Out of My Mind in Costa Rica-Living with CPTSD Thu, 25 Mar 2021 16:58:08 -0400 https://www.rayerickson.com en-us © 2021 Out of My Mind in Costa Rica-Living with CPTSD yes Ray Erickson episodic true PTSD, C-PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Childhood Trauma, Sexual Abuse, Incest, flashbacks, triggers, podcast, treatment Ray Erickson ray@rayerickson.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/variants/5ykdl4m1a9rbqtw1pbnuh5fsm5yz/8d66eb17bb7d02ca4856ab443a78f2148cafbb129f58a3c81282007c6fe24ff2.JPG Out of My Mind in Costa Rica-Living with CPTSD https://www.rayerickson.com C-PTSD and More Grief - And The Grief Goes On C-PTSD and More Grief - And The Grief Goes On Episode 22

C-PTSD and More Grief

And the Grief Goes On

March 25, 2021

Yeah, the grief continued all through this week. Remember last week when I talked about grief has no time restrictions? Well, last week really proved this to be true. Last week’s episode I focused on the 5 Stages of Grief and how you too will go through these stages, even if it is for the loss of your favorite fountain pen. 

This week was more like surviving the grief and I tell you all about it in this week’s episode. I took some bold moves to combat the ongoing and what seems like everlasting grief this week. I had pretty good results as evidenced by the fact that I actually was able to produce an episode this week.

As usual, here are some websites that offer more information about grieving when you have Complex Post Traumatic Stress.

An Evolutionary Framework for Understanding Grief by Randolph M. Nesse. This is an academic projects and packs a lot of punch. If you have an insatiable thirst for knowledge then this article may interest you.

http://www-personal.umich.edu/~nesse/Articles/Nesse-EvolutionBereavement-2005.pdf

Here’s a brief article on accessing your need to grieve those childhood losses that so many people with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress experience.

https://mindkindmom.com/grief-complex-ptsd/

Here’s a series of relative articles that are much easier on the brain that the more scholastic articles I am sharing this week. I hope you like them.

https://cptsdfoundation.org/category/grief/

I just discovered Pete Walker as I prepared this week’s podcast. He has been through it all and has lived to talk about it. Not only that, but he has also dedicated his professional career to helping people with Complex PTSD. My hat’s off to you, Pete Walker.

http://pete-walker.com/managingAbandonDepression.htm

]]> Episode 22

C-PTSD and More Grief

And the Grief Goes On

March 25, 2021

Yeah, the grief continued all through this week. Remember last week when I talked about grief has no time restrictions? Well, last week really proved this to be true. Last week’s episode I focused on the 5 Stages of Grief and how you too will go through these stages, even if it is for the loss of your favorite fountain pen. 

This week was more like surviving the grief and I tell you all about it in this week’s episode. I took some bold moves to combat the ongoing and what seems like everlasting grief this week. I had pretty good results as evidenced by the fact that I actually was able to produce an episode this week.

As usual, here are some websites that offer more information about grieving when you have Complex Post Traumatic Stress.

An Evolutionary Framework for Understanding Grief by Randolph M. Nesse. This is an academic projects and packs a lot of punch. If you have an insatiable thirst for knowledge then this article may interest you.

http://www-personal.umich.edu/~nesse/Articles/Nesse-EvolutionBereavement-2005.pdf

Here’s a brief article on accessing your need to grieve those childhood losses that so many people with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress experience.

https://mindkindmom.com/grief-complex-ptsd/

Here’s a series of relative articles that are much easier on the brain that the more scholastic articles I am sharing this week. I hope you like them.

https://cptsdfoundation.org/category/grief/

I just discovered Pete Walker as I prepared this week’s podcast. He has been through it all and has lived to talk about it. Not only that, but he has also dedicated his professional career to helping people with Complex PTSD. My hat’s off to you, Pete Walker.

http://pete-walker.com/managingAbandonDepression.htm

]]> Ray Erickson I continue to be stuck in some grief. To my relief, drastic times call for drastic measures. Buzzsprout-8211253 Thu, 25 Mar 2021 11:00:00 -0600 1475 PTSD, C-PTSD, Dissociation, Depression, Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Mental Health, Abuse, Incest, Grief 1 21 full true C-PTSD and Grief - The Unrelenting Shadow of Complex Trauma C-PTSD and Grief - The Unrelenting Shadow of Complex Trauma Episode 20

C-PTSD and Grief

Grief-The Unrelenting Shadow of Complex Trauma

March 18, 2021

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross brought clarity to the grief process when she identified the 5-Stages of Grief. Regardless of the culture, all grieving people experience these 5 stages. Grief applies not only to human losses, but inanimate objects as well. Let me illustrate how I grieved the loss of my favorite ink pen. It’s not just any pen, it was a perfect pen. I paid a lot of money for that pen and I had that pen for many years. It was more than just a pen. Do you get the idea? I am really attached to this pen. Keep that in mind because people tend to get extremely attached to people. Whether it’s people or pens the stages of grief are there.

Stage 1: Denial: “Where the hell is my pen? I can’t believe it’s not here. I always know where that pen is.” This is denial. “The pen can’t be gone, it’s still here, somewhere. Denial gives a little cushion against the pain of our loss and opens the door to anger.

Stage 2: Anger: “Damnit! Where is that pen? I hate it when I can’t find my pen. I am such an idiot. This really pisses me off!” Here we have anger. Anger at the pen for being lost and anger with myself for losing it. This begins an effort to bargain the loss back.

Stage 3: Bargaining: “I know it has to be around here someplace. Maybe it’s in the kitchen. Is it in my coat pocket?” This is bargaining, with the hope that the loss suddenly shows up. This is fueled by fear that the loss is real. When we can’t bargain the loss back then depression sets in.

Stage 4: Depression: Eventually, I realize my pen is really gone, and I become sad and depressed. “I really miss that pen. It was a really good pen. I feel really bad about losing it.” This is the beginning of letting go and I am preparing myself to accept the loss.

Stage 5: Acceptance: Which brings me to acceptance. This is where all of the pieces of my grief come together and opens me up to life again. In this case, life without my favorite pen. “Today, I’ll buy a new pen.”

The 5 Stages of Grief are a real thing. Test yourself with them. What have you been able to successfully grieve and what are you still struggling with? Perhaps a loss so personal, that it has been impossible to look at until now. Now is the time to grieve. Be proactive and when you find yourself dealing with loss, then remember these five stages of grief. If you nurture yourself through your own grief process, then your load will be lighter, and you won’t keep getting stuck in the past with a bucket full of unresolved grief. 

Here is a brief article that talk directly to grief and Complex PTSD. There are also more resources in the body of the article.

http://thebereavementacademy.com/grieving-complex-ptsd/

Here’s an article that asks 5 questions related to Complex-PTSD and grief. There is some real good information tucked into a short article.

https://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/clinical-intersections/grief-trauma-and-complex-trauma-5-questions-answers-social-workers/

This is a great article if not a bit wordy. Stay with it and you will gain a lot of insight as well as some good practices to explore if you want to go deeper into your grief.

http://pete-walker.com/pdf/GrievingAndComplexPTSD.pdf



]]> Episode 20

C-PTSD and Grief

Grief-The Unrelenting Shadow of Complex Trauma

March 18, 2021

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross brought clarity to the grief process when she identified the 5-Stages of Grief. Regardless of the culture, all grieving people experience these 5 stages. Grief applies not only to human losses, but inanimate objects as well. Let me illustrate how I grieved the loss of my favorite ink pen. It’s not just any pen, it was a perfect pen. I paid a lot of money for that pen and I had that pen for many years. It was more than just a pen. Do you get the idea? I am really attached to this pen. Keep that in mind because people tend to get extremely attached to people. Whether it’s people or pens the stages of grief are there.

Stage 1: Denial: “Where the hell is my pen? I can’t believe it’s not here. I always know where that pen is.” This is denial. “The pen can’t be gone, it’s still here, somewhere. Denial gives a little cushion against the pain of our loss and opens the door to anger.

Stage 2: Anger: “Damnit! Where is that pen? I hate it when I can’t find my pen. I am such an idiot. This really pisses me off!” Here we have anger. Anger at the pen for being lost and anger with myself for losing it. This begins an effort to bargain the loss back.

Stage 3: Bargaining: “I know it has to be around here someplace. Maybe it’s in the kitchen. Is it in my coat pocket?” This is bargaining, with the hope that the loss suddenly shows up. This is fueled by fear that the loss is real. When we can’t bargain the loss back then depression sets in.

Stage 4: Depression: Eventually, I realize my pen is really gone, and I become sad and depressed. “I really miss that pen. It was a really good pen. I feel really bad about losing it.” This is the beginning of letting go and I am preparing myself to accept the loss.

Stage 5: Acceptance: Which brings me to acceptance. This is where all of the pieces of my grief come together and opens me up to life again. In this case, life without my favorite pen. “Today, I’ll buy a new pen.”

The 5 Stages of Grief are a real thing. Test yourself with them. What have you been able to successfully grieve and what are you still struggling with? Perhaps a loss so personal, that it has been impossible to look at until now. Now is the time to grieve. Be proactive and when you find yourself dealing with loss, then remember these five stages of grief. If you nurture yourself through your own grief process, then your load will be lighter, and you won’t keep getting stuck in the past with a bucket full of unresolved grief. 

Here is a brief article that talk directly to grief and Complex PTSD. There are also more resources in the body of the article.

http://thebereavementacademy.com/grieving-complex-ptsd/

Here’s an article that asks 5 questions related to Complex-PTSD and grief. There is some real good information tucked into a short article.

https://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/clinical-intersections/grief-trauma-and-complex-trauma-5-questions-answers-social-workers/

This is a great article if not a bit wordy. Stay with it and you will gain a lot of insight as well as some good practices to explore if you want to go deeper into your grief.

http://pete-walker.com/pdf/GrievingAndComplexPTSD.pdf



]]> Ray Erickson Today I talk about grief and complex trauma. You can do something about it and your life will be lighter. Buzzsprout-8161996 Thu, 18 Mar 2021 05:00:00 -0600 1682 PTSD, C-PTSD, Death and Dying, Depression, Anxiety, Triggers, Trauma, Grief and Loss, Abuse, Incest, Grief 1 20 full true C-PTSD and Communication - Good Communication Communicates C-PTSD and Communication - Good Communication Communicates Episode 19

C-PTSD and Communication

Good Communication Communicates

March 11, 2021

Would you like to improve your communication? Here are Four simple steps that will make an immediate impact. Implement these strategies into your repertoire and life will get better.

