Flourishing With PTSD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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