PTSD Face Mask: Did I Make It Out Alive?
- Kiran
- Jun 23, 2020
- 3 min read
*Trigger Warning: This art blog is a depiction of a realistic fiction story that is closely related to post-traumatic stress disorder, or more commonly known as trauma. As such, the created artwork on the face mask has been exaggerated with blood, fake wounds, words, and drawings which may be triggering to some individuals, in addition to certain triggering events in the narrative. Please feel free to click away from this blog post if you think that this may be a trigger for you. Remember, your mental health comes first.
Artwork by Kiran. This face mask was used as a part of a PTSD Exhibition that was held at the International Medical University, Malaysia on the 31st of May 2019. Feel free to interpret this mask based on your own individual perspective.
PTSD: Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that is triggered by a recent or past terrifying or traumatic event, which results in flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, among a few other symptoms.
"You were involved in a car accident, don't try to speak or move your head, your face might feel like it's on fire", that's the last thing I remember hearing from a paramedic before I lost consciousness. It's been 3 years, my Volkswagen has been sitting in my garage untouched, being plagued by dust ever since. I've tried to sit in the driver's seat again but the feel of the steering wheel, the sound of the engine, and the sight of my scarred face in the rear view mirror are all subtle but anxiety-inducing reminders of the crash. I've been labelled lucky more times than I've been labelled a girl. But under no circumstances do I even feel the slightest bit lucky. It was my fault after all right? We see over 100 ads on the dangers of texting and driving, but I guess I would rather choose to ignore all of them to have placed myself in that situation in the first place. There were no other "lucky" individuals involved in the crash. It was just me, and the unlucky traffic pole that was bent in half. So how do I move on now? Even being in the passenger seat sends flashbacks through my mind. Remember me being called lucky? Well people had another thought when they heard about my PTSD. "Oh it wasn't even that serious, just go through lessons again, you'll be back on the road in no time". If only it was as simple as that huh? This was my first ever accident after 10 years of experience on the road. This was hard for me to accept, my guilt eats me up each day, but this trauma changed my life for the better. Better because I've learned a hard lesson and I'm more careful than ever. And I mean EVER. Right now I am still working on my goal of being able to drive again. So Dear Mr Fear, if you're reading this, please get into the back seat and let me take over the wheel will ya?
REMINDER: This story is a realistic fictional narrative, however elements such as symptoms and context in which the story takes place is based on true factual information.
1. If you would like to know more about PTSD such as the signs and symptoms, causes, treatment options, and how you can help individuals who experience trauma, click on the link below:
2. List of PTSD organizations and resources:
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