  1. Stay in your own lane. You can’t speak for the other person. You can only speak to your own needs, your own wants, and your own desires. Keep in mind that it the responsibility of the speaker to be clear, and it is the responsibility of the listener to listen.
  2. Practice self-soothing. Use your breath to help you regain clarity in your message. Breathe deeply and slowly. In addition, know exactly, what you want to say. It must be clear in your mind before you can convey it clearly to another person.
  3. Use what they call an “I message.” This is a way of talking to your loved one, your boss, your child or pretty much anyone. It is easy to do and extremely effective. It helps you to stay on your side of the road. (#1)

I Messages have two “I’s” in them. Like your head has two eyes. It is basically a three-step process.

Step 1   State how you are feeling.  

1.      I feel sad …

2.      I feel happy …

3.      I feel anxious …

Step 2   State the experience. 

1.      when I am not included in your plans.

2.      when I see your smiling face.

3.      when I get no response from you.

Step 3 Together they go like this.

1.      I feel sad when I am not included in your plans.

2.      I feel happy when I see your smiling face.

3.      I feel anxious when there is no response from you.           

Repeat step 1, 2 and 3 as often as you need to.

Stonewalling turned out to be the straw that broke the camel’s back for me. The moment I realized I have been stonewalled for years, I realized that the jig was up and I had only one choice left.

https://www.kylebenson.net/stonewalling/

I cannot stress enough the role that Attachment Styles and Communication come into play when it comes to healthy relationships. Here are a couple of sites that take a closer look at attachment theory and how people with C-PTSD have less social support.

https://www.yourtango.com/2019329229/attachment-styles-that-affect-your-communication-skills-relationships

https://sciworthy.com/people-with-complex-ptsd-report-less-social-support-than-those-with-ptsd/

Alexander Draghici, MS, LCPC, from e-counseling.com has come up with 20 things NOT to say to people with PTSD. E-Counseling is an online mental health resource for people seeking support, advice and a connection to a licensed counselor. 

https://www.e-counseling.com/ptsd/things-not-to-say-to-someone-with-ptsd/

]]> Episode 19

C-PTSD and Communication

Good Communication Communicates

March 11, 2021

Would you like to improve your communication? Here are Four simple steps that will make an immediate impact. Implement these strategies into your repertoire and life will get better.

  1. Stay in your own lane. You can’t speak for the other person. You can only speak to your own needs, your own wants, and your own desires. Keep in mind that it the responsibility of the speaker to be clear, and it is the responsibility of the listener to listen.
  2. Practice self-soothing. Use your breath to help you regain clarity in your message. Breathe deeply and slowly. In addition, know exactly, what you want to say. It must be clear in your mind before you can convey it clearly to another person.
  3. Use what they call an “I message.” This is a way of talking to your loved one, your boss, your child or pretty much anyone. It is easy to do and extremely effective. It helps you to stay on your side of the road. (#1)

I Messages have two “I’s” in them. Like your head has two eyes. It is basically a three-step process.

Step 1   State how you are feeling.  

1.      I feel sad …

2.      I feel happy …

3.      I feel anxious …

Step 2   State the experience. 

1.      when I am not included in your plans.

2.      when I see your smiling face.

3.      when I get no response from you.

Step 3 Together they go like this.

1.      I feel sad when I am not included in your plans.

2.      I feel happy when I see your smiling face.

3.      I feel anxious when there is no response from you.           

Repeat step 1, 2 and 3 as often as you need to.

Stonewalling turned out to be the straw that broke the camel’s back for me. The moment I realized I have been stonewalled for years, I realized that the jig was up and I had only one choice left.

https://www.kylebenson.net/stonewalling/

I cannot stress enough the role that Attachment Styles and Communication come into play when it comes to healthy relationships. Here are a couple of sites that take a closer look at attachment theory and how people with C-PTSD have less social support.

https://www.yourtango.com/2019329229/attachment-styles-that-affect-your-communication-skills-relationships

https://sciworthy.com/people-with-complex-ptsd-report-less-social-support-than-those-with-ptsd/

Alexander Draghici, MS, LCPC, from e-counseling.com has come up with 20 things NOT to say to people with PTSD. E-Counseling is an online mental health resource for people seeking support, advice and a connection to a licensed counselor. 

https://www.e-counseling.com/ptsd/things-not-to-say-to-someone-with-ptsd/

]]> Ray Erickson Today I talk about communication and the startling realizations I had this week. Buzzsprout-8125218 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 18:00:00 -0600 2100 PTSD, C-PTSD, Dissociation, Depression, Anxiety, Triggers, Trauma, Mental Health, Abuse, Incest, Grief 1 19 full true C-PTSD and Cannabis C-PTSD and Cannabis Episode 18

C-PTSD and Cannabis

Don’t Bogart that Joint My Friend

March 4, 2021

Today I am going to share with you my 50+ year love affair with cannabis. I first began smoking cannabis in January 1970 and I never looked back. Beginning as freshman at Western Michigan and continuing through today. I have never tired of the experience of being under its influence. So, you might ask, “Why are you not smoking for the month of March?” I don’t have a big answer to that. It just seemed like a good thing to do at the time. Today is Day 4 of this cleansing which includes alcohol as well. I just wanted to see what would happen when I stop smoking and drinking for a month. I will keep you informed about my progress. Meanwhile, here are some websites that hopefully will expand you understanding of the impact of cannabis not just on me, but on society as well. 

I support the legalization of cannabis as well as the decriminalization of all recreational drugs. The war on drugs has reaped havoc on our society and disproportionately punished tens of thousands of innocent people who were simply trying to get through the day. Thanks for coming by and I hope you enjoy today’s episode.

Let’s start off with an article that was published in High Times magazine. To no surprise this article is leaning towards the benefits of cannabis for those who’s lives are in turmoil due to PTSD and Complex PTSD.

https://hightimes.com/health/treating-complex-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-c-ptsd-with-medical-cannabis/

Here’s the Wikipedia article for Cannabis Use and Trauma. There are many affiliated links available on this web page for further exploration of the relationship between cannabis and trauma.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_use_and_trauma

In the Canadian publication The Conversation, they report on the positive impact that cannabis use has on people diagnosed with PTSD. Canada could soon be a leader in the research for the impact of cannabis on Complex PTSD as well.

https://theconversation.com/cannabis-shows-potential-for-treating-ptsd-new-study-125370

Here’s an article from Psychology Today that points out a phenomenon that occurs with frequent use has on the brain and our natural occurring cannabinoid receptors in our brains. This was something I didn’t know about. It’s a very interesting read.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/healing-addiction/202006/how-cannabis-defeats-itself-when-used-too-frequently

]]> Episode 18

C-PTSD and Cannabis

Don’t Bogart that Joint My Friend

March 4, 2021

Today I am going to share with you my 50+ year love affair with cannabis. I first began smoking cannabis in January 1970 and I never looked back. Beginning as freshman at Western Michigan and continuing through today. I have never tired of the experience of being under its influence. So, you might ask, “Why are you not smoking for the month of March?” I don’t have a big answer to that. It just seemed like a good thing to do at the time. Today is Day 4 of this cleansing which includes alcohol as well. I just wanted to see what would happen when I stop smoking and drinking for a month. I will keep you informed about my progress. Meanwhile, here are some websites that hopefully will expand you understanding of the impact of cannabis not just on me, but on society as well. 

I support the legalization of cannabis as well as the decriminalization of all recreational drugs. The war on drugs has reaped havoc on our society and disproportionately punished tens of thousands of innocent people who were simply trying to get through the day. Thanks for coming by and I hope you enjoy today’s episode.

Let’s start off with an article that was published in High Times magazine. To no surprise this article is leaning towards the benefits of cannabis for those who’s lives are in turmoil due to PTSD and Complex PTSD.

https://hightimes.com/health/treating-complex-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-c-ptsd-with-medical-cannabis/

Here’s the Wikipedia article for Cannabis Use and Trauma. There are many affiliated links available on this web page for further exploration of the relationship between cannabis and trauma.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_use_and_trauma

In the Canadian publication The Conversation, they report on the positive impact that cannabis use has on people diagnosed with PTSD. Canada could soon be a leader in the research for the impact of cannabis on Complex PTSD as well.

https://theconversation.com/cannabis-shows-potential-for-treating-ptsd-new-study-125370

Here’s an article from Psychology Today that points out a phenomenon that occurs with frequent use has on the brain and our natural occurring cannabinoid receptors in our brains. This was something I didn’t know about. It’s a very interesting read.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/healing-addiction/202006/how-cannabis-defeats-itself-when-used-too-frequently

]]> Ray Erickson Today I talk about my 50 year love affair with cannabis and my decision to take the month of March off. Buzzsprout-8077060 Thu, 04 Mar 2021 13:00:00 -0600 1394 Cannabis, PTSD, C-PTSD, Dissociation, Depression, Anxiety, Triggers, Trauma, Abuse, Incest, Grief 1 18 full true C-PTSD and Co-Dependency - Boundaries and Limits, Limits and Boundaries C-PTSD and Co-Dependency - Boundaries and Limits, Limits and Boundaries Episode 17

C-PTSD and Co-Dependency

Boundaries and Limits, Limits and Boundaries

February 25, 2021

Today I do my best to stay focused on my life as a Super Co-Dependent. I was born into co-dependency and literally had no choice but to become incredibly good at being co-dependent. Everybody’s needs were more important than mine. I was fluent in phrases like, “Your wish is my command.” “Happy Wife, Happy Life” and my personal favorite from The Princess Bride, “As You Wish.” Simply put, co-dependency is the process of putting your needs beneath the needs of virtually everyone else on earth. If you are a good co-dependent, this is what you do. It is second nature and while you are slowly giving parts of yourself away you are under the delusion that you are righteous in you deeds. Co-dependents either die co-dependent, or they die knowing they took charge of their life and woke up from the hypnotic trance of co-dependency. They die knowing who they are. 

