Godismystronghold.com

You are safe here & always will be. Thank you for being here.

It took years for me to feel safe writing my pain on paper .. but with vulnerability comes release.

And with release? Release leads to freedom. 💛

CPTSD is a monster.

It uses your own brain and body to destroy you, to steal your joy. It attempts to steal your light and hope.

Let me tell you clearly.

You are worthy.

You are enough.

You are stronger than you think.

You are safe here and your words matter 💛

Healing together & moving forward into new normal. New normal isn’t all bad… it’s just new.

New Normal

We fight together

OUR fight — OUR impact

Important Questions

🌸 Pain to purpose

I created this safe space for anyone and everyone. Not just the traumatized and emotionally wounded but for those seeking to better understand us.

From one warrior to another will feature my writings but also be a safe space for others to send writings of their experiences should they feel comfortable doing so.

I would be honored.

🌸 What is CPTSD? (Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD, C-PTSD or cPTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop if you experience chronic (long-term) trauma.
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Rather large umbrella of symptoms but most common:

-Emotional disregulation

-Anxiety

-Panic Attacks

-Depression

-Flashbacks

-Nightmares/Night Terrors

-Avoidance of people/places

-Heightened emotional response (aggression/impulsive/defensive)

-Inappropriate response to stimuli (Adjustment Disorder)

-Difficulty maintaining relationships

🌸 Does your brain chemistry really change after sustained trauma?

Yes— this happens when your brain is forced to function in a chronic or extended environment that is dangerous or unsafe. There are chemical and electrical changes that occur in this trade off to keep you alive & ready to flee to safety.

An EEG (electroencephalogram) can be completed to measure the baseline levels in your brain to determine which parts are over performing or under performing.

I have had one myself!

This test is administered by a Psychiatrist.

🌸 What are triggers?

A trigger can be any type of stimuli (well intended or not) that makes a painful or terrifying memory surface.

Like the expression, “pulling a trigger“ —responses can be volatile and explosive.
Triggers are widely misunderstood by individuals who do not suffer from cPTSD & PTSD.

Once triggered the individual does not have to be “physically in danger” to have a sense of danger or fear. Our sense of reality is not like the mentally unwounded.

🌸 How do I know if I have a mental health condition?

In order to get an accurate and appropriate diagnosis —you need to be seen by a Psychiatrist (MD) and/or Psychologist (PsyD).
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A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who can diagnose mental health disorders/ complete mental health testing and prescribe medications as appropriate for treatment.

A Psychologist (PsyD) is an advanced medical provider who can diagnose and evaluate mental health disorders along with counseling, processing/various assessments for appropriate treatment. They usually coordinate with your Psychiatrist as they cannot prescribe medications.

🌸 How can I be involved?

Thank you to everyone who wants be a part of my safe space as it means everything! Creating safety for one another is the best gift we can give.
There is no perfect stage of healing to begin writing. If you feel comfortable — I would love to share your experiences with mine.

I will protect your privacy 100%.
(posts can be anonymous or include your name if consent given)

Reach out to : Allison@godismystronghold.com