Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

For me, living with mental health conditions has been challenging in many ways. One of the more subtle—but surprisingly difficult—challenges has been answering the simple question, "How are you?"

Being part of different mental health communities has given me the courage to be more honest with myself and with others. At the same time, it's made it harder to give the automatic "I'm fine" response when that's not how I actually feel.

If I'm having a difficult day, I usually try to be honest about it. But I've learned that this approach can sometimes make others uncomfortable, especially if they don't understand that my mental health conditions are chronic. My symptoms aren't something that only show up during a crisis or after something traumatic—they're a regular part of my life.

There have even been times when I've distanced myself from people because I worried that my honesty about not feeling well over a long period of time would make them uncomfortable.

Can anyone else relate?

How do you usually respond when someone asks, "How are you?" Does that question ever feel uncomfortable for you? Has your answer changed over time?

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

My favorite place. Serene water with a gentle ripple. Or a slow drop on a vast vessel of water. Looking through a crystal clear ocean to find he shimmering sand..these things I seek. I choose. But I’m also haunted. My face pressed up against the glass of my windshield like a bird birthed in flight I crash- 💥 I’m not sure until now 💥my triad failed 😣 nutrition exercise and sleep…. Systems in lock down and I’m rebuilding again 💥the memories will come during any moment and I respect myself💥but my god do I feel challenged right now ❤️ always striving to live love and begin again… I’m so tired 💤#PTSD #ComplexPosttraumaticStressDisorder

Spanglish Family & Friends support group is for adults who identify as Hispanic, Latina, Latine, or Latino and have a loved one dealing with mental health issues.

Connect with others who are experiencing the same unique challenges within their families and communities, such as:

🔵 Cultural and language barriers in mental healthcare
🔵 Concerns about seeking help due to undocumented status, and
🔵 Intergenerational trauma and stigma around emotional issues

This group is held in English and Spanish.

💻 If you'd like more information or would like to join, you can find the link here. Virtual groups are every 3rd Tuesday, 6-7:30 PM Eastern Standard Time. Closed Captioning is available:
naminycmetro.org/programs/spanglish

If you have any questions, feel free to comment below!

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

I’m coming to know myself better than ever before. I’ve reflected back to my childhood and realized I have been holding my breath when I’m anxious for as long as I can remember. It started with refusing things in my mouth. I believe this breath holding, shallow and inconsistent breathing (also hyperventilating) has become a part of who I am now as an adult. My 😥 #system as my mother would say was overactive. Over-everything ….and always at the wrong time. My system would get overloaded and the brain/body connection would become spastic. Giggling, jumping, crying…thank goodness no anger then….#ADHD #Trauma #Anxiety #PTSD #ComplexPosttraumaticStressDisorder #AcuteStressDisorder #Psychosis