Here are some websites that speak to codependency treatment and the healing process. I hope the are helpful. Thank you so much for coming by and giving Out of My Mind in Costa Rica a listen.

PsychCentral has a lot of really good information on their website and they spare no details. Detailed is good when it comes to co-dependency.

https://psychcentral.com/lib/trauma-and-codependency#10

I didn’t talk about mindfulness and meditation, but here is a wonderful website where you can get some solid support for the us of mindfulness and meditation.

https://thriveglobal.com/stories/4-mindfulness-meditations-to-break-your-addiction-to-codependent-relationships/

Here’s a short video from a young clinician, Siobhan whom I thought was wonderful. See for yourself. She provides top notch information in a very adorable way. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEvM0UqjLtE

Recovery Direct in South Africa is a luxury treatment facility and I really liked a graph they used in their article on codependency. It’s a great article and the programs look fantastic even though I will never be able to afford their programs. I hope they let me use their graph.

https://www.recoverydirect.co.za/codependency/

]]> Episode 17

C-PTSD and Co-Dependency

Boundaries and Limits, Limits and Boundaries

February 25, 2021

Today I do my best to stay focused on my life as a Super Co-Dependent. I was born into co-dependency and literally had no choice but to become incredibly good at being co-dependent. Everybody’s needs were more important than mine. I was fluent in phrases like, “Your wish is my command.” “Happy Wife, Happy Life” and my personal favorite from The Princess Bride, “As You Wish.” Simply put, co-dependency is the process of putting your needs beneath the needs of virtually everyone else on earth. If you are a good co-dependent, this is what you do. It is second nature and while you are slowly giving parts of yourself away you are under the delusion that you are righteous in you deeds. Co-dependents either die co-dependent, or they die knowing they took charge of their life and woke up from the hypnotic trance of co-dependency. They die knowing who they are. 

Here are some websites that speak to codependency treatment and the healing process. I hope the are helpful. Thank you so much for coming by and giving Out of My Mind in Costa Rica a listen.

PsychCentral has a lot of really good information on their website and they spare no details. Detailed is good when it comes to co-dependency.

https://psychcentral.com/lib/trauma-and-codependency#10

I didn’t talk about mindfulness and meditation, but here is a wonderful website where you can get some solid support for the us of mindfulness and meditation.

https://thriveglobal.com/stories/4-mindfulness-meditations-to-break-your-addiction-to-codependent-relationships/

Here’s a short video from a young clinician, Siobhan whom I thought was wonderful. See for yourself. She provides top notch information in a very adorable way. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEvM0UqjLtE

Recovery Direct in South Africa is a luxury treatment facility and I really liked a graph they used in their article on codependency. It’s a great article and the programs look fantastic even though I will never be able to afford their programs. I hope they let me use their graph.

https://www.recoverydirect.co.za/codependency/

]]> Ray Erickson Ray takes on Co-Dependency and how growing up in an incest family gave him no choice. Buzzsprout-8024282 Thu, 25 Feb 2021 05:00:00 -0600 1628 PTSD, C-PTSD, Dissociation, Depression, Anxiety, Triggers, Trauma, Mental Health, Abuse, Incest, Grief 1 17 full true C-PTSD and Solitude - The Therapeutic Use of Solitude for Survivors of Complex Trauma C-PTSD and Solitude - The Therapeutic Use of Solitude for Survivors of Complex Trauma Episode 16

C-PTSD and Solitude

The Therapeutic Use of Solitude for Survivors of Complex Trauma

February 20, 2021

I know, I’m late. I missed my self-imposed deadline, but this week has been quite the week and I tell you all about it this week’s episode. I have been craving solitude for a long time which meant, in my case, I needed to be on my own, completely. I have been on my own since November, last year and I am just now beginning to feel grounded.

C-PTSD steals our lives out from under us and we are never given the opportunity to figure out what we want and who we are. This is where solitude comes in. The experience of solitude feeds the heart and soul. Solitude will help anyone, but it is especially powerful in the healing from complex trauma.

Find a way to carve out time, just for yourself. Structure it with self-reflection and deep meditative experiences. Feed and care for yourself. Love yourself back to life. Below are some websites that I hope will expand on this week’s theme, The Therapeutic Use of Solitude for Survivors of Complex Trauma.

The Crappy Childhood Fairy does a lot of really good work and this is the first article of a series focusing on C-PTSD and Isolations. Whether you read her blog or watch her YouTube channel, you are sure to get some help.

https://crappychildhoodfairy.com/2019/09/26/cptsd-and-isolation-first-in-a-series/

This article is from The Atlantic and if you like their magazine, you will like this article by Brent Crane.

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2017/03/the-virtues-of-isolation/521100/

Psychology Today published this article by Virginia Thomas Ph.D. focusing on the benefits of solitude. She makes her point by studying teenagers.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/solitude-in-social-world/201909/solitude-medicine

The ultimate in floating on the water. Not a boat, not a raft, not a tube, but a sensory deprivation chamber. This could be worth the investment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCjmRCywkZg

]]> Episode 16

C-PTSD and Solitude

The Therapeutic Use of Solitude for Survivors of Complex Trauma

February 20, 2021

I know, I’m late. I missed my self-imposed deadline, but this week has been quite the week and I tell you all about it this week’s episode. I have been craving solitude for a long time which meant, in my case, I needed to be on my own, completely. I have been on my own since November, last year and I am just now beginning to feel grounded.

C-PTSD steals our lives out from under us and we are never given the opportunity to figure out what we want and who we are. This is where solitude comes in. The experience of solitude feeds the heart and soul. Solitude will help anyone, but it is especially powerful in the healing from complex trauma.

Find a way to carve out time, just for yourself. Structure it with self-reflection and deep meditative experiences. Feed and care for yourself. Love yourself back to life. Below are some websites that I hope will expand on this week’s theme, The Therapeutic Use of Solitude for Survivors of Complex Trauma.

The Crappy Childhood Fairy does a lot of really good work and this is the first article of a series focusing on C-PTSD and Isolations. Whether you read her blog or watch her YouTube channel, you are sure to get some help.

https://crappychildhoodfairy.com/2019/09/26/cptsd-and-isolation-first-in-a-series/

This article is from The Atlantic and if you like their magazine, you will like this article by Brent Crane.

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2017/03/the-virtues-of-isolation/521100/

Psychology Today published this article by Virginia Thomas Ph.D. focusing on the benefits of solitude. She makes her point by studying teenagers.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/solitude-in-social-world/201909/solitude-medicine

The ultimate in floating on the water. Not a boat, not a raft, not a tube, but a sensory deprivation chamber. This could be worth the investment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCjmRCywkZg

]]> Ray Erickson C-PTSD and therapeutic solitude as a path towards healing. Plus a little sailing and a lot of driving. Buzzsprout-7983961 Sat, 20 Feb 2021 17:00:00 -0600 1787 PTSD, C-PTSD, Dissociation, Depression, Anxiety, Triggers, Trauma, Mental Health, Abuse, Incest, Grief 1 16 full true C-PTSD and Depression - Don't Fight It, Embrace It! C-PTSD and Depression - Don't Fight It, Embrace It! Episode 15

C-PTSD and Depression

Don't Fight It. Embrace It!

February 11, 2021

Today’s episode is about depression, Major Depression to be exact and the role it has played in my life and how it is entwined deeply into the fabric of C-PTSD and PTSD. You can’t have these conditions and not be depressed. I hope today’s podcast helps some of you to ease your load a bit and take steps towards healing. It’s late and I’m tired and it’s good enough.

I found Psycom.net had a nice approach to how Major depression is defined and treated. There is a ton of really good information throughout their website. It is definitely worth the effort.

https://www.psycom.net/depression-definition-dsm-5-diagnostic-criteria/

If you are curious about the workings of Major Depression, Very Well Mind has some good stuff. You would be surprised as to all what is going on in your brain when you have depression.

https://www.verywellmind.com/the-chemistry-of-depression-1065137

Here’s the Wikipedia page for the Feeling Good Handbook. This book revolutionized the treatment of depression and anxiety disorder and has been proven to be equally as effective as medication for the treatment of these conditions.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feeling_Good:_The_New_Mood_Therapy

And finally, here is the straight scoop about suicidality. Here is where you are going to find out how to know if someone you know is having suicidal ideation and what you can do about it. Great information.

https://www.psycom.net/suicide-warning-signs

]]> Episode 15

C-PTSD and Depression

Don't Fight It. Embrace It!

February 11, 2021

Today’s episode is about depression, Major Depression to be exact and the role it has played in my life and how it is entwined deeply into the fabric of C-PTSD and PTSD. You can’t have these conditions and not be depressed. I hope today’s podcast helps some of you to ease your load a bit and take steps towards healing. It’s late and I’m tired and it’s good enough.

