Never in a million years did Meghan Dilley dream she would publish a book of poetry that involves all the raw emotion brought about by the trauma incurred after 2020. Her very steady and calm personality was challenged as she was diagnosed with moderate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the work performed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which festered April 6, 2020. Meghan saw things she never imagined she would see and those memories will always remain. Initially, Meghan thought she was fine as she had been through many physical and mental challenges in her life, but the horrific nature of this trauma set off PTSD symptoms. The trauma Meghan experienced caused triggers, which would cause her to revisit that day causing anxiety, trouble focusing, and severe noise hypersensitivity that was very difficult for her to explain.
Today Meghan is ok with the new person she has become and has found solace in new spaces that take her away from the trauma of that day. Meghan began writing poetry; these poems are a very private look into the experiences and growth that she has made following the trauma. Meghan’s hope is for her poetry to help others who may not understand their feelings during their struggle with PTSD as well as give a glimpse of this life to those who may not understand how it affects people. PTSD is not just a mental health disorder affecting war veterans; for Meghan it was seeing a great deal of death in one day and the inhumane treatment of these bodies without processing it at the time. It is about balancing the wave on a daily basis.
About Meghan Dilley: Meghan received her BA in English from Franklin and Marshall College in 2001 and after teaching for two years decided to pursue a career in physical therapy. She graduated with her DPT in physical therapy from Rutgers School of Health Professions, formerly known as The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 2009 and has been working in the field ever since. In her spare time, she likes to play sports, hike, be near water, listen to music, spend time with her two cats Vicki and Prescott, along with her foster cat Ellie, and be around family and friends.You can find Meghan’s book, Hearing What I Hear, Seeing What I See: A Poetic Journey Through PTSD on Amazon and you can connect with Meghan on her website https://www.meghandilleyauthor.com/.