Resolve to Rise

Trauma affects more people than we might realize, but what exactly is trauma, and why does it impact us so deeply? The Three Types of Trauma Trauma is any experience that terrifies us and makes us fear for our safety or the safety of someone important to us. It can take different forms, including: Acute Trauma : A single, isolated event (e.g., a car accident). Chronic Trauma : Repeated and prolonged exposure to distressing events. Complex Trauma : Multiple, varied traumatic events, often in close relationships (e.g., child abuse, domestic violence). Trauma isn’t limited to firsthand experiences. It can also arise from witnessing, learning about, or even being exposed to distressing details of a traumatic event. How Trauma Impacts the Body and Mind The foundational symptoms of PTSD persist for 30 or more days after a traumatic event and can significantly affect daily functioning. Common symptoms include: Re-experiencing the trauma : Nightmares, flashbacks, or triggers. Avoidance : Steer...

Healing from Complex PTSD is a journey that requires patience and persistence. What works for one person may not work for another, and it can take time to discover the most effective strategies for your unique needs. However, creating a strong foundation for healing through daily practices can significantly support your progress.   Here are 10 daily habits to help you on your healing journey: Eat a Nutritious Breakfast : People often skip breakfast; however, skipping meals can impact your energy and mood. Prioritize Self-Care : Give to yourself first—rest, reflect, and recharge—so you are equipped to give to others. Move Your Body : Regardless of the activity, regular exercise helps release stress and improve mood. I love a good hike! Practice Mindfulness : Take moments throughout the day to reconnect with your body and surroundings to stay centered. Seek Inspiration : Find inspiration, whether it’s a book, video, or music, to uplift your spirit. For me the mountains and oceans cal...

  Getting treatment right is crucial for healing from Complex PTSD (CPTSD). Too often, people aren't directed to the most effective therapies, leaving them feeling irreparably damaged and beyond hope. My journey from surviving repetitive trauma to working as a healthcare executive and clinician has shown me that healing is possible and resilience is within reach. Let’s explore why CPTSD is so challenging to treat and how effective approaches can make a difference. Why CPTSD is Hard to Treat CPTSD is challenging because it stems from repetitive traumatic experiences, leaving you in a continual state of fight or flight. This means you are: Re-experiencing the trauma through memories, nightmares, night terrors and/or flashbacks Organizing your life to avoid trauma reminders Struggling with negative changes in your thinking and mood Dealing with dysregulated emotions  Experiencing difficulty with relationships Suffering from a poor self-concept These issues arise from fundamental ...

  Trauma-Informed Care was rolled out in the late 1990s in an effort to ensure providers of care  take the effects of trauma experienced by their patients into account when diagnosing and treating them.   This effort happened because scientists and doctors were realizing the impact of trauma, especially of multiple traumas on a person. Neuroimaging and other scientific research was uncovering how repetitive trauma can cause your brain, nervous system and body to malfunction or get stuck in a state of reactivity and inflammation. Trauma-Informed Care was supposed to change the often hierarchical dynamic in clinical service delivery to more of a partnered approach. Abuse steals the voice and freedom of the abused and leaves them feeling like an observer in their own life with no way to impact or lessen the horror they experience. Trauma-Informed Care was meant to give patient's their voice back and come along side them in diagnosing their challenges and creating a treatment...

Complex PTSD vs. PTSD One of the most common misunderstandings about Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is that it is the same as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).   While they share some symptoms, C-PTSD is different from PTSD. It often happens after you experience repeated trauma, examples would be:   Childhood abuse or neglect Human trafficking Domestic violence   People with PTSD:  Re-experience their trauma through memories, nightmares, or flashbacks Avoid reminders of their trauma either in what they think about or by avoiding certain people or places Are hyper-reactive to upsetting experiences Because of the length of time  and repeat nature of the traumatic events, people with Complex PTSD have the symptoms of PTSD plus other symptoms:   The most common symptom is feeling separate or disconnected from yourself! In addition to that you may:  Have a hard time managing your feelings Have negative thoughts about yourself Use copin...