Stephanie Foo, author of the bestseller "What My Bones Know," shares her harrowing journey living with Complex PTSD, stemming from childhood trauma. She discusses how panic attacks became a wake-up call to address her past. Getting into the nuances, Stephanie highlights the differences between traditional and complex PTSD. She explores the vital role of therapy and community support in her healing. Her stories also touch on how ancestral trauma influences present struggles, advocating for realistic expectations in recovery.
Understanding complex PTSD involves recognizing its distinction from traditional PTSD and the profound impact of repeated trauma, particularly in childhood.
Healing from complex PTSD is a multifaceted journey that requires diverse therapeutic approaches, coping mechanisms, and the cultivation of strengths like resilience and empathy.
Deep dives
Understanding Complex PTSD
Complex PTSD arises from repeated trauma, particularly in relationships where safety is compromised, such as childhood abuse. Unlike traditional PTSD, which can stem from a single traumatic event, complex PTSD involves ongoing distress and emotional dysregulation due to prolonged exposure to trauma. It manifests as a heightened sense of apprehension and emotional responses that seem disproportionate to the present circumstances. Recognizing the distinction between PTSD and complex PTSD is crucial for understanding the depths of this condition and addressing its effects on individuals' lives.
The Journey to Healing
Healing from complex PTSD is a multifaceted process that often requires a combination of therapies to address the diverse aspects of the disorder. Techniques such as EMDR, talk therapy, and somatic practices like yoga can significantly aid in processing trauma and calming the nervous system. The journey includes not only understanding one's trauma but also building a toolkit of coping mechanisms to manage triggers and intense emotions. Engaging with various therapists and healing modalities is essential, as individuals must find what resonates most with them on their path to recovery.
The Strengths of Empathy and Courage
While complex PTSD presents numerous challenges, it also fosters unique strengths such as profound empathy and resilience among those affected. The ability to relate deeply to others' suffering can transform individuals into powerful advocates and healers, emphasizing their capability to support marginalized or oppressed groups. Harnessing the intense emotions associated with trauma can enable individuals to channel the Hulk-like strength within them, learning to manage their responses effectively. The journey towards finding balance is vital, as it helps individuals turn their pain into purpose, creating a brighter outlook on life.
S2 EP #4: Stephanie Foo was diagnosed with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,, also known as CPTSD, after she began struggling with panic attacks at work every morning. Throughout childhood, she was both physically and verbally abused, neglected and even abandoned as a teenager. In this conversation, Stephanie shares how her life has been impacted by this CPTSD and how she eventually found healing through education, different forms of therapy and meeting others who also suffered from CPTSD. She went on to write a New York Times bestseller titled What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma.