diagnostic category. And, like my little cocker spaniel whose anxiety causes her to easily startle and jump at sounds, you may experience some anxiety or stress while reading this book. Please keep some comfort food and coffee/tea/soda nearby. Thank you for joining me in this conversation. (6/6)

makes trauma so severe that it puts its arms around us and squeezes until we can hardly breathe. Panic attacks can strike without warning. In this book, we will include symptoms without trying to measure severity, because suffering deserves recognition even when it does not fit into a (5/6)

For trauma to meet formal diagnostic criteria, various symptoms must occur together in severe ways (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). And then there’s Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) where abuse occurred early in someone’s life, then more abuse as a teen and/or adult (4/6)

We will talk about trauma as an understandable process with symptoms that will be explained. Many of us cope with trauma symptoms without experiencing diagnosed PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). (3/6)

And then we have things we cherish taken away—loss is the rip tide of tyranny. It leads to grief and anguish after the losses. (2/6)

Disclaimer: This is not therapy - feel free to get trauma counseling.

Finally, always check in on those feeling despair. I always ask directly if they are thinking of hurting themselves.

If you're struggling, please reach out to a suicide hotline. You aren't alone in this. #CPTSD #MentalHealth #OMTH

C-PTSD is notoriously difficult to diagnose. Many children are misdiagnosed and carry untreated trauma into adulthood. It never hurts to get a "trauma check" from a trauma-informed therapist. Don't be afraid to ask if they are specifically familiar with treating trauma.

Our emotional reactions are often intense and long-lasting; we might overreact to minor things because we’re already overwhelmed, reckless, or exhausted. Whether as a child or an adult, trauma makes it incredibly hard to make "good" decisions.

Negative self-beliefs like shame and guilt can haunt us. When emotional dysregulation takes hold, staying "cool and calm" feels impossible. Our moods swing, and controlling anger or outbursts becomes a massive challenge.