I found Psycom.net had a nice approach to how Major depression is defined and treated. There is a ton of really good information throughout their website. It is definitely worth the effort.

https://www.psycom.net/depression-definition-dsm-5-diagnostic-criteria/

If you are curious about the workings of Major Depression, Very Well Mind has some good stuff. You would be surprised as to all what is going on in your brain when you have depression.

https://www.verywellmind.com/the-chemistry-of-depression-1065137

Here’s the Wikipedia page for the Feeling Good Handbook. This book revolutionized the treatment of depression and anxiety disorder and has been proven to be equally as effective as medication for the treatment of these conditions.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feeling_Good:_The_New_Mood_Therapy

And finally, here is the straight scoop about suicidality. Here is where you are going to find out how to know if someone you know is having suicidal ideation and what you can do about it. Great information.

https://www.psycom.net/suicide-warning-signs

]]> Ray Erickson Today I talk about depression and what seems to help me. Buzzsprout-7800529 Thu, 11 Feb 2021 05:00:00 -0600 1749 PTSD, C-PTSD, Dissociation, Depression, Anxiety, Triggers, Trauma, Mental Health, Abuse, Incest, Grief 1 15 full true C-PTSD and Self-Love - The Care and Feeding of Your Soul C-PTSD and Self-Love - The Care and Feeding of Your Soul Episode 14

C-PTSD and Self-Love

The Care and Feeding of Your Soul

Today’s episode is about surviving the storm and building a safe harbor for yourself. I provide an update from last week’s episode where I read a heartfelt letter I planned to send to my wife. I also talk about realizing that the problems go much deeper than I anticipated. In addition the weather has been windy, windy, windy and order to deal with all of this I have been hunkering down inside and going out only when it is necessary. It makes me edgy.

Weekly trips for groceries keep me engaged with the community, but for the most part I have been taking advantage of my solitude. Besides working on this podcast, I am actively trying to understand what happened in my relationship with my wife. I do this with almost no input from her.

My wife is more than willing to address the business end of our relationship, but when it comes to the emotional aspects of our marriage, No Way José. She’s out of here. It doesn’t get discussed. Not even a little bit. There are no signs of this changing, so I need to look after myself.

I am slowly letting go of my need for reciprocation when it comes to intimacy in my marriage. I am realizing that what I see is what I get. I don’t have to like it and I don’t have to tolerate it, but I need to accept it. This is why I am 95% convinced that the best route for me and probably for her as well is to terminate the marriage. Yeah, that’s a hard thing to say, but I honestly don’t see anything changing, therefore I must make the change that is best for me.

Thanks for listening and I hope you appreciate this week’s episode.

Here are some websites that I hope will enhance and expand todays focus. Thank you for listening.

The experience of Flow is unforgettable. As children we experience it quite frequently in our play, but the magic of flow becomes diluted in adulthood. I encourage all of you to look into this amazing experience. You can find out more when you click on the link.

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-flow-2794768

I talk about Mindful Eating as a means to greater fulfillment. By intentionally watching what happens to the food that you chew as you chew it. It is a great approach to weight loss. Check it out at this website.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mindful-eating-guide#what-it-is

This is one of many websites that address the problem of narcissism and it addresses it in a clear and understandable way. This website is a very good resource for all things related to health and mental health.

https://www.verywellmind.com/understanding-the-covert-narcissist-4584587

]]> Episode 14

C-PTSD and Self-Love

The Care and Feeding of Your Soul

Today’s episode is about surviving the storm and building a safe harbor for yourself. I provide an update from last week’s episode where I read a heartfelt letter I planned to send to my wife. I also talk about realizing that the problems go much deeper than I anticipated. In addition the weather has been windy, windy, windy and order to deal with all of this I have been hunkering down inside and going out only when it is necessary. It makes me edgy.

Weekly trips for groceries keep me engaged with the community, but for the most part I have been taking advantage of my solitude. Besides working on this podcast, I am actively trying to understand what happened in my relationship with my wife. I do this with almost no input from her.

My wife is more than willing to address the business end of our relationship, but when it comes to the emotional aspects of our marriage, No Way José. She’s out of here. It doesn’t get discussed. Not even a little bit. There are no signs of this changing, so I need to look after myself.

I am slowly letting go of my need for reciprocation when it comes to intimacy in my marriage. I am realizing that what I see is what I get. I don’t have to like it and I don’t have to tolerate it, but I need to accept it. This is why I am 95% convinced that the best route for me and probably for her as well is to terminate the marriage. Yeah, that’s a hard thing to say, but I honestly don’t see anything changing, therefore I must make the change that is best for me.

Thanks for listening and I hope you appreciate this week’s episode.

Here are some websites that I hope will enhance and expand todays focus. Thank you for listening.

The experience of Flow is unforgettable. As children we experience it quite frequently in our play, but the magic of flow becomes diluted in adulthood. I encourage all of you to look into this amazing experience. You can find out more when you click on the link.

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-flow-2794768

I talk about Mindful Eating as a means to greater fulfillment. By intentionally watching what happens to the food that you chew as you chew it. It is a great approach to weight loss. Check it out at this website.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mindful-eating-guide#what-it-is

This is one of many websites that address the problem of narcissism and it addresses it in a clear and understandable way. This website is a very good resource for all things related to health and mental health.

https://www.verywellmind.com/understanding-the-covert-narcissist-4584587

]]> Ray Erickson In this episode I talk about 6 simple step to lock in on self-love and why I need to move on from my marrage.. Buzzsprout-7665004 Thu, 04 Feb 2021 05:00:00 -0600 1767 PTSD, C-PTSD, Dissociation, Depression, Anxiety, Triggers, Trauma, Mental Health, Abuse, Incest, Grief 1 14 full true C-PTSD and Patience - Staying Grounded, Positive and Hopeful C-PTSD and Patience - Staying Grounded, Positive and Hopeful C-PTSD and Patience

Staying Grounded, Positive and Hopeful

This week has been a bit up and down, with a lot more down than up. This gives me an opportunity to talk with you about these mood swings and what works for me. In addition to that, I talk about my wife’s response to the letter I wrote last week. You know, the one I read to you. 

Much of today’s episode is focused on taking care of myself, mainly because that is what I needed to do this week. It wasn’t totally a bummer. I had a surprise visit by a friend who lives in Texas and an encounter with a dear friend of his.

So, I didn’t just mope around going, woe is me. No, I did my best to listen to my body and respond in a way that would nurture it. All things considered; I believe I am doing alright. Let me know what you think about my approach to wellness and healing. 

Here’s a blog post from GoodTherapy.org where it points to the contradictions all of us with C-PTSD experience. Within the article is a focus on switching off your auto pilot and switching on you Self-Awareness. This is a key ingredient to healing.

https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/healing-complex-trauma-part-i-path-to-self-awareness-0119164

Here’s a nice synopsis of the three phases of C-PTSD recovery from Theravive.com. It is important to be aware of what you are up against and what some of the therapeutic options are. There is a lot of information in a compact article.

https://www.theravive.com/today/post/the-3-stages-of-complex-ptsd-recovery-0003280.aspx

Here’s a PDF put together by Jessica VanArsdale, MD, MPH, from Humbolt State University in Northern California. It’s really good summary of what I talk about in today’s episode, plus one or two things I missed.

https://wellbeing.humboldt.edu/sites/default/files/health/Self%20Care%20Wellness%20Toolkit%20for%20Depression%20and%20Anxiety_for%20website.pdf

Last, but not least is a wonderful article from the Gottman Institute. You know the place where they study relationships. I’ve checked it out, more than once and it is filled with good stuff and you want all the good stuff you can get.

https://www.gottman.com/blog/3-steps-reconnect-feel-disconnected-partner/

So, until the next time.

Be Courageous. Be Strong and Be Kind.

I’ll catch you later,

Bye

]]> C-PTSD and Patience

Staying Grounded, Positive and Hopeful

This week has been a bit up and down, with a lot more down than up. This gives me an opportunity to talk with you about these mood swings and what works for me. In addition to that, I talk about my wife’s response to the letter I wrote last week. You know, the one I read to you. 

Much of today’s episode is focused on taking care of myself, mainly because that is what I needed to do this week. It wasn’t totally a bummer. I had a surprise visit by a friend who lives in Texas and an encounter with a dear friend of his.

So, I didn’t just mope around going, woe is me. No, I did my best to listen to my body and respond in a way that would nurture it. All things considered; I believe I am doing alright. Let me know what you think about my approach to wellness and healing. 

Here’s a blog post from GoodTherapy.org where it points to the contradictions all of us with C-PTSD experience. Within the article is a focus on switching off your auto pilot and switching on you Self-Awareness. This is a key ingredient to healing.

https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/healing-complex-trauma-part-i-path-to-self-awareness-0119164

Here’s a nice synopsis of the three phases of C-PTSD recovery from Theravive.com. It is important to be aware of what you are up against and what some of the therapeutic options are. There is a lot of information in a compact article.

https://www.theravive.com/today/post/the-3-stages-of-complex-ptsd-recovery-0003280.aspx

Here’s a PDF put together by Jessica VanArsdale, MD, MPH, from Humbolt State University in Northern California. It’s really good summary of what I talk about in today’s episode, plus one or two things I missed.

https://wellbeing.humboldt.edu/sites/default/files/health/Self%20Care%20Wellness%20Toolkit%20for%20Depression%20and%20Anxiety_for%20website.pdf

Last, but not least is a wonderful article from the Gottman Institute. You know the place where they study relationships. I’ve checked it out, more than once and it is filled with good stuff and you want all the good stuff you can get.

https://www.gottman.com/blog/3-steps-reconnect-feel-disconnected-partner/

So, until the next time.

Be Courageous. Be Strong and Be Kind.

I’ll catch you later,

Bye

]]> Ray Erickson C-PTSD and PatienceStaying Grounded, Positive and HopefulThis week has been a bit up and down, with a lot more down than up. This gives me an opportunity to talk with you about these mood swings and what works for me. In addition to that, I talk about... Buzzsprout-7523068 Thu, 28 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0600 1548 1 13 full true C-PTSD and Moving On - Be Here, Be Now. One Day at a Time C-PTSD and Moving On - Be Here, Be Now. One Day at a Time Season 1, Episode 12

C-PTSD and Moving On – Be Here. Be Now. One Day at a Time

January 21, 2021

It is looking more and more like I will be on my own for quite a while. This week I continue to process what is going on in my life. I share my final email to my wife in hopes she will be able to read it with an open heart and mind.

We have our 3rd and hopefully final meeting with Migración, Costa Rica´s equivalent to Immigration in the US. We have been working on this since before we moved to Costa Rica in December 2015. It has been a long, strange trip. There is no reason to believe that this meeting will result in my permanent residency and if I so desire, the next step would be to apply for citizenship. I can have dual citizenship here in Costa Rica. That may not be a bad idea. Until then, I am still a Gringo and if he government wanted to boot me, they could.

