The (Complex) PTSD Guy

Just sharing photos from my walk today, they are mostly mindful photos of the trees and ponds, because autumn in Illinois is really stunning especially at my nearby park. I posted these on the Complex PTSD Twitter page.

Tips on how I cope with change, and how the many recent changes in my life are starting to calm down and I'm grateful I learned how to cope with them and I didn't run away from them like I normally do.

How massage therapy has been a great tool for helping me with my trauma, and I give examples of this. Also I give tips on what to look for in a massage therapist. It's important to learn to relax and give someone control in this setting, it builds trust. Just let go.

My nerve being struck yesterday helped me realize that I should move away from things that don't truly serve me well and I realize how silly it was.

I wanted to follow up to the last podcast because I thought I might not have said the title of the book in the actual podcast audio, and I wanted to share the importance of not assuming because this is something that has held me back before.

I recently came across a book by the actor Colton Haynes, it's a memoir titled Miss Memory Lane. He's very descriptive and honest about key forms of trauma and abuse he grew up experiencing through immediate family and relatives. I think this will be relatable for some of you.

I wanted to give a few pointers on the importance of using caution if you happen to get to know people, from your support group, on a more personal level. And I wanted to share that it's never too late to meet someone who communicates like you, I sometimes feel a huge void because I don't usually meet people like myself, but today I did.

I took a class, yesterday, on better sleep and the importance of getting back into your Circadian Rhythm. Other tips from the class and info from my Tuesday evening financial class. How I was inspired by both teachers to keep going and not give up.

Wanted to give a more detailed explanation to a point I made yesterday, in order to make better sense of it. I hope this podcast goes through because it was acting like it didn't process correctly. Sometimes bettering ourselves can lead to feeling out of touch with who we are, much like living a Double Life, at least that's how I feel and this has been a very contentious thing for me.

I give three key reasons why past relationships didn't work out for me, and provide why I think I relate the way I do. Just because I don't think I'm meant for a long-term relationship doesn't mean it would be the same for you too. We each have our own experiences living with Complex PTSD.

I give specific examples of how cooking is beneficial, specifically for Complex PTSD. One of the biggest ways I think it brings calm and nurturing is simply the aroma it provides, but there are many other reasons.

Lately I've been contemplating sharing some deeper things on this podcast, more emotional things, but I need to make sure I'm sharing in a way that fits well with Complex PTSD. I thought it was interesting when I recently read we're in a full moon that brings these exact feelings. I'm not necessarily into astrology but maybe there's a little truth there because I don't believe in coincidences.

I give 5 key reasons why attending in-person support groups is beneficial, plus share a few personal details why I personally should continue to go to them.

Try not to give up and keep trying to better yourself. Hopelessness has impaired me over the years and I just have to keep trying and working with people in person on my issues really helps. Isolating really hurt me for a long time and getting out of that is key to success.

What happened when I shared that I have Complex PTSD, I give a few different experiences and recommendations.

Importance of being aware of your environment especially when you're struggling.

How something as simple as taking a class can trigger feelings of helplessness and how I think that is a big part of Complex PTSD. So knowing it is a trigger can help you handle those feelings when they pop up.

What gradual, subtle abuse does. The insidious nature of undermining. Complex PTSD largely stems from this nasty behavior of being undermined, or can stem from it and that's why it's important to know what it is.

Some personal tips on how I get out of depression. These last few days I've really struggled with severe depression and I wanted to share what has helped me get out of it.

I mention a book that I came across that is a workbook about self-destructive behavior.

How cults can be a breeding ground for neglect and abuse. My opinions on how to regain control and move forward.

Some tips on the importance of remembering the good times, when PTSD wants to drown them out (much like a bully in the classroom distracting everyone). Also, why a few minutes of cardio may be the best FIRST step towards dealing with stress and handling problems more effectively.

Importance of having a sense of purpose, and how giving back is a huge part of this.

You won't believe the message I received today, and it stemmed from something that happened 6 months ago and eerily related perfectly to the podcast I did less than 24 hours ago. I felt the need to share it. Support is out there if you seek it.

Wanted to share a few odd things that reminded me of what tends to happen when I attempt to make changes in my life, particularly related to bettering myself regarding my finances. Maybe they aren't threats at all and I just need to take a breath and look at them in a new way.