Flourishing With PTSD

It wouldn't be the final season of the Flourishing With PTSD podcast is Shey wasn't on it! Founder of We Are The Evidence, Shey sits down with me to talk about what her life has looked like after going through the court process following a sexual assault, and losing the case. You can find Shey on Instagram @wearetheevidence and find more resources and blog posts on WeAreEvidence.com.

Yet another episode full of challenging vulnerability, join me as the countdown continues toward the final episode. Relationships are precious, and when they end because of trauma, we don't always get closure. Sit with me while I process my thoughts on that aloud.

Healing is highly individual. There is no grand rule book - as much as we sure wish there was. Lauren, founder of the MTMV Community Support Network talks about the realities of being a survivor in the advocacy world and the relationship of those identities with the ability to heal.

Join me as I sit down with Zinette to talk about how life has shifted in the last few years as she watches her children grow up. You do not have to be a parent to benefit from this episode!With every milestone comes a new set of conversations to aid in the autonomy of her children, and hopefully along the way bring some healing to that inner child that did not get to have these conversations. You can find Zinette on Instagram @zinetteleader

**TRIGGER WARNING** (mentions and explicit depictions of child sexual abuse and child domestic abuse) Join me as I sit down with Lu, a survivor of CPTSD of 40+ years, to hear how she found her way to healing after enduring unrelenting childhood domestic and sexual abuse. Lu goes on to share how she has taken her experiences and uses them to help others now as a Reiki Master, a certified Emotional Freedom Technique and Neuro-Linguistic Programming practitioner, and is now a certified Master Life Coach specializing in overcoming fear beliefs and finding self-worth. She is the author of Tortured to Triumphant, her spiritual journey through Complex PTSD, and an advocate for mental health because it all starts with what we are programmed to think.

**TRIGGER WARNING** (mentions of self harm, death, suicidal thoughts) This is one of the most vulnerable episodes I think I have ever published. Join me as you hear how I went from being at my lowest point when I was ready to throw in the towel to being at my highest point and finding more consistency in my mental health! If you or someone you love needs help, please consult one of the following hotlines: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255. National Hopeline Network: 1-800-442-4673. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline: 1-800-662-4357. These numbers and more can be found in therecoveryvillage.com Website mentioned: https://www.apa.org/topics/depression

Join me as I sit down with Daylyn, who speaks to her experience about being stalked during her final semester of college. It is clear in the way she expresses her story that the issue of stalking is not taken as seriously as it should be, nor is it talked about enough. Daylyn did not settle with getting through the experience and leaving it behind. Though it impacted her mental health and her sense of security, she took action that will protect the future student body on her college campus even after she graduated.

Kirin Taylor is back for another episode to discuss wellness and peace skills. It's important not just to talk about it, but practice it! Join us as Kirin walks us through affirmations and a meditation, followed by our reflections on strategies that have helped ease the struggle of navigating PTSD and intervening on symptoms at the time of onset! Let's flourish with PTSD!

The educational setting is seeing so much added pressure to teachers and students during the pandemic, and mental health conversations are more important than ever. Join Kirin R. Taylor (@kirinrtaylor) and I as we discuss the presence of mental health struggles in the classroom, and strategies and mindsets that help to host a trauma-informed space. Kirin is a peace educator and adjunct professor. She is the co-creator of Taylor-Adepoju Group (@tayloradepojugroup) and co-founder of Peace International Political Party. You can find more information on her website https://linktr.ee/kirinrtaylor . Kirin's Educator Peace Pledge: https://ce7a2284-0d32-4bbb-ba5f-1d156a20733b.filesusr.com/ugd/1ec6ad_c3dec15a94ba44e79577eac7f28e37ae.pdf

