Never Give Up

This goes out to all the people.   If you’re struggling and haven’t sought help yet, don’t give up. If you love someone that has experienced trauma and aren’t sure how to help, don’t give up.  If you’re in the midst of healing yourself, don’t give up. Coping with PTSD symptoms, the journey through healing, and watching loved one’s struggle are all extremely difficult.  The problems inevitably get harder before they get better for all involved.   One of the most important aspects of healing or seeking help is never losing hope; never giving up. 

For those who have experienced trauma and haven’t sought help yet; never give up.  I know it may feel hopeless.  It may feel like there’s no way things could get better.  From experience, though, I can tell you that no matter how far down your bottom feels it can get better.  It will get better if you get help.  I know that it may seem like giving up is the only option; I promise you, it's not.  There is help out there for you. 

Family members that are standing by, I know that it feels impossible to continue sometimes, but please don’t give up.  That may mean having to love and encourage from a distance, but never give up.  If your loved one is getting help, they are doing some of the hardest work of their life.  If they are reluctant to seek help, continue encouraging them.  They are terrified and most likely their own biggest critic.  It’s painstakingly difficult to standby and watch people you love struggle.  Your loved one’s behavior and pain is not an indication of lack of care on your part.  They need you.  Please, the best thing you can do for them is to never give up on them. Also, never give up on yourself.  Just like your loved one can heal their pain, you can get through the process too.

Survivors that are working on the healing process, it will not be easy.  There is an end to the process, though.  Please don’t give up before the miracles happen.  It’s the hardest work you’ll ever do, short of surviving the first time.  There are going to be highs and lows and it's an up-hill battle.  Never give up though.

No matter where you’re at in the process, giving up will not help.  Even when it feels impossible, hopeless, and out of control, there is recovery if you don’t give up.

During my healing process there were many times I thought I had healed, then out of nowhere, I would take three steps backwards. Sometimes I felt like I was back to where I started.   I wanted to give up so many times.  Looking back, the thing I am the most proud of, is that I never gave up.  No matter how hard it gets you can’t give up.   Never give up.  Just keep trudging.  It’s not always going to feel like growth, and most of the time healing feels impossibly uncomfortable.  Those feelings won’t last forever as long as you never give up.

No matter where you’re at in the process, giving up will not help. 

Even when it feels impossible…

there is recovery if you don’t give up.”

-JJ