as with most things...

• Be quick to identify if you or someone around you has any cases of PTSD
• Be quick to seek and talk with a professional
• Be quick to take action whenever you face a traumatic event
• Be quick to provide support for those who experience traumatic events (employers and team leaders take note)

Finally... I will like to call on the entire @steem-cameroon community through our country Represenatives (@saxopedia and @njiatanga) to join me to raise awareness for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), anxiety and depression that drive people to commit suicide. Why not start the challenge here on steeem? @thegreens @fombae

STAY SANE!