Redefining Ptsd–photography, Travel, Sightseeing & Dining

Travelling is the ultimate medicine for most human ailments, and sometimes even the last resort of people who are down to the last trickle of hope. Having lived with PTSD for the longest time, it was my eventual decision to travel that rekindled some hope in me. In an optimistic twist to my tumultuous life, I discovered there’s more than just travelling that could help me. I now have a new-found definition for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD–Photography, Travelling, Sightseeing and Dining out. 

If you’re one like me, a survivor of extreme traumas, I’m sure you’d find this article helpful. 

Photography to be Candid With Your Post-Trauma Self 

There’s nothing more attractive that I find in a person than being candid with themselves and the world around them. I learned this through photography; capturing the soul of people doing something, nothing or everything in their own space and time. I once got aboard a lunch cruise in Sydney to photograph people on board. Suddenly I was ‘Jack’ from ‘Titanic’ minus the pencils and sketchbooks of course, but with a camera. While most people on board were involved in continuous banter and laughter, there were a bunch of silent people as well including me. I love people-watching and a dining cruise on Sydney Harbour was a perfect place to see them in sheer candidness. I also tried a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise once to capture the nocturnal souls by the luminous harbour. Perhaps, I could’ve been vicariously living a full life through the seemingly happy people around me. Definitely a healthier coping mechanism than hating and hurting myself, isn’t it?  

Travelling to Cure the Trauma 

One of the ways to overcome the effect of traumatic experiences is to gain healing experiences. And travelling is definitely a healing path to be reckoned with. As I write, I’m reminded of Tennyson’s lines from the poem ‘Ulysses’: 

“Yet all experience is an arch wherethro’
Gleams that untravell’d world whose margin fades”. 

When you travel, it’s not just about crossing the boundaries, but rather about meeting new people and getting to know about their culture, lifestyle, cuisine etc. And on the way, you may even stumble upon a life-altering experience to disintegrate your eerie and ennui-stricken self. 

Sightseeing to Override Stress

Sightseeing, which goes hand-in-hand with travelling, is a refreshing activity that one can easily indulge in. All you gotta do is commute to a spot with a good view of a place. Whether it’s the mountains or the beaches, you’ll be in a place that is far from the madding crowd that gave you all the trauma, the stress, or perhaps, the people whom you wish to forget. So doesn’t it make sense that sightseeing could be a great way to override all the stressful situations in life? Do let me know in the comments.  

Dining Out To Dissolve Disorder 

For some people, there is no better medicine than good food experiences to dissolve all their bad moods. Dining out, although it isn't a great option I may suggest, is a wonderful distraction in life. However, may I add a friendly disclaimer here: People often develop eating disorders during their post-traumatic phases. 

To conclude, I suggest my dear readers to find/create a definition for whatever devastating situations you may be going through. Studies have found that a person struggling with some kind of illness leads a different life than those who are not. One could interpret this observation in two ways–a person living a disease-ridden life wallowing in their thoughts of impending doom/death or a person living their best life, fully knowing their days are numbered. Of course, the latter sounds more reassuring ‘cause it’s the outcome of a positive transition in lifestyle. Creating or finding a new meaning in life helps you tackle the tightening grip of ennui in your life. Perhaps, my version of PTSD can help you. Feel free to share your thoughts with me in the comments.