A Message for Survivors on Fathers' Day

     So, it's Fathers' Day.  And our hearts are so heavy knowing just how many of you are hurting today -- who are conflicted, unsure, angry, scared, grieving, lost, or yearning.  For many of you, it's a combination of all the above.  Fathers' Day doesn't quite seem to hold the same regality to it that Mothers' Day does - and, even societally, you're more likely to see posts of people acknowledging that they had absent or hurtful fathers.  But, just because people are slightly more aware that not everyone has a wonderful dad, it doesn't make it any less difficult. In fact, we almost feel as though Fathers' Day being knocked down a peg from the pedestal family members can be placed on, actually allows for more of us to truly feel our feelings. It's almost as if there is a greater permission to acknowledge the pain given the expectation of warmth and gushing affections is lessened. Of course, that means we're more likely to be in the pain today. So, all of us here at Beauty After Bruises want you to be able to take a time-out from your Sunday, to sit with us, and to know you're in the company of people who really really get it.

     Before we get too terribly far, we want to make sure we acknowledge that dads in general can get a bad rap. They are quickly villainized and made out to be the bad guy in all kinds of situations, often unfairly. For many of you, your dad may have even been your rock, your everything -- the only reason you're still with us today.  We are so glad that fathers like them exist and always want to lift them up in the highest regard. With that, just as we mentioned with mothers, we also know that some of you have lost this special parent - your person. So today marks a day for heart-wrenching grief - a new trauma for your already broken heart. We want to help hold that for you however possible and sympathize in your brokenness. Grief and loss are emotions that so many of you may be feeling - possibly even all of you, really - and for reasons that may not include death.  For a lot of survivors, your fathers have left, or were never there from the start. Some of you have lost your dads to addiction, mental or medical health issues, or other challenging behavior that - though he's still alive - he's no longer truly here, as himself, anymore. He's not the father you knew, nor the father you want or need right now. There's an inevitable, sometimes inescapable feeling of loss that comes with that. And, it's okay and completely normal to grieve a dad who's right there with you, but just isn't present with you. For those of you who never got to feel like you had a father - just someone to share a house with - of course you're also bound to feel as if a big part of you is missing, or as if you just don't know how you're supposed to feel. We all want to acknowledge that hurt. Many are right there with you.
     

     For every shade and color of loss and grief, whether there are tears to be had or you're all cried out: you're not alone.

---

"Fathers' Day....  Man.  My heart hurts most for little me - the one who had to celebrate, hand-make cards for, and love the violent, red-faced, short-tempered man who tore our family apart. It confused and hurt Little Morgan to no end."

-- Morgan, 27

---

     This week has seen no shortage of the anticipated emotional commercials, quirky "dad bod" advertisements, full series on popular YouTube channels centering around fatherhood, annnd of course the lengthy social media posts from friends and loved ones, reminiscing and telling tales of their amazing, hard-working, selfless fathers. Yet, here today, many of you are alone, quietly hurting. The reality for Complex PTSD and DID survivors is that it's really common for 'a dad' of someone's to have been involved in your trauma (either in big ways or small). Whether that was your own fathers; a grandfather or uncle; a teacher, coach or pastor; even a cousin or neighbor who's all grown up and now has their own kids -- knowing there's a day for them to be celebrated (specifically for caring for children) can bring with it so many unique, difficult struggles.

     It's hard to see fathers universally being revered, when a father you knew wasn't the least bit good to their own or someone else's children. For those of you who only discovered in adulthood what happened to you as a child, there can be such a visceral reaction, with emotions ten layers deep, if you ever find yourself staring at photos of them holding or hugging their own children.  ....what do you do??  Many feel fear, others just relive trauma, and so many more want to "do something", "save them" or "protect them" but are stunned frozen. Others sit with heavy, heavy guilt that they didn't say something back then, even if they didn't know at the time, retroactive guilt still sneaks in like a virus. For any of you in these positions, we want you to know we deeply empathize with all the anguish and inner-conflict wrapped up in that bundle of exasperation. You are not alone in this.  You did what you could with the information you had at the time, as well as what you believed to be safe. You are STILL doing what is right for you, safest for you, healthiest for you, and what will ensure your wellbeing. The rest can and will sort itself out in time; for now you just need to do what is best for you in this very moment.

---

"Every Fathers' Day I'm confronted with the reminder that he left us.  He left me and my siblings with that horrible, abusive woman. He saved himself, but didn't think twice about us."

--J.D., 36

---

     There are so many stories, so many walks of life and paths you could be on.  Many of you have become fathers yourselves. This may be your triumphant accomplishment, one to be so proud of yourself for! Despite all the self-doubt or questioning, through it all, you found yourself in a family, or at least raising a child of your own. This is such a hard and scary thing to do, especially if most of your examples were poor or even non-existent. For those of you worrying or wondering today if you're a good enough father to even be celebrated - or scared you won't be once you do become a dad - we want to be that vote of confidence that says, "The very fact you're concerned about this, means you're leaps and bounds ahead of the pack. We are all just trying to do the best we can with the tools we have, learn more every day, try to leave the least amount of harm behind us, and work to leave things a little better than we found them. And, if that's what you're doing, you're doing it just right!"  Yet, if you are truly concerned or know you need a little help to be able to do the best job you can, there are always resources and a helping hand available to you; never hesitate to ask.  It's one of the bravest things you can do and one that requires such personal strength - not weakness. We are one of those places you can turn, who would love to help you however possible.

---

"Only when I became a father did I finally see how evil mine own was. I never saw it -- never. It's hard to raise kids when you only just learned how blind you were to being treated like an dog. I'm so scared now I wouldn't recognize it if I ever did the same - but hellbent on never coming close."

