For most of my life, I didn’t trust myself. Honestly, not really. I could read a room in seconds, crack a joke under pressure, or keep things calm while everything burned down behind my eyes, but ask me what I needed. Or whether someone’s behavior felt safe? I had no idea. I’d either panic and […]
The Departure Theory and CPTSD
(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 […]
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 […]
CPTSD vs Depression and Anxiety
It’s important to know that while CPTSD often comes with symptoms like depression and anxiety, it’s not exactly the same thing. A lot of people with CPTSD end up getting misdiagnosed with things like major depression, generalized anxiety, or even borderline personality disorder. That happens because CPTSD can look a lot like those conditions on […]
PTSD or CPTSD? A Simple Breakdown Without the Psychobabble
So, you’ve been down a WebMD rabbit hole, or your therapist dropped “CPTSD” into a session like it’s a totally normal acronym. And somehow, you’ve found yourself here. Welcome. I write a lot about my own experience living with CPTSD, and I want you to know something from the start: you’re not alone. You’re not […]