I also talk about Moving On. No, not the political organization, but moving my life beyond the boundaries of my marriage with the knowledge that we are not likely to reunify. That is not the worst thing that could happen. I believe we will make much better friends than we were as lovers. It could turn out to be an incredibly positive thing for both of us.

Here are some websites that I hope will enhance your understanding of the material I talked about today. Thanks for coming by. Thanks for listening.

There is an article on Bustle.com Jay Polish lays out the dynamics in relationships when C-PTSD is part of the picture. You can read it in the link below.

https://www.bustle.com/p/how-complex-ptsd-can-affect-relationships-according-to-expert-18007145

If you are thinking about moving to Costa Rica and become a resident, this is where you begin. 

https://www.migracion.go.cr/SitePages/Inicio.aspx

There are a lot of people here who are living full time here, but do not apply for residency. They are perfectly happy with the perpetual tourist method. That means, every 90 days they need to leave the country and return. This is not as hard as it may seem and, in most cases, can be done in as little as an afternoon where you drive to the Costa Rican border with Nicaragua, walk across the border, get your passport stamped and walk back into Costa Rica. It is a bit intimidating as the Nicaragua has armed military personnel everywhere and it can be intimidating. Costa Rica is not in a hurry to discourage these people from living this way. Many of them own property and employ Ticos. It’s a case of you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.

Here is a nice article from Barton Goldsmith Ph.D. He gives you some sound advice if you are thinking about staying friends with your ex or your soon-to-be ex. Turns out it is not a good idea for a lot of people and if you have C-PTSD then be very, very careful. Prioritize yourself. Take your time.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/emotional-fitness/201103/10-tips-survive-break

]]> Season 1, Episode 12

C-PTSD and Moving On – Be Here. Be Now. One Day at a Time

January 21, 2021

It is looking more and more like I will be on my own for quite a while. This week I continue to process what is going on in my life. I share my final email to my wife in hopes she will be able to read it with an open heart and mind.

We have our 3rd and hopefully final meeting with Migración, Costa Rica´s equivalent to Immigration in the US. We have been working on this since before we moved to Costa Rica in December 2015. It has been a long, strange trip. There is no reason to believe that this meeting will result in my permanent residency and if I so desire, the next step would be to apply for citizenship. I can have dual citizenship here in Costa Rica. That may not be a bad idea. Until then, I am still a Gringo and if he government wanted to boot me, they could.

I also talk about Moving On. No, not the political organization, but moving my life beyond the boundaries of my marriage with the knowledge that we are not likely to reunify. That is not the worst thing that could happen. I believe we will make much better friends than we were as lovers. It could turn out to be an incredibly positive thing for both of us.

Here are some websites that I hope will enhance your understanding of the material I talked about today. Thanks for coming by. Thanks for listening.

There is an article on Bustle.com Jay Polish lays out the dynamics in relationships when C-PTSD is part of the picture. You can read it in the link below.

https://www.bustle.com/p/how-complex-ptsd-can-affect-relationships-according-to-expert-18007145

If you are thinking about moving to Costa Rica and become a resident, this is where you begin. 

https://www.migracion.go.cr/SitePages/Inicio.aspx

There are a lot of people here who are living full time here, but do not apply for residency. They are perfectly happy with the perpetual tourist method. That means, every 90 days they need to leave the country and return. This is not as hard as it may seem and, in most cases, can be done in as little as an afternoon where you drive to the Costa Rican border with Nicaragua, walk across the border, get your passport stamped and walk back into Costa Rica. It is a bit intimidating as the Nicaragua has armed military personnel everywhere and it can be intimidating. Costa Rica is not in a hurry to discourage these people from living this way. Many of them own property and employ Ticos. It’s a case of you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.

Here is a nice article from Barton Goldsmith Ph.D. He gives you some sound advice if you are thinking about staying friends with your ex or your soon-to-be ex. Turns out it is not a good idea for a lot of people and if you have C-PTSD then be very, very careful. Prioritize yourself. Take your time.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/emotional-fitness/201103/10-tips-survive-break

]]> Ray Erickson Ray shares more about the state of his marriage and the giant task of moving on in his life. Buzzsprout-7371790 Thu, 21 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0600 1219 PTSD, C-PTSD, Dissociation, Depression, Anxiety, Triggers, Trauma, Mental Health, Abuse, Incest, Grief 1 12 full true C-PTSD and Relationships - Triggers, Attachment Styles and Deep Dives C-PTSD and Relationships - Triggers, Attachment Styles and Deep Dives C-PTSD and Relationships

Triggers, Attachment Styles and Deep Dives

Season 1, Episode 11

January 14, 2021

There has been a lot of C-PTSD anxiety in me this week and as usual I am here to tell you all about it. There is a lot going on in today’s episode, from triggers, more stuff about attachment styles and what I call deep dives. 

I bring up the idea of Inner Child Work and I wanted to give you a good resource to learn more about it. I’ve gone to them before and I’ll probably go back to them in the future. The CPTSD Foundation is a solid source of science backed healing information and support. They are doing a great job.

https://cptsdfoundation.org/2020/07/20/healing-trauma-through-inner-child-work/

I also talk about Native American Journeying and Shamanic Drumming as one of the many methodologies I have explored. Here is a nice description of the process of a Spiritual Journey.

https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-culture/spiritual-journey.htm

I also spend a great deal of time talking about relationship and C-PTSD, my relationships in particular. There is a lot out there on this topic, but here’s a rather good one.

https://couplesinstitutecounseling.com/love-someone-with-complex-ptsd/

Thank you for listening to Out of My Mind in Costa Rica and please come back. Tell others about this podcast. Write me a note at ray@rayerickson.com. Help me be that soothing voice so many people need. Thank. Until next time.

Be Courageous. Be Strong. Be Kind

I’ll catch you later.

]]> C-PTSD and Relationships

Triggers, Attachment Styles and Deep Dives

Season 1, Episode 11

January 14, 2021

There has been a lot of C-PTSD anxiety in me this week and as usual I am here to tell you all about it. There is a lot going on in today’s episode, from triggers, more stuff about attachment styles and what I call deep dives. 

I bring up the idea of Inner Child Work and I wanted to give you a good resource to learn more about it. I’ve gone to them before and I’ll probably go back to them in the future. The CPTSD Foundation is a solid source of science backed healing information and support. They are doing a great job.

https://cptsdfoundation.org/2020/07/20/healing-trauma-through-inner-child-work/

I also talk about Native American Journeying and Shamanic Drumming as one of the many methodologies I have explored. Here is a nice description of the process of a Spiritual Journey.

https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-culture/spiritual-journey.htm

I also spend a great deal of time talking about relationship and C-PTSD, my relationships in particular. There is a lot out there on this topic, but here’s a rather good one.

https://couplesinstitutecounseling.com/love-someone-with-complex-ptsd/

Thank you for listening to Out of My Mind in Costa Rica and please come back. Tell others about this podcast. Write me a note at ray@rayerickson.com. Help me be that soothing voice so many people need. Thank. Until next time.

Be Courageous. Be Strong. Be Kind

I’ll catch you later.

]]> Ray Erickson Ray goes into depth on his relationship history, triggers and rising from the ashes. Buzzsprout-7282951 Thu, 14 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0600 2104 PTSD, C-PTSD, Dissociation, Depression, Anxiety, Triggers, Trauma, Mental Health, Abuse, Incest, Grief 1 11 full true C-PTSD and Meditation - Calm in a Stormy Sea C-PTSD and Meditation - Calm in a Stormy Sea Episode 10

C-PTSD and Meditation

A Foundation to Build Upon

January 7, 2021

Today I want to talk with you about meditation and share some of my experiences with meditation. Yeah, I know, almost everyone I mention meditation to says, “Yeah, I tried that, I couldn’t keep my mind focused.” or “I couldn’t stop thinking, so I quit.” 

Newbies think they were failing when in actuality, they were just scratching the surface of what meditation is. First of all, meditation is an action, not an outcome. It is the action of non-action. I know that sounds paradoxical, but it is true.

There is no right way to meditate and there is no right amount of time or number of times per day standards. Meditation is a contract you enter into with yourself. It is a commitment to spending a small part of your busy day doing nothing and being present.

There are thousands of books, videos and podcasts that will instruct you on what Daniel and Michelle Levey call the Fine Art of Relaxation, Concentration and Meditation. They wrote it all down in their book by the same name. Their book is my favorite because it gets to the point and gets you meditating right away. Here’s a link to Goodreads for more information about this book.

The Fine Art of Relaxation, Concentration, and Meditation

Do you want to know more about meditation? Where it comes from? What traditions have developed? or simply How to meditate? You might want to start with Wikipedia. There you will find a boat load of information spanning a wide range of meditation styles and traditions from throughout history.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation

Because I dive pretty deep into a trigger event from last Sunday, I thought it would be a good idea to toss out a website that supports getting up close and personal with your trigger process. The more you know about your triggers, the better you will be at resolving the event. Here is an article in Psychology Today by Marcia Reynolds, PsyD. She is the author of two leadership books, The Discomfort Zone and Wander Woman. Check her article out below.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/wander-woman/201507/5-steps-managing-your-emotional-triggers

]]> Episode 10

C-PTSD and Meditation

A Foundation to Build Upon

January 7, 2021

Today I want to talk with you about meditation and share some of my experiences with meditation. Yeah, I know, almost everyone I mention meditation to says, “Yeah, I tried that, I couldn’t keep my mind focused.” or “I couldn’t stop thinking, so I quit.” 

Newbies think they were failing when in actuality, they were just scratching the surface of what meditation is. First of all, meditation is an action, not an outcome. It is the action of non-action. I know that sounds paradoxical, but it is true.

There is no right way to meditate and there is no right amount of time or number of times per day standards. Meditation is a contract you enter into with yourself. It is a commitment to spending a small part of your busy day doing nothing and being present.

