Early

After reading Tara Westover’s “Educated”, Paula Fox’s “Borrowed Finery”, and Alan Cumming’s “Not My Father’s Son”—Jeanette Winterson’s “Why Be Happy When You Can Be Normal?” seemed a natural progression of my literal literary journey through other people’s dysfunctional families.

Particularly as I have one of those myself.

I often find myself, leaning into that darkness; conducting a field study of sorts; of the lived experiences of others, to compare against my own. Desperately searching for clues as to how they managed to escape the chaos of familial dysfunction intact, or at least semi intact.

Doesn’t trauma do that to us all? We seek out answers, explanations, and ways to escape?

I always found my escape hatch in books, and I can tell that this one is going to be a helluva immersive read. To wit; I’m only on page 8 and already find myself awed by this excerpt:

“Truth for anyone is a very complex thing.
There are so many things that we can’t say, because they are too painful. We hope that the things we can say will soothe the rest, or appease it in some way. Stories are compensatory. The world is unfair, unjust, unknowable, out of control.

When we tell a story we exercise control, but in such a way as to leave a gap, an opening. It is a version, but never the final one. And perhaps we hope that the silences will be heard by someone else, and the story can continue, can be retold.

When we write we offer the silence as much as the story. Words are the part of silence that can be spoken.”

Looks like my weekend plans are sorted! What is your current read? 📚

#MightyBookClub #BookExcerpt #Books #Childhoodtrauma #PTSD #Trauma
#ComplexPosttraumaticStressDisorder
#childhoodtraumasurvivor
#ChildhoodTraumaSurvivors
#Anxiety #Reading #Early Childhood Trauma
#ChildhoodAbuse #EmotionalAbuse
#EmotionalNeglect #EmotionalHealth

I’m trying to remind myself of these things when my inner abused child is crying out for help. #ChildAbuse #CPTSD #CheckInWithMe #Depression #Anxiety #worthless #Early Childhood Trauma

Regardless of the path that you are on, the truth is that you are stronger than you think.

You are still here, and you've been through tough times. And you have bad days and good ones.

And still you rise! Congratulations!

#Depression #Anxiety #CPTSD #EatingDisorders #Early Childhood Trauma

I’m having a very anxiety filled day. My mind is racing and I’m struggling (once again) with wanting to stay. Stay in my job, in my relationships, in my life.
One thing my therapist had talked about when it comes to the trauma I’ve experienced and what the therapy and sessions will bring is this moment where there’s a switch- where I will go from having this burden of trauma to it no longer being such. It won’t be gone, but I won’t be tied down anymore.
It won’t be the thing that influences every thought and action I have, even subconsciously.
And… my question is has anyone ever had that “switch” moment? And if they would be willing to share something about it. #Anxiety #Lifesucks #Therapy #Early Childhood Trauma

In reading through many posts in this forum, I've heard the same theme echoed over and over, a cry for resources.

Most of us have had the exhausting experience of trying to find a Therapist, Psychiatrist or Social Worker who is specifically trained in dealing with CPTSD.

Some of you have spoken up about the people who have been there for you, that special, empathetic caregiver who was able to meet your needs. And how wonderful it was to read about your success.

Unfortunately, the majority of people seem to reflect on the absence of resources and the feelings of hopelessness that arise as a result.

As someone who has benefitted from a dedicated Trauma Program, both inpatient and outpatient, I thought I'd provide a starting place for those looking for assistance.

Founded by the author of "The Body Keeps the Score", Bessel Van der Kolk; The Complex Trauma Treatment Network in Boston, Massachusetts has numerous resources.

Although what they have to provide may not be accessible to everyone, the link I've posted is a great starting point to identify what treatment options are available, types of Therapy that are currently in use and an idea of what to look for when seeking help.

www.ctttn.org/treatment-centers-affiliates/complex-trauma-tr...

Remember that you are RESILIENT! And, you have made it this far. Keep up the good work and share your successes and challenges.

I've always said I lived two lives, one in my head where I am my own over critical overbearing mom. And the other, me trying to smile and take care of others. I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 disorder in my early 20s. I struggled accepting that I would have to take meds. I finally got tired of myself and went to psych, got meds, and things mellowed out. Then all of a sudden with a very big a initially good change in my life, my mental health spiraled out of control. Many hospital stays later, I had a new diagnoses, borderline personality disorder. It was a game changer, because there's is a specific treatment, I felt a different hope. A whole field of psychology dedicated to people who have had extreme trauma, because that's the only way to develop this disorder. I finally had something to give myself a break, that I wasn't this evil person who was out of control, and wasn't the bad person I felt I was because of how I could hurt people. DBT therapy was and has been out of my comfort zone, but it's much more rewarding and pleasant than being frozen in fear. I hope to be able to give hope to others who are battling this disorder like I am. #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #CPTSD #PTSD #Anxiety #Early Childhood Trauma