Episode 8: C-PTSD and Christmas - Hope In a Dark, Dark Year

Out of My Mind in Costa Rica-Living with CPTSD

Today, I take on Christmas. PTSD and C-PTSD have been with me for most of my life, but I didn't know that until about 8 years ago. This means that most of my holidays have been without the knowledge I have this problem.
I grew up in the 1950's in rural, small town, America where life was simple and neighbors were helpful. The economy was roaring and families everywhere were indulging themselves at this time of year. It was an amazing time and place to grow up in.
Christmas as a child was magical. My parents went all out on the tree as well as what went under the tree. There were mountains of presents. I kid you not. A lot of people my age can relate to this. It was a fantastic time to be a kid.
Life changes when you grow up and for many of my adult years, Christmas was a jolly time, that is if I were in relationship. If I were not in relationship, they were dismal, depressing and painful experiences.
Here we go for another round of holiday festivities, although this year is unique because, many of us never made to Christmas because of COVID-19. My heart goes out to those families who have lost a loved one to this terrible pandemic. It also angers me that our government has failed the people so completely and so ingenuously.
As usual, here are a few websites that may help you take the edge off this holiday season.
The CPTSD Foundation is a wonderful website and I will probably be posting there links here quite often. Here is a cornucopia of ideas to help you take the edge of this holiday season.

https://cptsdfoundation.org/2018/12/24/surviving-christmas-how-to-turn-a-helliday-into-a-holiday/

Below is a line to one hell of a brave person’s YouTube channel. You need to know that this video shows someone who has taken the road less travelled. I relate so much to what she is saying, even though it is clear that this work takes its toll on her at times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgwUSH2c-Z4

Beauty After Bruises is a fantastic organization and they offer great advice for those of us with traumatic stress in our lives. The article below is chock full of helpful hints to make this year a better than you expected year.

https://www.beautyafterbruises.org/blog/survivingtheholidays
Be Courageous, Be Strong, and Be Kind.
I'll catch you later.
Ray