Many of us our familiar with the two famous trauma responses: Fight or Flight. Others are familiar with the three famous responses: Fight, Flight, or Freeze. We call these the Three Fs. Did you know there is a fourth response that can occur in the face of trauma? We call this the Fawn response. Some of you may know it as Feign… join me as I dissect this fourth response, what it looks like, where it came from, and some linguistic changes that may assist with dismantling the stigma around this response with the assistance of the article written by Cathie Malchiodi PhD, LPCC, LPAT, ATR-BC, REAT. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/arts-and-health/202106/understanding-fight-flight-freeze-and-the-feign-response

Did you know that those with PTSD can be eligible for a Service Dog? Typically a Service Dog can be VERY expensive, and most people out there can't just go out and afford to buy a Service Dog. Listen to Natalie share her story about her German Shepherd, Driggs, how he started out as an Emotional Support Animal, and how at the time of this recording, just three weeks ago, was certified to be a Service Dog. She tells of how she was able to navigate getting Driggs trained and certified that DID NOT cost $30,000. Disclaimer: The information in this episode is anecdotal and should not be taken for legal advice. If you are interested in pursuing having a Service Dog or Emotional Support Animal (ESA) in your life, please consult with a therapist and do your own research. You can start with the following links and also please find Natalie on both her small business Instagram @lagombynatalie and her personal account @natalieheileson. You can also find her small business, Lagom By Natalie here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LagombyNatalie Emotional Support Animal Info: https://www.esaregistration.org/?gclid=CjwKCAiAvriMBhAuEiwA8Cs5lWM5pxEbS4mFoffAirqZJS-Rsww4EULYxzzGNWZvAyQeRA1_X45y3RoCsQEQAvD_BwE. Service Dog Info: https://usserviceanimalregistrar.org/hawk-front-page/?utm_term=service%20dog%20certification&gclid=CjwKCAiAvriMBhAuEiwA8Cs5lRYfPIGzmCARIm5vpawgux_LbCKyrHG-9-HcsvTsn2kEY6CvVwUZfBoCpGYQAvD_BwE and https://www.federalservicedogregistration.org/services/service-dog-registration/

Lately I have had one constant thought: Was I THIS busy before lockdown? The amount of things I have been booking for myself and doing in a single 24-hour period is CRAZY!!! And if not careful, that can lead to burnout. What is burnout? What does that look like? How can you recover? How can you avoid it for next time? All these questions are answered by Shey, founder of We Are The Evidence (Insta: @wearetheevidence and weareevidence.com) and I, along with the help of some sources which are posted below. Join us! https://vetxinternational.com/the-five-stages-of-burnout-spot-the-sign. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/feeling-it/201706/how-give-others-without-burning-out. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/prescriptions-life/201907/4-things-do-when-youre-burning-out-work

“Can someone heal from PTSD?” “Is my life over now that I am struggling with PTSD?” “Am I stuck in this living hell?” These are all questions that trauma survivors all over the world have been asking… and I have the same questions too, which is why special guest, Dr. Pam Hall, Ph.D. sat down with me to discuss the barriers and stigma surrounding PTSD mostly in the context of - but not limited to - combat-related trauma. Not only the consequences of these barriers and stigmas, but whether or not PTSD is really a lifelong sentence. Make sure you get your copy of Dr. Pam's book, PTSD Unplugged (https://laforensicpsychologist.com/ptsd-unplugged/) and check out her website: https://laforensicpsychologist.com/ She also has a blog: https://laforensicpsychologist.com/ptsd-blog/ and find her on social media @ptsdunplugged and on Twitter: @pamelahallphd Also check out the app: PTSD Coach to track PTSD symptoms!

There is little out there that compares to the fear one experiences when trying to navigate the world after a trauma happens to you… and then adding a PTSD diagnosis into the mix of the unknown, and ADHD! Join in and listen as Natalie shares not only her journey with PTSD and ADHD, but how cannabis (marijuana) helped her to manage her PTSD

