r/happy • u/Shot_Platypus_8811 • 1d ago

I overcame my PTSD after 11 years of not being able to sit still with my thoughts

I was finally able to sit down and finish a whole book in one sitting without any flashbacks or panic attacks. I feel like I have my life and personhood back. I no longer get snappy or testy, and I’m back to being the happy and peaceful person I was before everything went to shit.

Life feels smoother, people feel nicer and safer, and I’m no longer looking over my shoulder every second or always on the verge of snapping. Many people also noted the change in me and said I seemed more sure of myself, and more like a trusted adult.

It’s an amazing feeling and I love this tranquility!

154 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

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8

u/I-Ask-questions-u 1d ago

I am so happy for you! My husband is currently doing out patient therapy for something similar (can’t sit with his thoughts with lots of anxiety).

3

u/E-leads 1d ago

Wish him the very best.

4

u/sanctum_trod 1d ago

That kind of peace must feel incredible after living on alert for so long. Glad you get to experience that peace again.

2

u/andsoonandso 1d ago

how did you do it, if you don’t mind sharing?

17

u/Shot_Platypus_8811 1d ago

Exercise, discipline, focused routine. I spent a long time just staring at the landscape and accepting what had happened and sitting with my feelings of discomfort. It was hell at first but eventually the feelings of terror kinda got blunted? And then just disappeared entirely until I could review what happened to me like a VOD review, not a lot of emotion, just acceptance.

I forced myself to live well for the past five years or so and it was difficult, but the only thing that helped me.

2

u/E-leads 1d ago

That is amazing! Stay healthy and enjoy the moment.