What we’re about
Supportive social group for folks with complex PTSD from childhood trauma.
- About Me: I was a former organizer on Meetup for many years. But got burnt out and stepped down years ago.
- What I didn't realize was my childhood was starting to catch up with me, when I thought I was past certain things. I wasn't. I was diagnosed bipolar years ago, which I assumed was the main cause of my issues, but that didn't explain all of my behavior. Why was I isolating more over time? Why did I keep sabotaging friendships and relationships over the years? Why did I still feel so out of place with others, even when I was hanging out with others who were more introverted like me? I felt broken and lost for a long time.
- I was finally diagnosed with something that made sense. Complex PTSD. I couldn't figure out why traditional therapy, meds, etc, were not helping much over the years. I turned 50 in May and told myself I needed to figure out why I kept repeating the same patterns over and over again. I found a great channel on YT recently called The Crappy Childhood Fairy. Her videos have been so helpful and finally explained why I've been stuck in martyr/victim/crisis/etc mode for so long. I never dealt with childhood trauma. I just kept doing things to escape, and my pattern is to pull away and isolate, so that I won't get triggered, or snap at folks.
- But the isolation makes things so much worse over time, because then we can handle even less. So, after years of being away from Meetup, I decided to start a group that might truly help people, instead of starting one just to socialize. I'm not a therapist, or have a degree. I'm just tired of feeling a lack of true connection with others, because I've let myself become so emotionally numb, and I had the feeling a lot of you feel the same. I'm still dealing with my own issues since C-PTSD can take a long time to heal. But if you can relate to anything I've said and you'd like to try this group, you're more than welcome to join me.
- For this group, we will be basing each meetup on the book Re-Regulated by Anna Runkle (links for her book and her free YouTube videos will be in the details of each meetup) Even if you don't attend any of our meetups, look up her info for yourself, to help get your own healing started. You don't have to wait on me and our meetup schedule, if you're struggling right now. Do what's best for your own needs.
- Just a gentle reminder, the organizer is agnostic and will not tolerate any religious dogma posted here. This group welcomes folks from all backgrounds, including non-religious folks, especially since some of our members may have religious trauma.
- This group is LGBTQ friendly.
- Thank you!