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It's weird knowing that the abuse/neglect is wrong, but justifying it anyway. I do the same thing. Supposedly it's because I have a lot of empathy. And apparently it's a protective mechanism. Your mind is saying to you that you need to slow down a bit, take this step slowly. When I'm plowing through my therapy (because it's so awesome to make progress and I want to keep going!) and ignoring that part that thinks I should slow down I am suddenly forced to slow down. Usually that means a migraine that knocks me out for a few days or some kind of self-destructive behavior. Then I really have to take a break, and often a step back.

So I recommend breathing, self care, and lots of pats on the back. Give yourself little rewards and treats for doing what you need to do to get through all the struggles, big and small, in your life. And be prepared--it may not seem "all that bad" in some ways, but it deeply affected you in other ways. You're going to need to love and support yourself through this part of your therapy. And you've got additional support here. 

 

Hello, and welcome

Are you in treatment?
How are you doing in school?

I've learned that I can't handle jobs with too many people around, customers or colleagues. I work best with only a handful of people so I've taken a job that's over night. If school is good for you, maybe you can take on a secretarial role. You could schedule appointments or do some light bookkeeping. Hospitals always need people to register patients. Maybe you can work at a library or movie theater--places that tend to be more quiet. If you don't need to work you can always working only a couple of days a week. Maybe you could tutor? I did that for a couple of years--I contacted the local high school and volunteered as a tutor until I got a feel for what subjects I could successfully help with and built a reputation, then I charged for sessions.

Hope this was helpful. Good luck!

Hello, Ivan

I'm sorry to read about your pain.

I spent most of my life stuffing my child part away and I, too, suddenly became aware that my actions and my body's own reactions to situations were a result of that. Are you getting treatment now?

I offer my support, and a hug for your inner child. You can do this!

You're reaching out and that's so difficult, take a moment to be proud of yourself because that's huge!

I'm very analytical and the therapy that works best for me incorporates Mindfulness--being aware of your thoughts and feelings. (usually with my eyes closed the whole time) I try to focus on one feeling, then notice what part of my body is affected as I feel that emotion. Sometimes it's a single part, like my head aches or my right arm is numb, but sometimes it's larger like I'm cold or my joints are sore. This part is gonna sound kooky, but after I find the emotion in my body I tell myself that I love myself and I thank myself. Just "I love you" and "thank you for keeping me safe." I sit there being comfortable with that and slowly let in sounds from from the room. Then the feeling of the blanket around me, the pillow under my head, my leg on the mattress.... I open my eyes and stay still as I look at the colors and shapes around me. I don't move until I feel ok.

You are not alone. And you should be so proud of yourself for doing what you need, even when that need is staying in bed.

Hello

How did your treatment go?

Personally, I've discovered that aromatherapy, acupuncture, etc are great ways to get relief from anxiety and triggers, and some therapies work better for different triggers. Good luck!

I'm new here, so wanted to introduce myself.

I've been in treatment for CPTSD for about 10 years, after I was retraumatized. My original trauma started in childhood. I've been healing well, very recently I was either triggered or retraumatized once again. So I am here to find some support and avoid isolating myself. I hope to also be a support for others.

Thank you.