From Survival to Healing: Overcoming PTSD and Finding Strength After Imprisonment


I sat on my bed—it was day three, and I hadn’t slept at all. The exhaustion was overwhelming, but my mind refused to rest. Desperate, I confided in my pastor’s wife about my sleepless nights. Concerned, she took me to find some sleeping medication.  

Despite all I had accomplished, I was battling intense panic attacks. I had completed a three-month African Leadership Training in South Africa, received an opportunity to attend a Coaching Bootcamp in London, and had just been accepted into the Women in Leadership Program at St. Xavier University COADY Institute in Canada. Though COVID-19 shifted it to online learning, it was still a significant milestone.  

Yet, in the midst of these achievements, I was unraveling. The anxiety, the panic, the sleepless nights—I didn’t understand what was happening to me. Only later did I realise that I was dealing with PTSD, a silent weight carried by many who have experienced imprisonment. 

The Hidden Impact of Imprisonment.

The effects of imprisonment don’t always end upon release. The world moves on, but for many, the emotional and psychological wounds remain. Some of the lingering impacts include:  

1. PTSD & Anxiety: The sudden shift from confinement to freedom can trigger overwhelming panic, fear, and restlessness.  

2. Emotional Numbness:  Many suppress their emotions just to survive, only for them to resurface later in unexpected ways.  

3. Struggles with Identity & Trust: Reintegrating into society often comes with self-doubt and the fear of judgment.  

4. Overcompensation & Burnout: The need to prove oneself can lead to overworking, people-pleasing, and exhaustion.  

Wearing a Mask: Hiding the Pain Behind Strength

Even as I trained and worked with women, I put on a strong front, hiding my struggles. I was always the first one in the office, pushing through exhaustion. But how could I tell people that I was suffering from anxiety and panic attacks caused by my past? Who would understand that even after stepping into leadership, the shadows of my past still haunted me?  

Choosing Healing: The Power of Taking Action

It took me years to finally confront my trauma. I decided to seek help and went through eight sessions of counseling. For the first time, I allowed myself to heal. Today, I still have occasional sleepless nights, but I have learned to ground myself, to breathe through the panic, and to face my anxiety head-on.  

Healing is a journey, not a destination.  It took time, but I have learned that acknowledging pain does not make us weak—it makes us human.  

You Are Not Alone  

If you or someone you know is struggling with the impact of trauma, know this: there is hope, there is healing, and you are stronger than your past. You don’t have to walk this journey alone—reach out, seek help, and take the first step toward reclaiming your life.  

Your past may have shaped you, but it does not define you. Keep walking, keep healing, and keep rising.  

Have you ever struggled with anxiety or PTSD after a major life event? Let’s talk in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts.

"#HealingAfterimprisonment #PTSDRecovery #OvercomingTrauma #MentalHealthMatters #YouAreNotAlone  



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