Ladies! Finally, after submitting a poll to the Flourishing With PTSD community on Instagram, many agree that a topic that is constantly left alone is going to see a gynecologist after surviving a sexual assault or sexual abuse. After being told and conditioned to protect that private part of the female body for so long, then being attacked by someone else, and then to go to the doctor to get an exam where you're supposed to ditch that kind of protective mindset? It's all insanely overwhelming for anyone, but adding PTSD into the mix can make that all the more challenging, scary, and upsetting. I recently had an ER visit in relation to horrible period pain, and I thought this would be a great time to talk about “those” exams where a doctor is kind of “all up in your business.” The purpose of this episode is to normalize the struggles that many women struggle with, and how to communicate with doctors about your fears and still be able to make sure all is well down there. https://www.healthline.com/health/navigating-medical-exams-after-sexual-assault

The rainbow flags that have beautifully painted our atmosphere so prominently this month of June make it hard to miss the fact that it is Pride Month. I know I'm on the latter end of it, but I wanted to make sure the conversation was as authentic and real as possible. Join guest speaker and friend, Autumn (she/they) and I as Autumn tells their story of encountering mental illness and the things she had to face as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. TRIGGER WARNING*** mentions of suicidal thoughts and ideation, depression, anxiety, and tough mental health struggles. You can find Autumn on Insta @anxietybugblog and find their website anxietybug.org. If you would like more information on The Trevor Project, please visit thetrevorproject.org to donate, observe resources, and make sure to take a look at the mission and find out how you can do your part to support this community! If you are interested in the app discussed during this episode: The Tapping Solution (blue and green swirls on it).

Many survivors of trauma have heightened baselines of anxiety, and one way that can be seen is through “absolute thinking.” When survivors face a trauma, there is a conditioned thinking pattern that can take place... “I need to be careful of how I react, because if they get upset, they might.... etc.” Check out the episode to hear more! You can follow Bre Lasley @biamovement and find her merch on thebiamovement.com

Mental health struggles often take a toll on our self esteem. I know it sure has on mine. But how? What does that look like? And more importantly, how can we move in a direction toward building up our self esteem in the wake of a trauma or when we struggle with anxiety?

TRIGGER WARNING** Mentions of Suicide.... Something that’s been on my mind as a 22 year old woman is the future... many of my acquaintances and friends are getting engaged, getting married and having kids. Having kids has never been something I’ve wanted in my life... It was like I’d seen too much, felt too much pain... and the idea of bringing someone into this world to potentially experience that pain is something that makes me spiral. However I can’t help but wonder about it. Join in on the convo I had with Zinette, who talks about the specifics of parenting with her own history of surviving and living with trauma. You can find Zinette on YouTube and Instagram: @_Zinette_ and her blog at Zinetteleader.com.

Have you ever heard of that saying, “The body remembers?” Maybe you have had an experience where something, a smell, a taste, a touch, a sound happens and you remember something that you didn’t remember before? Or maybe you had forgotten? Can the body hold memories that our brains forget? Join me as I learn from our guest and friend, Lauren (she/her), who is the creator of MeToo Many Voices, she is a Victim Advocate and Trauma Educator, and she is a survivor! Listen in on the knowledge she has to give us about the relationship between PTSD and the brain, and the brain and the body! You can find Lauren on social media @metoomanyvoices.

We have spent many episodes talking through the struggles of mental health... and what a great time to add into the conversation, the topic of identifying mental illness in terms of how we perceive and judge people and ourselves. Does Mental Illness look consistent across the board? Does it vary? Let’s talk about it! (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/mental-health-disorder-statistics)

After many DMs via Instagram (@flourishing.with.ptsd) in response to the end of the Nightmares episode, join in to hear about the new diagnosis I have been processing and what my thoughts are around it... how do you frame a new diagnosis as you receive it? How do you move forward? How do you advocate for yourself with your counselor? Take a listen to find out!

Nightmares are a common symptom of PTSD. These nightmares can vary in frequency and severity, so what can we do? Why do they happen? Will we have them forever? Just how common are nightmares from survivor to survivor? Links: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/related/nightmares.asp https://www.ptsduk.org/how-can-you-reduce-nightmares-from-ptsd/

Join us in this special two-part episode with special guest, published author and public speaker, Ruth Rotkowitz. Being the daughter of two Holocaust survivors from World War Two, Ruth is no stranger to the impacts of inherited trauma. After listening to this episode, when you are wanting more, consider reading: Escaping The Whale, attend some of Ruth’s virtual events, one on November 9th, 2020, the next on November 15th, 2020. You can find more information and Ruth’s blog at ruthswhale.com. You can find Ruth on all social media’s as Ruth Rotkowitz.

