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What if your greatest source of healing came on four legs?
In this powerful episode of The SwagAbility Show, Stephen Wagstaff sits down with Lee Atherton, who shares her incredible journey through childhood trauma, PTSD, panic attacks, family rejection, and the remarkable service dog that helped change her life.
For years, Lee lived with invisible emotional wounds that few people could see. Night terrors, anxiety, and overwhelming fear became part of everyday life—until an extraordinary service dog named Shadow entered the picture.
Together, Stephen and Lee explore how PTSD affects far more than military veterans, why childhood trauma often remains hidden for decades, and how healing can come through faith, community, and unexpected relationships.
This conversation isn't simply about surviving trauma.
It's about discovering hope, reclaiming purpose, and learning that your past doesn't have to define your future.
Whether you're living with PTSD, supporting someone who is, or simply searching for encouragement during a difficult season, this episode offers practical wisdom, compassion, and hope.
CHAPTERS
00:00 – When Trauma Follows You Everywhere
01:15 – Welcome to The SwagAbility Show
02:00 – Meet Lee Atherton
03:00 – Childhood Trauma & Family Rejection
06:00 – PTSD Beyond the Military
08:00 – Living with Panic Attacks
12:00 – Remembering Childhood Abuse
18:00 – The Weight of Invisible Trauma
25:00 – Meeting Shadow
34:00 – How Service Dogs Change Lives
43:00 – Faith, Healing & Purpose
52:00 – Hope for Anyone Living with PTSD
59:00 – Final Encouragement
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ PTSD affects millions of people—not just military veterans.
✅ Childhood trauma can remain hidden for decades.
✅ Service dogs can become life-changing partners in recovery.
✅ Healing doesn't always happen quickly—but it is possible.
✅ Faith, resilience, and community matter.
✅ Your story doesn't end with your trauma.
Have you or someone you love experienced PTSD, childhood trauma, anxiety, or another invisible disability?
What has helped you find hope?
Leave your thoughts in the comments. Your story may encourage someone who needs it today.
Help us continue sharing stories of resilience, disability, faith, healing, and hope around the world.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/donate-to-change-lives-today
Do you have a story of overcoming adversity, disability, chronic illness, caregiving, resilience, faith, leadership, or purpose?
We'd love to hear your story.
Apply through PodMatch:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/swagability
SwagAbility is a faith-first nonprofit dedicated to helping people thrive wherever life finds them through authentic conversations about resilience, disability, trauma, grief, healing, leadership, and hope.
Because your story still has power—and your life still has purpose.
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