Episode 5: When the Body Keeps Score: My Pandemic PTSD Story & How I Started to Heal

Have you ever thought you moved on from something — only to have your body tell you otherwise? In this episode, I’m opening up about the pandemic chaos that led to PTSD: losing my job in China, living out of a backpack for 10 months across Vietnam, the Philippines, Liechtenstein, and Abu Dhabi — and what happened when I finally stopped moving long enough to feel it.From nervous system dysregulation and cortisol overload to shaking on the drive to a line dancing class, I share the real signs of stored trauma I didn't recognize as PTSD — and the nervous system regulation, inner child work, and healing practices that helped me release it without years of formal therapy.This episode is for anyone who:Has experienced trauma, anxiety, or uncertainty and pushed through instead of processingIs curious about nervous system healing, PTSD recovery, or somatic approaches to emotional releaseNeeds permission to just be witnessed — without fixing, advice, or toxic positivityTimestamps:00:00 Intro00:56 Navigating life changes: Divorce and relocation03:53 The Impact of the COVID Pandemic on Personal Identity18:50 Coping with Uncertainty30:56 The Journey of Healing: Recognizing PTSD Symptoms37:03 Empathy and Understanding: The Power of Listening♥ Connect with me on Instagram: @jessicagraham.storycoach♥ Sign up for the FREE monthly gathering for ambitious women in business, Stories in Action.  ♥ Book a call to discuss narrative coaching. ♥ Start the process with a FREE Name The Narrative Session. About me: I help female founders and ambitious women rewrite the stories that are keeping them stuck in outdated identities.