(a.k.a., why “being left” hits like a freight train when you’ve got trauma on board) Let’s get this out of the way upfront: The Departure Theory isn’t something you’ll find in a psychology textbook. No citations, no DSM entry. But in trauma circles, especially among those of us navigating life with CPTSD, it comes up […]
Things I Thought Were Normal Until Therapy
I used to think I was just a guy with “quirks.” You know, overly cautious, emotionally avoidant, allergic to rest, suspicious of compliments, and constantly rehearsing conversations in my head like I was preparing for a deposition instead of a lunch date. Totally normal stuff… right? Turns out, no. Not really. Therapy has this sneaky […]
Tips On What to Do When CPTSD Hits Hard
You’d think that after all this time, I’d be a seasoned pro at navigating CPTSD. That it’d be a cakewalk by now. But it’s not. Even those of us who’ve done the therapy, the shadow work, put in the time, and learned the tools that do work for us still have off days. Still get […]
The Mental Health Myth That Needs to Go
There are a ton of myths floating around about mental health. Some come from a good place, some are wildly off, and some just make you want to gently bang your head against a wall. But if I had to pick one to blast off into the sun, it’d be this: “You have to look […]
How Gaslighting in Politics Can Trigger CPTSD
Those of us who are paying attention can all see what’s happening, not just in the U.S. but around the world. To be honest, watching the news or scrolling through social media these days feels less like staying informed and more like emotional dodgeball. And if you’re someone who already lives with CPTSD or any […]
Healing After Childhood Sexual Abuse for Men
Let’s just get this out of the way: being a man who was sexually abused as a child can mess with your head in ways that are incredibly difficult to explain, and even harder to talk about. I’m not a therapist. I’m not a self-help guru. I’m just someone who has lived it. And if […]