The (Complex) PTSD Guy

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.

Three key things to help overcome self-destructive behavior (self-sabotage)... having a support group for the changes you are making, having healthy coping mechanisms that you can incorporate along with the changes, and asserting personal boundaries.

Tips on what environments can trigger you to shut down and lack self expression, or lose sense of who you are. How to get back your identity, and some reminders to keep in view in case you feel lost in the future.

Recent developments regarding financial stability and why trust is an important factor. Also mention how stress and hopelessness can hinder financial success, and the importance of giving yourself a break and forgiving yourself if you haven't reached your goals yet.

The importance of asking for help with things that you struggle with or need assistance with. How isolating hinders this. I give some recent examples from my own life, including that I just signed up for a money management class.

Reminder about the importance of nurturing yourself and how Complex PTSD can impair your money management.

The frightening feeling that is systemic abuse, and something that recently triggered me regarding this (which I mention). Also a small reflection on systematic abuse.

List of a few great benefits that have materialized recently in my life due to sticking to my routine, and the importance of keeping a calendar for yourself. Has helped with communication, receiving positive attention, and I feel more confident in myself.

I think the Holy Grail of a joyful relationship is finding someone who has an essence that matches your own. I explain what I mean and the importance of having boundaries when you find this type of relationship. I've realized my own essence is that I'm an absurdist, and it makes initiating a relationship so much simpler.

I discuss the enormous importance of embracing your essence and how this allows you to enjoy life. There are six key qualities that I think come from embracing your essence, and they are confidence, experience, ageing with grace, being witty, being raw and being interesting. Sometimes with trauma that essence is shutdown, and it's important to get it back by embracing it!

How denial plays a key role in long-term abuse, and that's what Complex PTSD is... long-term trauma. It creates the effect of focus being wiped away or as I call it the incredibly disappearing memory game.

I list 15 symptoms of Complex PTSD and put them into 3 groups. By grouping them based on their similarities, I think it's easier to find possible solutions to help cope with them.