Comedian Libbie Higgins shares the trauma caused by her older brother, delving into topics like family dynamics, childhood trauma, Catholic upbringing influence, and emotional turmoil. The podcast explores shame, unresolved family secrets, OCD struggles, mental health challenges, and embracing self-discovery.
Libby's childhood trauma influences her career choice in teaching vulnerable children.
Struggles with OCD and intrusive thoughts cause Libby intense anxiety and fear.
Despite past trauma, Libby actively manages her mental health with therapy and medication.
Deep dives
Teaching Special Ed and Childhood Trauma
Libby worked as a special education teacher for over two decades, specializing in kindergarten through fifth grade. Her choice of teaching at that age group potentially stemmed from her own childhood trauma, suggesting a deep-seated need to protect and care for vulnerable children.
OCD and Intrusive Thoughts
Libby openly discusses her struggles with OCD and intrusive thoughts, revealing a pattern of obsessing over disturbing scenarios and experiencing intense anxiety. These intrusive thoughts caused her to fear potential harmful actions, reflecting a deep-seated internal conflict that she grapples with regularly.
Past Trauma Resurfacing
Despite her dedication to teaching and addressing the needs of children, Libby's past trauma resurfaces intermittently, leading to persistent thoughts and reminders of the abuse she endured in her childhood. These memories and triggers continue to affect her mental well-being, despite her efforts to manage and cope with them.
Mental Health Treatment and Medication
Recognizing the impact of her past trauma and ongoing mental health challenges, Libby acknowledges the importance of seeking treatment and using medication like Zoloft to manage her anxiety and OCD symptoms. While therapy remains a necessary step, she also highlights the difficulty and time commitment involved in addressing deep-rooted issues.
Humor as Coping Mechanism
Through her candid discussions about sensitive topics and her ability to infuse humor into her storytelling, Libby demonstrates a resilient spirit and a brave approach to addressing her experiences. By openly sharing her journey, she showcases strength, vulnerability, and a unique way of coping with past trauma.
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