You Are Not Alone: The Power of Sharing Your Story Have you ever faced something so painful that it felt like the world was moving on without you? You're not alone. Did you know? Around 70% of adults worldwide experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. In the past three years, 57% of Americans have faced a significant loss. Despite how common suffering is, when it’s happening to you, it can feel like everyone else is moving forward while you’re standing still. The isolation that often comes with pain can make healing even harder. A Day That Changed Everything One brisk, cold afternoon, I was exhausted from a long day at work and 34 weeks pregnant with my second child. After picking up my son from daycare, he started screaming from the backseat—hungry and impatient. Desperate to soothe him, I leaned over to grab his crackers from the passenger-side floor. In that split second, everything changed. I felt a thud. An 18-year-old young woman was on my hood, her body r...

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 trauma is a deeply personal journey—one that requires patience, persistence, and self-compassion. While trauma recovery looks different for everyone, research shows that consistent daily practices can play a vital role in supporting emotional healing, improving mental health, and building long-term resilience. Whether you're navigating complex PTSD , chronic stress, or the aftermath of a painful experience, developing a strong foundation can make a meaningful difference in your progress. 10 ways to rebuild Your energy & resilience: Eat a Nutritious Breakfast People often skip breakfast—but doing so can negatively impact your mood, energy, and focus. 📊 *Research shows breakfast eaters have better memory and lower stress levels compared to those who skip it.*¹ Prioritize Self-Care Give to yourself first—rest, reflect, and recharge—so you're equipped to give to others. 🧠 *Chronic neglect of self-care is linked to increased burnout and decreased emotional r...

  Getting Treatment Right is Crucial for Healing Finding the right treatment for Complex PTSD (CPTSD) can be life-changing—but too often, people aren’t directed to the most effective therapies . This can leave them feeling irreparably damaged, stuck in survival mode, and beyond hope . As someone who has personally navigated repetitive trauma and later worked as both a healthcare executive and clinician , I know this truth firsthand: healing is possible, and resilience is within reach. Let’s explore why CPTSD is so challenging to treat and what actually works to support recovery.  Continue Reading...

  What Is Trauma-Informed Care? Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) emerged in the late 1990s as a response to the growing recognition of how trauma—especially repetitive trauma—affects an individual’s brain, nervous system, and overall health. Groundbreaking neuroimaging and scientific research revealed that trauma could leave individuals stuck in states of reactivity and chronic inflammation, impacting both their mental and physical well-being. This approach aimed to shift the traditional, often hierarchical, model of healthcare toward a collaborative and empowering partnership between providers and patients. Trauma robs individuals of their voice, leaving them feeling powerless and disconnected from their own lives. Trauma-Informed Care was designed to restore that voice—placing patients at the center of their healing journey. Continue Reading...  

Complex PTSD vs. PTSD: What’s the Difference? One of the most common misconceptions about Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is that it's the same as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While the two conditions share similarities, C-PTSD presents additional challenges that stem from prolonged or repeated trauma. Understanding the difference between C-PTSD and PTSD can help you better recognize symptoms and find effective treatments that support healing. What Is PTSD? Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops after exposure to a single traumatic event such as: Traffic collision A serious accident Sexual or physical assault A natural disaster Common Symptoms of PTSD: Individuals with PTSD may experience: Re-experiencing the trauma through intrusive memories, nightmares, or flashbacks Avoidance of trauma-related thoughts, places, or people Hyperarousal , leading to irritability, difficulty sleeping, and heightened reactivity What Is Complex PTSD? Complex PTSD (...

Insomnia: Causes, Solutions, and Steps to Better Sleep Did you know that approximately 1 in 3 individuals struggles with insomnia? If you have trouble sleeping, you may experience: Difficulty falling asleep Trouble staying asleep Waking up too early Restless or poor-quality sleep If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone. Insomnia can impact every aspect of your life, leaving you feeling exhausted, frustrated, and desperate for solutions. What Causes Insomnia? To effectively address insomnia, it’s essential to understand what’s causing it in the first place. Some of the most common causes include: 1. Anxiety and Depression (50-70%) Psychological factors like anxiety and depression are among the leading causes of insomnia. Racing thoughts, worry, and mood disturbances can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep. 2. PTSD (50-90%) Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often experience hyper-vigilance, nightmares, flashbacks, and fear of sleep—all of which contrib...