February 19, 2020

Olympic gold medalist pens letter about PTSD after therapy session

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Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman, who suffers from PTSD, opened up about her "productive, but exhausting" therapy session on Tuesday.

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Raisman, 25, explained that her latest therapy appointment left her feeling "completely drained, as if I just finished an intense training session. My body aches."

Despite the grueling session, Raisman offered hope to her followers who understand her battles all too well.

"At first I felt alone like no one would understand but then I remembered so many of you who have kindly supported me and also have been brave enough to share your own stories with me. I hope you know you gave me comfort and hope," she explained.

"The road to recovery isn't easy," she went on. "Some days I feel like I am moving forward and then the next day it feels like 3 steps back. Sometimes when I feel like I am beginning to heal from one part of my trauma, another memory pops up."

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The two-time Olympian said when that happens she feels "so sick that it is hard to have an appetite and its hard to sleep."

Raisman said she opened up about such a personal issue to help others "who felt the same way."

"I hope you know you're not alone & no matter how hard the PTSD gets we won't feel like this forever," she said.

She closed her message with a heartfelt thank you to her fans: "I hope you feel my support. I stand with you."

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Her message resonated with many individuals who thanked her for her honesty and encouragement.

Raisman previously revealed her PTSD resulted from being sexually abused by former Team USA gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.