Our language has EVERYTHING to do with how we heal from a trauma. What are the things that help and hinder us from healing when it comes to trauma? Language truly has the power! Let’s engage in our own self literacy and give ourselves the grace we need to flourish!

Healing... Healed... this magical word feels so out of reach when you have gone through and continue to struggle with trauma. Do we have become fully healed? Does it get better? When will I be healed? How long until I get there? Those are question we all ask ourselves. Join Kelley from @TheSurvivorTribe and I as we dive deeper into healing, discussing how we have ventured on our different paths to healing.

Trust is something we all struggle with at some point in our lives, especially after trauma. Let’s talk about a time when it pays off in the long run to trust someone and what that trust can do for you.

**TRIGGER WARNING** In today’s episode, I am joined by Shey from We Are The Evidence, who tells her courageous story about what it took for her to report her assault, her decision to go to court, and how that process affected her in her healing journey. If you would like to follow Shey on Instagram where she posts content to educate our community on Rape Myths and provides access to perspective as well as where to find resources in regards to sexual assault, follow her @wearetheevidence. Now, let’s talk about going to court.

We all love our routines, but what do trauma survivors and people who struggle with Anxiety do when disruptions to those routines come along? Join me as I talk about how to embrace change within your limits! Article referenced in the episode: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/healthy-connections/201505/10-tips-easing-the-stress-transition-and-change

Who would have thought someone could forget a traumatic experience? Wouldn’t you remember it? Actually, many survivors of childhood trauma report as adults that they did not remember the trauma until years later. I experienced something similar to this; I was unable to remember an attempted sexual assault that took place when I was 15, and for two years I had no conscious idea of what happened until I was triggered. Join me as I talk about this “coming out of the fog” experience. If you would like more info around the controversy of this phenomenon, please research “Memory Wars.”

One year of the podcast has passed! Can you believe it? Join me in some of the reflections I have had during this last year as the community has grown into the beautiful family we are now. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being amazing humans who give so much support and love.

Survivors with PTSD are often haunted by one common question: Can I be healed from PTSD? Special guest Allen Kanerva with Inspired Outcomes tells us about his approach to healing those who have endured a trauma and are still struggling to live the life they deserve. For more info, visit https://www.inspiredoutcomes.ca and find them on Instagram @inspired_outcomes

Most of us here have heard of PTSD. But what about C-PTSD? This episode dives into what C-PTSD is, how it is similar and different from PTSD, and how it is treated. Here is the link for the referenced article that this episode mentions: https://www.healthline.com/health/cptsd

Today, I am joined by Kate, who tells us about her journey of seeking from help when her symptoms escalated, putting a name to her struggle and she found her way to healing. Let’s talk about Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder!

Today’s episode jumps into some strategies that help to protect your mental health in a physical health crisis (context of COVID-19 / Coronavirus). Emergency hotline for those who may be quarantined with an abuser: 1-800-799-7233. This is 24/7. You can also go to thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.

The next two episodes are going to be focused on relationships, gone right and gone wrong. This first part will primarily be dedicated to hanging around someone who did not respect me and my boundaries, how I handled it, and what I took away. Remember, progress is possible!

With so much going on in our day-to-day lives it is easy to get overwhelmed. Adding mental health struggles on top of that and it feels like the world is ending and we have to shut down. My guest and I speak to our experiences of overwhelm, and we present our strategies on how to get through those tough times.

