From Awareness to Action
For years, I lived in denial about the extent to which it had taken hold of my life. My journey with PTSD began in earnest after my service, around 2007-2008. Living near an airport, the sounds would often trigger nightmares—visions of mortars coming in, leaving me waking in panic and fear. The progression was slow but relentless. By 2009-2010, I found myself waking in the night, screaming from the cramps in my stomach, a physical manifestation of my internal turmoil.
As the years ticked by, the severity of my PTSD remained elusive to me, shrouded in a fog of unawareness. It was only through a deep dive into the study of anatomy and the nervous system that I began to piece together the puzzle of my condition. I started to understand the interconnectedness of our bodily systems and their role in our stress responses.
One significant discovery on my journey was learning about the psoas muscle—the body's biggest hip flexor, often referred to as the "muscle of the soul." Its relevance to trauma and stress is profound, acting as a bridge between our physical state and our emotional well-being. When I learned about how the psoas is directly linked to our most primitive brain structures, engaging in a protective reflex without our conscious input, a light bulb went off in my head.
This journey wasn't just about understanding; it was about taking action. I explored how stress impacts the sympathetic nervous system, triggering a cascade of effects throughout the body, from our digestive system to our capacity for rest and recovery. It became clear to me that the physical manifestations of PTSD were not just symptoms to be managed but signals to be interpreted and understood.
Despite seeking help from various healthcare professionals, I found that true understanding and effective strategies were scarce. It was through my own exploration and study that I began to unravel the complexities of PTSD and its grip on my life.
Now, at Fitsom, we are dedicated to sharing this knowledge and these strategies with others, particularly veterans who are navigating their own journeys with PTSD. We don't just focus on managing symptoms. We aim to empower individuals to understand their bodies, to connect with the deeper roots of their stress and trauma, and to find pathways to healing that go beyond conventional treatments.
We teach about the importance of the psoas muscle in stress and trauma, about the significance of breathing techniques and the role of various muscles in our overall well-being. At Fitsom, we're committed to a holistic approach, one that addresses the body as a whole and recognizes the interconnectedness of our physical and emotional health.
Join us on this journey of understanding, healing, and empowerment. At Fitsom, we're not just about coping with PTSD; we're about transforming our relationship with our bodies and our pasts, forging a path toward a more integrated and wholesome future.
