“Trauma is part of your story, but it doesn’t define your ending.”
This topic is very close to my heart. I went through stress and overthinking that turned into anxiety, and eventually post-traumatic depression. During this phase, my life felt deeply affected — I even left my job. Fear and sadness dominated my mind, and I had no motivation to do anything, not even socialize. I felt worthless, helpless, and
disconnected from the world around me.
Experiencing this made me realize how important it is to understand mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic depression (PTD), not just for ourselves but also to support others who may be silently struggling. Anxiety can feel like a constant, restless fear or tension that doesn’t easily go away. You may worry
about things that may or may not happen, feel restless or “on edge,” have trouble concentrating, or experience physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, nausea, or headaches. It can feel like your mind is always racing and even small tasks become overwhelming. People with anxiety may avoid situations that trigger fear, overthink
decisions, or become irritable. It affects personal life, making it hard to enjoy time with family or friends, and socially, it can lead to isolation. Emotionally, it drains energy, and at work or school, it can reduce focus and productivity, which may even affect finances or career growth.
Depression is more than sadness — it’s a persistent emptiness or hopelessness that colors everything in life. You may feel sad, empty, or hopeless most of the time, lose interest in hobbies or social activities, feel fatigued, have trouble sleeping or eating, and experience guilt or worthlessness. Depression can feel like carrying a heavy weight that never leaves. Even small tasks like getting out of bed or cooking a meal feel impossible. People may withdraw from friends and family, lose motivation, or become irritable. It affects relationships, social life, emotions, and productivity, and missing work or school can create additional financial or personal stress.
Post-traumatic depression develops after a traumatic event such as abuse, accidents, loss, or violence. It’s a mix of depression and trauma symptoms. You may experience flashbacks or intrusive memories, feel emotionally numb or detached, have heightened anxiety, and avoid anything that reminds you of the trauma. PTD can feel like living two lives — one in the past with the trauma and one in the present, trying to cope. Fear, sadness, and hopelessness can feel heavier than regular depression. People may avoid places or people that trigger memories, be easily startled or irritable, struggle to trust others, and feel disconnected from loved ones. It can strain relationships, create social isolation, affect work or school performance, and lead to financial or lifestyle difficulties.
Healing is possible. It starts with acknowledging and accepting your feelings without judgment. Seeking support from therapists, counselors, psychologists, or psychiatrists can provide guidance, coping strategies, and medical help if needed. Building small, healthy habits like regular sleep, balanced nutrition, light exercise, and mindfulness practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or journaling can gradually calm the mind. Sharing your thoughts with trusted friends or family, joining support groups, and setting small, achievable daily goals can create momentum and hope. Facing trauma slowly, with professional guidance, can reduce fear and help reclaim control over your life.
No matter who you are, your story matters. Mental health challenges do not make you broken — they make you human. Everyone experiences struggles, and seeking help is a sign of courage. Even small steps like talking to someone, practicing self-care, or journaling thoughts can slowly bring back hope, energy, and joy. Healing is a journey, not a race, and every step forward is a victory. You are allowed to take your time, and you are strong enough to reclaim your life, your relationships, and your emotional well-being.
Always remember: “Even in the darkest times, your mind has the power to heal, your heart has the power to hope, and your life has the power to shine again.”
By Kritika
BBRFI Intern