There are thousands of books, videos and podcasts that will instruct you on what Daniel and Michelle Levey call the Fine Art of Relaxation, Concentration and Meditation. They wrote it all down in their book by the same name. Their book is my favorite because it gets to the point and gets you meditating right away. Here’s a link to Goodreads for more information about this book.

The Fine Art of Relaxation, Concentration, and Meditation

Do you want to know more about meditation? Where it comes from? What traditions have developed? or simply How to meditate? You might want to start with Wikipedia. There you will find a boat load of information spanning a wide range of meditation styles and traditions from throughout history.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation

Because I dive pretty deep into a trigger event from last Sunday, I thought it would be a good idea to toss out a website that supports getting up close and personal with your trigger process. The more you know about your triggers, the better you will be at resolving the event. Here is an article in Psychology Today by Marcia Reynolds, PsyD. She is the author of two leadership books, The Discomfort Zone and Wander Woman. Check her article out below.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/wander-woman/201507/5-steps-managing-your-emotional-triggers

]]> Ray Erickson C-PTSD and Meditation - Calming the Stormy Seas Buzzsprout-7164640 Thu, 07 Jan 2021 03:00:00 -0600 1763 PTSD, C-PTSD, Dissociation, Depression, Anxiety, Triggers, Trauma, Mental Health, Abuse, Incest, Grief 1 10 full true C-PTSD and 2020 - Endings and New Beginnings C-PTSD and 2020 - Endings and New Beginnings C-PTSD and 2020

Out with the Old and in with the New

It’s New Year’s Eve and the end of 2020. Yeehaa! Today I am looking at endings and beginnings, like everyone else, I am sharing my resolutions for the new year, although I don’t call them resolutions, I call them priorities, because that is what resolutions are.

We’ve all been waiting for this day to arrive and it is just like 2020 to go and fuck our New Year’s Eve celebrations. What has the world become. Anyway, for people with PTSD or C-PTSD this time of year usually brings about a lot of anxiety.

We know, from experience, that the new year will probably just like the old year. But for a few of us faithful, there is always the possibility of healing.

I talk about Attachment Theory and Attachment styles today and if you are in a roller coaster relationship, then maybe, this episode will help nudge you along in a direction that will yield real results. I’m not saying it will be easy. Quite the opposite in fact, healing and change is never easy, so buckle up and hang on, 2020 will likely spill over into 2021 so you had better get your priorities straight.

Here is a great website on psych issues overall, but this article give you a quick look at attachment styles and you will be able to get a good idea of where you fit into the models. All you need to do is be honest with yourself.

https://psychcentral.com/lib/how-to-change-your-attachment-style#3

Here’s a great article on healing from C-PTSD by Dr. Arielle Schwartz. A key component of healing according to her article is it is critical for the survivor to take personal responsibility for their habitual thoughts and actions. It’s straight forward and easily digestible. Give it a read.

https://drarielleschwartz.com/hope-for-complex-ptsd-recovery-dr-arielle-schwartz/#.X-5OkthKhEY

The Wellness Society has published a great handbook for those of you who are suffering from the symptoms of C-PTSD. Your loved ones will benefit from checking it out as well.

https://thewellnesssociety.org/healing-cptsd-the-ultimate-online-guide/

Until next time, remember:

Be courageous. Be Strong. Be Kind. I’ll catch you later. Bye

]]> C-PTSD and 2020

Out with the Old and in with the New

It’s New Year’s Eve and the end of 2020. Yeehaa! Today I am looking at endings and beginnings, like everyone else, I am sharing my resolutions for the new year, although I don’t call them resolutions, I call them priorities, because that is what resolutions are.

We’ve all been waiting for this day to arrive and it is just like 2020 to go and fuck our New Year’s Eve celebrations. What has the world become. Anyway, for people with PTSD or C-PTSD this time of year usually brings about a lot of anxiety.

We know, from experience, that the new year will probably just like the old year. But for a few of us faithful, there is always the possibility of healing.

I talk about Attachment Theory and Attachment styles today and if you are in a roller coaster relationship, then maybe, this episode will help nudge you along in a direction that will yield real results. I’m not saying it will be easy. Quite the opposite in fact, healing and change is never easy, so buckle up and hang on, 2020 will likely spill over into 2021 so you had better get your priorities straight.

Here is a great website on psych issues overall, but this article give you a quick look at attachment styles and you will be able to get a good idea of where you fit into the models. All you need to do is be honest with yourself.

https://psychcentral.com/lib/how-to-change-your-attachment-style#3

Here’s a great article on healing from C-PTSD by Dr. Arielle Schwartz. A key component of healing according to her article is it is critical for the survivor to take personal responsibility for their habitual thoughts and actions. It’s straight forward and easily digestible. Give it a read.

https://drarielleschwartz.com/hope-for-complex-ptsd-recovery-dr-arielle-schwartz/#.X-5OkthKhEY

The Wellness Society has published a great handbook for those of you who are suffering from the symptoms of C-PTSD. Your loved ones will benefit from checking it out as well.

https://thewellnesssociety.org/healing-cptsd-the-ultimate-online-guide/

Until next time, remember:

Be courageous. Be Strong. Be Kind. I’ll catch you later. Bye

]]> Ray Erickson C-PTSD and 2020Out with the Old and in with the NewIt’s New Year’s Eve and the end of 2020. Yeehaa! Today I am looking at endings and beginnings, like everyone else, I am sharing my resolutions for the new year, although I don’t call them resolutions, I... Buzzsprout-7084597 Thu, 31 Dec 2020 16:00:00 -0600 1721 full false C-PTSD and Christmas - Hope In a Dark, Dark Year C-PTSD and Christmas - Hope In a Dark, Dark Year Today, I take on Christmas.  PTSD and C-PTSD have been with me for most of my life, but I didn't know that until about 8 years ago.  This means that most of my holidays have been without the knowledge I have this problem. 
 I grew up in the 1950's in rural, small town, America where life was simple and neighbors were helpful. The economy was roaring and families everywhere were indulging themselves at this time of year. It was an amazing time and place to grow up in. 
 Christmas as a child was magical. My parents went all out on the tree as well as what went under the tree. There were mountains of presents. I kid you not. A lot of people my age can relate to this. It was a fantastic time to be a kid. 
 Life changes when you grow up and for many of my adult years, Christmas was a jolly time, that is if I were in relationship. If I were not in relationship, they were dismal, depressing and painful experiences. 
 Here we go for another round of holiday festivities, although this year is unique because, many of us never made to Christmas because of COVID-19. My heart goes out to those families who have lost a loved one to this terrible pandemic. It also angers me that our government has failed the people so completely and so ingenuously.  

 As usual, here are a few websites that may help you take the edge off this holiday season.
 
 The CPTSD Foundation is a wonderful website and I will probably be posting there links here quite often. Here is a cornucopia of ideas to help you take the edge of this holiday season.

https://cptsdfoundation.org/2018/12/24/surviving-christmas-how-to-turn-a-helliday-into-a-holiday/

Below is a line to one hell of a brave person’s YouTube channel. You need to know that this video shows someone who has taken the road less travelled. I relate so much to what she is saying, even though it is clear that this work takes its toll on her at times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgwUSH2c-Z4

Beauty After Bruises is a fantastic organization and they offer great advice for those of us with traumatic stress in our lives. The article below is chock full of helpful hints to make this year a better than you expected year.

https://www.beautyafterbruises.org/blog/survivingtheholidays

Be Courageous, Be Strong, and Be Kind.
I'll catch you later.
Ray

]]> Today, I take on Christmas.  PTSD and C-PTSD have been with me for most of my life, but I didn't know that until about 8 years ago.  This means that most of my holidays have been without the knowledge I have this problem. 
 I grew up in the 1950's in rural, small town, America where life was simple and neighbors were helpful. The economy was roaring and families everywhere were indulging themselves at this time of year. It was an amazing time and place to grow up in. 
 Christmas as a child was magical. My parents went all out on the tree as well as what went under the tree. There were mountains of presents. I kid you not. A lot of people my age can relate to this. It was a fantastic time to be a kid. 
 Life changes when you grow up and for many of my adult years, Christmas was a jolly time, that is if I were in relationship. If I were not in relationship, they were dismal, depressing and painful experiences. 
 Here we go for another round of holiday festivities, although this year is unique because, many of us never made to Christmas because of COVID-19. My heart goes out to those families who have lost a loved one to this terrible pandemic. It also angers me that our government has failed the people so completely and so ingenuously.  

 As usual, here are a few websites that may help you take the edge off this holiday season.
 
 The CPTSD Foundation is a wonderful website and I will probably be posting there links here quite often. Here is a cornucopia of ideas to help you take the edge of this holiday season.

https://cptsdfoundation.org/2018/12/24/surviving-christmas-how-to-turn-a-helliday-into-a-holiday/

Below is a line to one hell of a brave person’s YouTube channel. You need to know that this video shows someone who has taken the road less travelled. I relate so much to what she is saying, even though it is clear that this work takes its toll on her at times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgwUSH2c-Z4

Beauty After Bruises is a fantastic organization and they offer great advice for those of us with traumatic stress in our lives. The article below is chock full of helpful hints to make this year a better than you expected year.

https://www.beautyafterbruises.org/blog/survivingtheholidays

Be Courageous, Be Strong, and Be Kind.
I'll catch you later.
Ray

]]> Ray Erickson Ray talks about C-PTSD and the impact of the Christmas season. Buzzsprout-6969875 Thu, 24 Dec 2020 03:00:00 -0600 1951 PTSD, C-PTSD, Dissociation, Depression, Anxiety, Triggers, Trauma, Christmas, Holidays, Being Alone 1 8 full true C-PTSD and Shame - A Heavy Load to Bear C-PTSD and Shame - A Heavy Load to Bear The decision to talk about shame today came about as a result of being called out by a social work friend.  She was absolutely right, I had fucked up. Fortunately it was easy to fix. All I needed to do is delete some footage and edit a couple of paragraphs out of the transcript. Piece of cake, right?

Not so easy when you have PTSD or C-PTSD. In my family, mistakes were dangerous and I tried really, really hard not to make mistakes. Which was impossible, of course.  In today's episode I talk about my family and the roles we were all forced to to play in order to survive. 

