Further Reading
Chaundra's Story
The power of words saved my life, literally.
At the age of 31, I was diagnosis with a four-centimeter large brain aneurysm within an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), which is an abnormal formation of blood vessel. If this was not bad enough, the aneurysm was growing at such a rapid pace, it was certain to rupture in the near future only leading to a disastrous outcome.
Essentially, doctors were giving me two weeks to two months to live.
After enduring a risky brain operation to remedy the aneurysm and AVM, I suffered a stroke. I spent over a month in the hospital and in inpatient rehabilitation. During this period, I was limited to a wheelchair, only to endure months of physical therapy and future surgeries to remedy the devastating effects of my stroke.
Immediately following my illness, I became depressed, which triggered a previous psychological and emotional disorder known as Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). CPTSD is similar to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the condition commonly developed by wartime soldiers and rape victims. CPTSD sufferers also develop the disorder as a result of trauma. However, the trauma occurs frequently and over an extended period of time.
As a result of the disorder, most of my adult life before my traumatic brain surgery, I’d suffer long bouts of depression and anxiety attacks. This syndrome became a physical manifestation of a long series of dysfunction events in my life.
From abusive relationships, extreme poverty in childhood, exposure to violence, to fatherlessness, I had an overall dissatisfaction with my life. Not knowing where to turn to help me cope with these events, I picked up a pen and a journal, and just started bearing my soul, allowing all of the emotions I’ve build up over time to be released on the page.
The more I journaled, the more I began to understand how my emotional issues were affecting my attitude, behavior and relationships. I not only vented about the events in my life, but starting examining them to identify unhealthy patterns, recognizing the cause of these unhealthy patterns, and then discovering ways to break these unhealthy patterns.
I began to notice a tremendous difference in my ability to manage my depression and anxiety, while developing a healthier outlook on life.
My relationships began to improve. I developed a higher self-esteem. But most importantly, I was getting to know myself better.
Some people choose to keep a written account of their lives private, but I have shaped mine in creative nonfiction pieces, such as blog essays and personal essays. I have chosen to share the details of my life to inspire and motivate others.
Writing about all of these ordeals was not only healing but a way for me to capture the details of my life.
So literally, writing has saved my life.