I grew up learning about fight or flight ad nauseam. I blew it off. I didn’t fight, I didn’t run. I figured it didn’t apply to me, which in a way it didn’t. I eventually learned about freeze. Then I read an article by Peter Walker outlining the 4 F’s: Fight, Flight, Freeze and Fawn. …
Quick definition of emotional abuse: http://dayoneservices.org/what-is-emotional-abuse/ This one is the hardest to recognize for me and the slowest to heal because of the constant erosion of my self worth; I felt their assessment was me. Took many counseling sessions to start breaking through the abusive fog of self doubt, self condemnation, and believing their view…
Universities are starting to publish articles on PTSD, of course CPTSD is not mentioned because it is not yet an “official” diagnosis. Here’s the link to the article. https://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/10726-ptsd-is-not-just-for-veterans-it-s-a-trauma-disorder-that-affects-millions The part I get frustrated is the bending of the causes to fit their agenda: “We must see PTSD, and other trauma-related disorders, as mental health…
A new year, a new beginning, the same pain and the same challenges. I laughed when a teacher at church shared that he does not make New Year Resolutions because he likes to spread his failures out over the whole year. I hate new year resolutions because I hate the sound of them breaking on…
I enjoyed Christmas this year. That was my goal. I succeeded. However, recovery takes time. I spent the days after Christmas at home. Resting – working quietly. Worked on crocheting and pour painting. I didn’t push myself to accomplish anything. I set my goal to enjoy Christmas, I did. Time to take a victory lap…
Forgiveness is a tough subject partly because of what I believe the mistaken belief that forgiveness means letting an abuser back into your life. My point of view is that forgiveness is all about me but does not mean reconciliation with my abusers. Reconciliation starts with forgiveness but requires change on the part of the…
Such an awesome word. Sounds something odd and weird. In a sense, it is. It is our brains ability to change. Scientist are learning that PTSD and CPTSD are forms of brain injuries. Some people feel doomed by this diagnosis. I felt relieved to have a name for my pain. It was no longer a…
Resentment is an emotion that puzzled me. Was it a hiding emotion that hid other emotions? It was linked to bitterness but some how different? I felt it, but wasn’t sure how to heal it when I didn’t know the source or whence it came. Like many epiphanies that I have, it came while I…
I get frustrated with doctors. They hear I have PTSD, suddenly every ache and pain is stressed caused. Sometimes it isn’t. My leg has bothered me for months. I thought a fall last summer may have been the cause but no bruising to indicate any damage. My friend at karate pointed out that I was…
My counselor did not warn me when he helped me reconnect to emotions that these pesky things are messy, sneaky, inconvenient and down right troublesome. I am struggling in a morass of emotions of my own making. But I’ve never been happier, more at peace or better adjusted. Too many people want to runaway from…
PTSD - Accepting, Coping, Thriving 