Shame played an integral role in my parent's lives and it played an integral role in my and my brother's lives.  I talk about the impact of shame on development and how shame is an incredibly power tool to manipulate and control people.

Here are a few

https://cptsdfoundation.org/

https://www.verywellmind.com/ptsd-and-shame-2797529

https://www.verywellmind.com/ptsd-and-shame-2797529


]]> The decision to talk about shame today came about as a result of being called out by a social work friend.  She was absolutely right, I had fucked up. Fortunately it was easy to fix. All I needed to do is delete some footage and edit a couple of paragraphs out of the transcript. Piece of cake, right?

Not so easy when you have PTSD or C-PTSD. In my family, mistakes were dangerous and I tried really, really hard not to make mistakes. Which was impossible, of course.  In today's episode I talk about my family and the roles we were all forced to to play in order to survive. 

Shame played an integral role in my parent's lives and it played an integral role in my and my brother's lives.  I talk about the impact of shame on development and how shame is an incredibly power tool to manipulate and control people.

Here are a few

https://cptsdfoundation.org/

https://www.verywellmind.com/ptsd-and-shame-2797529

https://www.verywellmind.com/ptsd-and-shame-2797529


]]> Ray Erickson Ray talks about Shame Spirals and his role within his shame bound family. Buzzsprout-6865571 Thu, 17 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0600 1780 PTSD, C-PTSD, Dissociation, Depression, Anxiety, Triggers, Trauma, Mental Health, Abuse, Incest, Grief 1 7 full true C-PTSD and Life - Not a Breakdown But a Breakthrough C-PTSD and Life - Not a Breakdown But a Breakthrough I want to start off right away and let you know I am continually working on sound quality. It is of the utmost importance. With each episode I am learning and improving. For the moment, this is the best I can do and you will need to put up with an occasional 'pop' or 'crackle'.  Thanks for your patience.

Today's episode digs into my experiences in Idaho, specifically the pending court date  following my 4th arrest for DUI. My attorney advised me to pick a place to go and get out of Idaho or be facing at least a year in jail. I was "chronic". I wasn't getting it. And I was a danger to others.

I talk about moving to California in June, 1975 and again in  February, 1984 and how the legal problems in Idaho paved the way for me to become a social worker, going into private practice, writing books and training parents and professionals. None of it would have happened if I weren't so fucked in my early 30's.

Maybe you have been there, maybe you haven't. Either way, optimism and gratitude have played a key role in my life. The dark times of Idaho is but one example of the many times I have crashed and burned only to rise again. like a Phoenix, out of the ashes.

This episode is testimony to power of resilience and perseverance. This was not a pretty picture, but whose life runs like a well-oiled machine? Certainly not mine. And I doubt yours does either. We are all in this together. So, you might as well embrace your humanity, warts and all.

Here's a couple of websites that may be helpful when you are emerging out of the darkness in your life.

Make sure you are sitting down because the CPTSD Foundation goes directly to the heart of C-PTSD. If you don't want to look in the mirror, then don't read it. If you are courageous, you will see the truth and get the help you need.
https://cptsdfoundation.org/2019/04/26/the-difficult-road-to-intimacy-living-with-complex-post-traumatic-stress-disorder/

This article is from the  Center for Treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders and it stresses the relationship between optimism and resilience. Something we can all use nowadays.
https://centerforanxietydisorders.com/resilience-optimism-trauma-response/

Stewart Collins  takes an academic look at Social Workers, Positive Emotions and Optimism. It is long and, yes, it is a research project and no, I haven't read the whole thing yet, but it is bookmarked and I will get to it right away. 
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/09503150701728186




]]> I want to start off right away and let you know I am continually working on sound quality. It is of the utmost importance. With each episode I am learning and improving. For the moment, this is the best I can do and you will need to put up with an occasional 'pop' or 'crackle'.  Thanks for your patience.

Today's episode digs into my experiences in Idaho, specifically the pending court date  following my 4th arrest for DUI. My attorney advised me to pick a place to go and get out of Idaho or be facing at least a year in jail. I was "chronic". I wasn't getting it. And I was a danger to others.

I talk about moving to California in June, 1975 and again in  February, 1984 and how the legal problems in Idaho paved the way for me to become a social worker, going into private practice, writing books and training parents and professionals. None of it would have happened if I weren't so fucked in my early 30's.

Maybe you have been there, maybe you haven't. Either way, optimism and gratitude have played a key role in my life. The dark times of Idaho is but one example of the many times I have crashed and burned only to rise again. like a Phoenix, out of the ashes.

This episode is testimony to power of resilience and perseverance. This was not a pretty picture, but whose life runs like a well-oiled machine? Certainly not mine. And I doubt yours does either. We are all in this together. So, you might as well embrace your humanity, warts and all.

Here's a couple of websites that may be helpful when you are emerging out of the darkness in your life.

Make sure you are sitting down because the CPTSD Foundation goes directly to the heart of C-PTSD. If you don't want to look in the mirror, then don't read it. If you are courageous, you will see the truth and get the help you need.
https://cptsdfoundation.org/2019/04/26/the-difficult-road-to-intimacy-living-with-complex-post-traumatic-stress-disorder/

This article is from the  Center for Treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders and it stresses the relationship between optimism and resilience. Something we can all use nowadays.
https://centerforanxietydisorders.com/resilience-optimism-trauma-response/

Stewart Collins  takes an academic look at Social Workers, Positive Emotions and Optimism. It is long and, yes, it is a research project and no, I haven't read the whole thing yet, but it is bookmarked and I will get to it right away. 
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/09503150701728186




]]> Ray Erickson C-PTSD and Life: Oh-Oh, Here I Go Again Buzzsprout-6773359 Thu, 10 Dec 2020 07:00:00 -0600 1746 PTSD, C-PTSD, Dissociation, Depression, Anxiety, Triggers, Trauma, Mental Health, Abuse, Incest, Grief 1 6 full true C-PTSD, Dissociation and Love - When a Trauma Response is Good C-PTSD, Dissociation and Love - When a Trauma Response is Good Today I talk about C-PTSD, Dissociation and Love. These episodes are more of a 25 minute rant than a coherent, organized lesson on life. I'm still working on my story-telling skills and each new episode represents my best effort to improve my content and improve the production quality as well. It's probably not good to apologize the first thing in the description. I'm not saying it isn't interesting, I just sort of ramble about, but I think I am able to tie everything in even if that thing isn't part of the title. You be the judge.

Much of the episode is about dissociation and how this amazing brain thing  saved me from years of painful, heartbreaking memories. It probably saved me from the developmental and learning problems as well, because it is well documented how child abuse and neglect impact the physical, mental and emotional growth of children.

Dissociation snatched me out of my encestuous family and placed me in a TV family, the Cleavers where I acted out a composite of Theodore (the Beaver) and his older brother Wally. Their parents, Ward and June Cleaver naturally replaced my original parents and fortunately for me I lived in an idyllic small midwestern town, just like the Cleavers.

Thanks to me dissociating, I was spared the painful memories of abuse perpetrated by my paternal grandfather and my older brother. All of these memories are safely tucked away in my subconscious where, I hope they remain forever.

As the Hero Child of this family, I was not wired to remember negative events. I could only remember the good stuff about my family. In this way I kept the secret of incest without even knowing it was a secret. My brain ROCKS!

As usual, here are a couple of websites I found while doing research that I think will be helpful for those of you who are afflicted by PTSD and C-PTSD.  You may need to copy and paste the links below. Sorry about that. I'm working on it.

https://cptsdfoundation.org/category/dissociation-and-cptsd/ 

https://www.brightquest.com/blog/complex-ptsd-and-romantic-relationships-healing-trauma-together-through-treatment/

https://brickelandassociates.com/dissociation-from-trauma/

Be Courageous. Be Strong. Be Kind

I'll catch you later.


]]> Today I talk about C-PTSD, Dissociation and Love. These episodes are more of a 25 minute rant than a coherent, organized lesson on life. I'm still working on my story-telling skills and each new episode represents my best effort to improve my content and improve the production quality as well. It's probably not good to apologize the first thing in the description. I'm not saying it isn't interesting, I just sort of ramble about, but I think I am able to tie everything in even if that thing isn't part of the title. You be the judge.

Much of the episode is about dissociation and how this amazing brain thing  saved me from years of painful, heartbreaking memories. It probably saved me from the developmental and learning problems as well, because it is well documented how child abuse and neglect impact the physical, mental and emotional growth of children.

Dissociation snatched me out of my encestuous family and placed me in a TV family, the Cleavers where I acted out a composite of Theodore (the Beaver) and his older brother Wally. Their parents, Ward and June Cleaver naturally replaced my original parents and fortunately for me I lived in an idyllic small midwestern town, just like the Cleavers.

Thanks to me dissociating, I was spared the painful memories of abuse perpetrated by my paternal grandfather and my older brother. All of these memories are safely tucked away in my subconscious where, I hope they remain forever.

As the Hero Child of this family, I was not wired to remember negative events. I could only remember the good stuff about my family. In this way I kept the secret of incest without even knowing it was a secret. My brain ROCKS!

As usual, here are a couple of websites I found while doing research that I think will be helpful for those of you who are afflicted by PTSD and C-PTSD.  You may need to copy and paste the links below. Sorry about that. I'm working on it.

https://cptsdfoundation.org/category/dissociation-and-cptsd/ 

https://www.brightquest.com/blog/complex-ptsd-and-romantic-relationships-healing-trauma-together-through-treatment/

https://brickelandassociates.com/dissociation-from-trauma/

Be Courageous. Be Strong. Be Kind

I'll catch you later.


