Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

If you'd told me in 2016, when I first started my recovery, that I would be where I am today, I wouldn't have believed it. My life has changed drastically from what I imagined it would be. How I view myself, my understanding of my childhood trauma, my sense of purpose and worth, and the tough moments I've made it through are nothing short of spectacular to me. I couldn't have imagined this version of myself if I tried. I wish I had been kinder to myself at the beginning, and that I'd known about more resources, but without the process of finding the communities I have, I wouldn't be who I am, so I'm grateful regardless.

What's something you wish you knew?

#BipolarDepression #BipolarDisorder #PTSD #ComplexPosttraumaticStressDisorder #Schizophrenia #ADHD #Parenting #ChronicIllness #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Anxiety #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #Depression #MentalHealth #Selfcare #EatingDisorders #CheckInWithMe

It’s become a vessel to store my thoughts, prayers and poems. Some are to her but all are for her. My mother wasn’t easy by any means. She was sharp and shrewd. A stoic in nature and seemingly cold - although I knew it was her armor. I’d give anything to hold her hands and look into her eyes one more time. #Loss #Grief #PTSD #CPTSD #ADD #ADHD #BipolarDisorder

It’s become a vessel to store my thoughts, prayers and poems. Some are to her but all are for her. My mother wasn’t easy by any means. She was sharp and shrewd. A stoic in nature and seemingly cold - although I knew it was her armor. I’d give anything to hold her hands and look into her eyes one more time. #Loss #Grief #PTSD #CPTSD #ADD #ADHD #BipolarDisorder

Stigma is the negative or unfair beliefs and associations a society or group attaches to something. It can grow out of a lack of knowledge or awareness, and it can show up as discrimination, labeling, or unfair treatment.

Awareness of what it's like to live with a mental health condition has grown, but many people still feel the effects of stigma. Being Mighty and advocating for mental health is how we crush stigma for good! Let's keep speaking up together! 💪🗣️

I've been pretty open about my mental health for years, but before my diagnosis, I was often told to "get it together" because my mood (what I now recognize as symptoms) was affecting other people, or that I didn't have depression and shouldn't "speak that on myself" because it would be a bad thing. Internalized stigma also kept me from realizing I needed help in the first place. Now I share my story in my community often, because I want others to know it's OK to ask for help when they need to.

Have you experienced stigma? Answer "true" or "false" below! If you're up to it, share how stigma has affected you and how you've overcome.

You are definitely not alone!

#BipolarDepression #BipolarDisorder #PTSD #ComplexPosttraumaticStressDisorder #Schizophrenia #ADHD #Parenting #ChronicIllness #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Anxiety #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #Depression #MentalHealth #Selfcare #EatingDisorders #CheckInWithMe

Living with a condition like C-PTSD can be painful and complicated. It can also be hard to know how much to share — or how to explain something unseen that affects every part of your daily life.

Maybe you use analogies or clinical terms to convey how serious it is. Maybe you simplify things to avoid long explanations. Or maybe you keep it private unless you really trust someone.

What's your approach? How do you talk about your condition with friends, coworkers, or family — and what makes those conversations go more smoothly?

#MentalHealth #ComplexPosttraumaticStressDisorder #CheckInWithMe #Selfcare #PTSD #ChronicIllness