TRIGGER WARNING: A very common struggle with trauma, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues are triggers. Today I am joined by Kelley from SurvivorTribe to discuss how we have experienced with triggers and how other people see us when these triggers happen. Mentions of rape, sexual assault and brief mention of Harvey Weinstein case. Find Kelley on YouTube: SurvivorTribe Instagram: @thesurvivortribe Facebook: SurvivorTribe Here is the link for the mentioned webmd article: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-are-ptsd-triggers#1

What is consent? Who gives it? Why is consent important? What does consent look like? This episode dives into those kinds of questions, and how consent is a boundary that needs to be communicated and respected. In this episode, I refer to https://www.rainn.org/articles/what-is-consent in order to help me convey credible information from respected resources!

**TRIGGER WARNING** Victim blaming is something that happens way too often and causes so much damage in a trauma survivor. It shamed survivors into silence and forces the ideation that is the fault of the trauma survivor and they need to “Get Over It”. This episode goes into detail of how sexual assault happens and breaks down some of the most common victim blaming arguments. If you want more info on the Fight, Flight or Freeze response, check out this link: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201405/neuroscientists-discover-the-roots-fear-evoked-freezing%3famp

There are many different types of anxiety out there that people struggle with. It is debilitating at times and other times it makes us impulsive... it also results in conflicts and unwanted tensions in our relationships. But what does anxiety look like? What are some of the physical symptoms? Emotional symptoms? Take from my special guest and I, anxiety is something to be conquered, but what are we going to do about it?

TRIGGER WARNING: I’m so excited to have one of my best friend’s on the show to talk about how she has witnessed the evolution of my trauma and how supporters of those with PTSD can be “the best ally they can be.” Also, please watch https://youtu.be/ICb8NVvVSoU to become educated on what NOT to say to a sexual assault survivor!

Self-care often gets put on the back burner when things get busy! During the holidays, my time often goes to other people and other things... leaving me burnt out and feeling pretty down. **If you haven’t, please watch this short video brought to you by Survivor Tribe. The goal is to educate people on victim blaming and it shows survivors talking about things that have been said to them, as well as how they feel about it. https://youtu.be/ICb8NVvVSoU

Secondary Trauma is something that almost no one talks about, even when we are talking about trauma. Shey (Founder of We Are The Evidence) comes back on the show to talk with me about what secondary trauma is, what it looks like, and how someone who is struggling with this kind of trauma can and should seek help. Follow @wearetheevidence on Instagram and Twitter and you can visit the website weareevidence.com to see blog posts and other resources for survivors of sexual assault.

**TRIGGER WARNING** I went back to the “scene of the crime” on 11.22.2019 and I wanted to share with you how that went for me. I talk about the preparation, the after-care, and walk through the experience step by step. If you are interested in doing something like this, please consult a professional before doing so, as it is a very triggering experience. (I do get slightly emotional at one point, but that just goes to show how powerful this was for me). There’s always hope right around the corner, you just have to reach for it.

Holidays are tough for some of us. With Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, whether you celebrate them or not, this episode goes into detail about how being grateful can improve your quality of life. Side Note: YES, my stomach growls once or twice. Sorry not sorry!

**TRIGGER WARNING** (Mention of Suicidal Thoughts) Having negative self-talk can be so detrimental to our mental health. We can be our worst critic and our best friend! Why put so much energy into breaking ourselves down when 100% of our energy could be our advocate?

Sleep is tough to come by when you are recovering from a trauma or struggling with PTSD. This episode dives into the many ways you have at your disposal to improve your sleep patterns and habits! Check it out!

A common experience during trauma is Dissociation. We are familiar with Fight, Flight or Freeze responses! Let’s talk about what Dissociation looks like!

While in the trenches of trying to sort out our traumatic experiences, I thought about how I can provide a light at the end of the tunnel, and bgdblog.org did the job! I hope these 6 Steps to Healing are relatable for you and that I provide some insight on how to achieve those

**TRIGGER WARNING** You may never have thought of your body as a crime scene. After being sexually assaulted, you may feel broken, scared and hurt (all very valid feelings). This crime in particular means that your body is the crime scene. I will be presenting some of the information you need immediately being assaulted.