]]> Ray Erickson C-PTSD, Dissociation and Love: You can't remember it if you weren't there. Buzzsprout-6672647 Thu, 03 Dec 2020 09:00:00 -0600 1439 PTSD, C-PTSD, Dissociation, Depression, Anxiety, Triggers, Trauma, Mental Health, Abuse, Incest, Grief 1 5 full true Thanksgiving 2020 and CPTSD - Survive Your Family Gathering Thanksgiving 2020 and CPTSD - Survive Your Family Gathering Today's episode is about Thanksgiving and what that means when you have PTSD. I really wanted to get this episode out to you sooner, but life had different plans for me. Fortunately, I was unencumbered with a social event on this most holy of holy holidays for me. I loved Thanksgiving and still do. Today is the first time I have not had a group meal on Thanksgiving in my life.  First time alone. 

I spent most of the day working on this episode and took a time out to watch the Detroit Lions get their asses kicked by Houston. There is small rant about the Lions in today's episode. Please forgive me, it's a curse from growing up in Michigan.

Please give it a listen and let me know what you think. Also please pass it along if you know someone who you think will benefit from my perspective and experiences with PTSD and C-PTSD. It will be greatly appreciated.

Here are a couple of websites that may be helpful for the holidays.

https://www.beautyafterbruises.org/blog/survivingtheholidays

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/11/28/va-offers-tips-coping-ptsd-during-holiday-season.html

Happy Thanksgiving to you and those you love.

]]> Today's episode is about Thanksgiving and what that means when you have PTSD. I really wanted to get this episode out to you sooner, but life had different plans for me. Fortunately, I was unencumbered with a social event on this most holy of holy holidays for me. I loved Thanksgiving and still do. Today is the first time I have not had a group meal on Thanksgiving in my life.  First time alone. 

I spent most of the day working on this episode and took a time out to watch the Detroit Lions get their asses kicked by Houston. There is small rant about the Lions in today's episode. Please forgive me, it's a curse from growing up in Michigan.

Please give it a listen and let me know what you think. Also please pass it along if you know someone who you think will benefit from my perspective and experiences with PTSD and C-PTSD. It will be greatly appreciated.

Here are a couple of websites that may be helpful for the holidays.

https://www.beautyafterbruises.org/blog/survivingtheholidays

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/11/28/va-offers-tips-coping-ptsd-during-holiday-season.html

Happy Thanksgiving to you and those you love.

]]> Ray Erickson Thanksgiving 2020: PTSD, Family Gatherings and COVID Buzzsprout-6572593 Thu, 26 Nov 2020 19:00:00 -0600 1278 PTSD, C-PTSD, Thanksgiving, Family, Tradition, Self-love, Limits and Boundaries, Anxiety, Depression, Mental Health 1 4 full true CPTSD Triggers - What They Are and What You Can Do CPTSD Triggers - What They Are and What You Can Do In today's episode I  talk about PTSD triggers, how they originate, how they take over an otherwise rational mind and before you know it, there is a full blown nuclear explosion, complete  with ranting and raging about whatever it is at that moment.

As usual, I use myself as the guinea pig and let you inside my mind for a close, up and personal look at my trigger response. 

How do I get triggered?
How do I act it out those triggers?
What is happening for me at that moment?
What do I do that helps?

PTSD triggers and C-PTSD triggers are ignited by different things with different people, but there are many common characteristics, from the chemical cocktail that the hippocampus, adrenal and pituitary glands unleash into your brain to the deep, dark depression and potential suicide that follow these triggering events.

Everyone connected to PTSD needs to EDUCATE themselves. There isn't anyone on earth who can deal with this tragic state of being while keeping your head stuck in the sand or someplace even darker.

Here are a couple of good websites that provide really solid information. I found them in virtually milliseconds on Google. There are literally thousands of sites dedicated to the healing of PTSD and C-PTSD.  You are bound to find something helpful.

https://www.iaffrecoverycenter.com/blog/recognizing-ptsd-triggers/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181836/

Let your voice be heard. Participate in this podcast. Share your thoughts and experiences as it pertains to OOMMCR. 

Take action and pass OOMMCR along. If you appreciate the work I am doing, then  let people know about it.  Sharing is Caring. 

Maybe OOMMCR isn't your cup of tea, but it might be  for someone you care about. Tell everyone you know about OOMMCR. You never know who may be suffering  from PTSD or C-PTSD. It won't cost you a dime and you will feel good about.

Thank you. 

Ray

]]> In today's episode I  talk about PTSD triggers, how they originate, how they take over an otherwise rational mind and before you know it, there is a full blown nuclear explosion, complete  with ranting and raging about whatever it is at that moment.

As usual, I use myself as the guinea pig and let you inside my mind for a close, up and personal look at my trigger response. 

How do I get triggered?
How do I act it out those triggers?
What is happening for me at that moment?
What do I do that helps?

PTSD triggers and C-PTSD triggers are ignited by different things with different people, but there are many common characteristics, from the chemical cocktail that the hippocampus, adrenal and pituitary glands unleash into your brain to the deep, dark depression and potential suicide that follow these triggering events.

Everyone connected to PTSD needs to EDUCATE themselves. There isn't anyone on earth who can deal with this tragic state of being while keeping your head stuck in the sand or someplace even darker.

Here are a couple of good websites that provide really solid information. I found them in virtually milliseconds on Google. There are literally thousands of sites dedicated to the healing of PTSD and C-PTSD.  You are bound to find something helpful.

https://www.iaffrecoverycenter.com/blog/recognizing-ptsd-triggers/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181836/

Let your voice be heard. Participate in this podcast. Share your thoughts and experiences as it pertains to OOMMCR. 

Take action and pass OOMMCR along. If you appreciate the work I am doing, then  let people know about it.  Sharing is Caring. 

Maybe OOMMCR isn't your cup of tea, but it might be  for someone you care about. Tell everyone you know about OOMMCR. You never know who may be suffering  from PTSD or C-PTSD. It won't cost you a dime and you will feel good about.

Thank you. 

Ray

]]> Ray Erickson I'm taking a look at PTSD triggers and hoping I can shed some light onto these outbursts. Buzzsprout-6190498 Mon, 02 Nov 2020 13:00:00 -0600 1713 PTSD, C-PTSD, Dissociation, Depression, Anxiety, Triggers, Trauma, Mental Health, Abuse, Incest, Grief 1 3 full true PTSD? C-PTSD? Do I Have It? - Let's Look at the Criteria. PTSD? C-PTSD? Do I Have It? - Let's Look at the Criteria. Today's episode is focused on a review of the DSM5 criteria for PTSD along with the criteria  for C-PTSD in the soon to be ICD11.  I will be using myself as the example and because of time restraints, I will not be addressing all of the criteria, only those that occur with me.

This episode can really help those of you who are struggling with trying to figure out what the heck is going on. I did that for 30 years and I was a psychotherapist working with people with PTSD. Our brains do whatever it needs to do to keep us alive and for me that meant revealing my truth at a time when I could manage this new understanding. 

Explore the internet for information. The more information you have, the better you will be able to heal from those tragic and traumatizing life experiences. Here is one example of a Google search I made: 

C-PTSD Symptoms and Treatments

Here are a couple of sits that are really dialed into the problem of PTSD. You will be the best judge as to where you get your information from, but it is important to take action and learn about what is going on and what you can do about it. The key to recovery is to stop blaming others and take responsibility for your life. Stop being a victim.

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
https://www.healthline.com/health/cptsd

]]> Today's episode is focused on a review of the DSM5 criteria for PTSD along with the criteria  for C-PTSD in the soon to be ICD11.  I will be using myself as the example and because of time restraints, I will not be addressing all of the criteria, only those that occur with me.

This episode can really help those of you who are struggling with trying to figure out what the heck is going on. I did that for 30 years and I was a psychotherapist working with people with PTSD. Our brains do whatever it needs to do to keep us alive and for me that meant revealing my truth at a time when I could manage this new understanding. 

Explore the internet for information. The more information you have, the better you will be able to heal from those tragic and traumatizing life experiences. Here is one example of a Google search I made: 

C-PTSD Symptoms and Treatments

Here are a couple of sits that are really dialed into the problem of PTSD. You will be the best judge as to where you get your information from, but it is important to take action and learn about what is going on and what you can do about it. The key to recovery is to stop blaming others and take responsibility for your life. Stop being a victim.

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
https://www.healthline.com/health/cptsd

]]> Ray Erickson This week I take a close look at my own diagnosis criteria. Some of this stuff may apply to you as well. Buzzsprout-6142723 Fri, 30 Oct 2020 08:00:00 -0600 1560 PTSD, C-PTSD, Dissociation, Depression, Anxiety, Triggers, Trauma, Mental Health, Abuse, Incest, Grief 1 2 full true Welcome to Out of My Mind in Costa Rica - Here's to the Survivors Welcome to Out of My Mind in Costa Rica - Here's to the Survivors Welcome to My Mind is my first actual podcast and I feel pretty good about it. In this episode I give you a bit of my back story and how I got into the field of social work and how I ended up with C-PTSD. I try to explain what this is in a way that is easy to understand. I don't use professional jargon and if I do, I will define that jargon.

Give it a listen and engage me. Let me know what your thoughts are. Tell me your opinion. Ask me a question or tell me one of your stories. I work best while engaging with people through this medium or in a real-time, face-to-face modality. I am open to whatever will help. Thanks for checking me out, see you at the end of the episode.

Ray

]]> Welcome to My Mind is my first actual podcast and I feel pretty good about it. In this episode I give you a bit of my back story and how I got into the field of social work and how I ended up with C-PTSD. I try to explain what this is in a way that is easy to understand. I don't use professional jargon and if I do, I will define that jargon.

Give it a listen and engage me. Let me know what your thoughts are. Tell me your opinion. Ask me a question or tell me one of your stories. I work best while engaging with people through this medium or in a real-time, face-to-face modality. I am open to whatever will help. Thanks for checking me out, see you at the end of the episode.

Ray

]]> Ray Welcome to Out of My Mind in Costa Rica - Where I'm the Guinea Pig and Life is Examined Buzzsprout-6122431 Thu, 29 Oct 2020 07:00:00 -0600 1490 PTSD, C-PTSD, Dissociation, Depression, Anxiety, Triggers, Trauma, Mental Health, Abuse, Incest, Grief 1 1 full true