Hello, I’m Shaun Norton, a speaker from Johannesburg, South Africa. I grew up in a nurturing environment, shielded from the realities of mental health issues until life itself introduced me to PTSD through personal loss.

Understanding PTSD: PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, isn’t just for war veterans. My journey began with significant personal loss, particularly the passing of my mother in 2022, which left me grappling with emotions and feelings I had previously suppressed. PTSD can mask itself under layers of normalcy, lurking beneath the surface of everyday life.

My Journey: My background was one of love and support, but even in such environments, mental health can be overlooked until it hits home. My own battle with PTSD came from unexpected places, leading me to advocacy through motivational speaking. I realized I was, in a way, cutting off my emotions to survive, much like the soldiers described by speakers on podcasts like the Joe Rogan Experience.

“It’s okay to be not okay… but it’s not okay to stay not okay.” – Shaun Norton

Coping and Managing PTSD: From personal experience and research, I advocate for a range of techniques:

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: An emerging but promising field for those open to alternative treatments.

Mindfulness: Staying present to manage overwhelming memories.

Lifestyle and Self-care: Ensuring physical health supports mental health.

Grounding Techniques: To stay anchored in the present moment during flashbacks.

Peer and Social Support: The power of community in healing.

Impact Stories: While I’m at the beginning of my speaking journey, the impact has been immediate within my family. My wife, seeing my transformation, acknowledges the benefits of psychedelic therapy and how it’s helped us both confront our suppressed emotions.

Cultural Context: In South Africa, as in many parts of the world, there’s a stigma around mental health. Speaking about PTSD in a workplace or social setting can be daunting, often met with misunderstanding or avoidance. Yet, this challenge fuels my resolve to change perceptions.

Future Goals: My aim is to reach out to schools and young people, spreading awareness that it’s okay to seek help for mental health struggles. Early recognition and intervention can change lives.

Personal Growth: Speaking out has been therapeutic for me. It has taught me that admitting you’re not okay is a strength, not a weakness. “It’s okay to be not okay, but it’s not okay to stay not okay.” This journey has opened up new layers of thought and conversation, pushing me to grow personally and hopefully contribute positively to societal views on mental health.

My journey with PTSD and motivational speaking is about turning personal tragedy into a collective triumph. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to seek support, understand their struggles, and embrace a healthier mental state. If you’re struggling, remember, you’re not alone, and there’s a path forward.

Feel free to reach out, share your stories, or find out more about speaking engagements or support groups. Let’s keep the conversation going.