Coping with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Paula was shocked when the therapist told her she had long-term post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She always assumed PTSD was something soldiers experienced after returning home from war, not something a working mom struggles with. A local community therapist followed up the diagnosis by telling Paula she needed to go to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay for trauma-specific counseling.

Last year, Paula started receiving counseling from the Crisis Center’s Corbett Trauma Center. She disclosed to her counselor, Jackie, the many traumas she had experienced during her lifetime: her father was murdered, she was beaten, molested and raped by several people at different times, and she had been in an emotionally and physically abusive marriage. Now freed from her marriage, she was finally able to begin her journey of healing from years of traumatic events.

Even while receiving counseling, Paula still had moments where she struggled to cope with her traumas. She found comfort in writing a blog about her experiences, focusing on encouragement, self-worth and survival. She also called 2-1-1 when she felt overwhelmed between counseling appointments, finding security in having someone to talk to at all hours of the day.

Paula has now graduated from counseling, equipped with tools to protect herself if she is ever triggered or experiences another traumatic event. While she was at her breaking point a year ago, she now knows she can handle anything that comes along in life.

“I have always been a strong person, stronger than most,” Paula said. “I know I have a mission to help, encourage, and be the voice for other women who are not as strong.”

Your support of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay helps clients like Paula connect to the help, hope and healing they need. Thank you for helping us ensure that no one in our community has to face a crisis alone.