-- R.W., 39

---

     The subject of becoming a father can actually be one filled with trauma for many other reasons in a certain group of survivors. And, we want to be sure we touch on this because we feel it's something that's missing in a lot of trauma outreach. A lot of survivors are men, and a lot of those men were made to be fathers against their will as well - just like those who became mothers unwillingly. Far too many have been trafficked, abused, manipulated, or even used for the sole purpose of bearing children. Some of you may be aware of your children, while others sit there with the tormenting question of IF you're a father, knowing all the abuse you endured and the level of probability. This is something most cannot even imagine feeling, wondering or agonizing over. In each and every one of these instances, we ache for you. Just as we do for those who have also may have children they cannot see, those whose were taken from them in messy, unfair, and even abusive divorces, and those who've even lost their beloved children. All of your pain is so real, so heavy. It is seen. It is felt. It is honored and met with such true compassion.

---

"Fathers' Day has so much trauma shoved into one cake I'm afraid to light the candles.  It'll either explode, or melt into a puddle with my sadness....And, I don't even know which would make the bigger mess anymore."

Caroline, 42

---

    No doubt, we couldn't possibly cover all the ways Fathers' Day highlight so many aches, pain and scars left by the years of childhood trauma for many survivors. There are just far too many brave and hurting souls, each with a story of their own. Like, those who've lost "a dad" in their own husband, the one who was a father to their children... Anyone who is left trying to comfort broken-hearted children today because their fathers left or hurt them deeply... All whose fathers just do not accept them for who they are, how they live, or what they know to be true about their trauma.... Every adult child who was severely let down by their dad as a kid, but are now fighting to remind themselves they do have one, and he isn't a terrible guy, but it still just doesn't feel right....  And, everyone else left so confused and torn by the role that stepdads, biological dads, adoptive dads, and countless other family dynamics play -- roles that just manage to complicate things even further. No matter what - no matter why your heart is aching or why it's just conflicted and lost today - please know that we're thinking of you and so excruciatingly aware of just how many of you are out there. We even encourage YOU to give voice to all the things we couldn't get to here. Please share with us below, in our casual little circle of healing hearts, what's on your chest today and let your experience be heard. Every story is important. And, we're all listening.

    Please know, even on these "smaller" holidays, we care very much about what you are going through and all the ways it may be affecting you. Just like we mentioned in our post on Mothers' Day - oftentimes it's the smallest holidays that can do the most damage and leave survivors feeling the most alone. So, if you are a supporter, friend or loved one - we really encourage you to at least send your loved one a thoughtful text or call them up to let them know you're thinking of 'em. Family relationships are nearly always a challenge for complex trauma survivors in one form or another - so, it can never hurt to let them know they're on your mind, even if you know very little about their history.

     And, for all of our survivors: We believe these types of holidays really need to just become days to focus on YOU. Days put in place to take extra care of yourself. To do things that you love; celebrate all the ways in which you are an honorable and loyal person; get together with friends or other great people that you call your family and are proud to know. You can even enjoy some cynical or light-hearted comedy! Liiiike, tell us your favorite "dad joke" - it's okay if it's got some dark humor to it, that's how so many of us heal! Just, above all else, please just take extra care of, and celebrate, YOU.

    We will be.

MORE POSTS YOU MAY FIND HELPFUL:

  
  -  Coping with Toxic/Abusive Families During the Holidays
  -  Grounding 101: 101 Grounding Techniques
  -  Nighttime 101 and Nighttime 201: Sleep Strategies for Complex PTSD
  -  Imagery 101: Healing Pool and Healing Light
 -  A Message of Care This Mothers' Day

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

  -  Facebook
  -  Twitter
  -  Instagram

You Did Not Shatter: A Message for Survivors with DID

     After an absolutely fantastic experience at this year's annual Party in the Park - and even receiving some media coverage - we spent some time reflecting on the many conversations had there and wanted to extend some extra love and thought to those with Dissociative Identity Disorder today.  And, in doing so, hopefully we'll guide the general public to a richer understanding of the condition as well!

     After talking with the media - who were absolutely wonderful, receptive, and eager to learn - it was still evident through subtle head nods and knowing laughter following our jokes that their only prior introduction to DID had not been a positive one. They were so happy to see and understand it for what it really is, to adopt an entirely new view on whom it affects, why, and what that looks like. We witness versions of this exchange everywhere we go, almost any time we educate the public.  But, another thing we find, time and time again, is how many survivors have been given inaccurate information about themselves. Many have been privy to explanations and/or analogies used to simplify or summarize the disorder to the unfamiliar, some of which have led to the internalization of some pretty harsh ideas about themselves.  Sometimes these misconceptions are even held by the most loving and helpful therapists, not just the ignorant or uneducated ones.  Because of this, we not only want to offer clarity on the subject, but more importantly, fight to help restore your belief in yourself -- to help you realize the strength of your mind, NOT the 'brokenness'.
     This will also apply to many with Complex PTSD or even BPD, but will resonate strongest for those with DID.  So, with the ill-effects of films like Split still in the rearview, and with far too many in the psychiatric community continuing to hold on to misinformation on DID - we truly hope to silence those messages in your ears and lift you up in a way that maybe no one ever has before.


     For far too long, it has been believed, and often even cited in psychiatric works, that DID forms because the mind was just so traumatized, so overwhelmed by insurmountable upset and trauma, that it splits into all kinds of pieces and alters. Visual concepts like the mind being shattered, like a broken vase, or a scattered puzzle needing put back together, were not only all too common, they became the framework for how many clinicians would describe DID to their patients. A puzzle-piece awareness ribbon was even created as the representative for DID before it became the well-known symbol for autism awareness. This idea has, on one hand, given many survivors language to describe their experience to others. But, on the other, it have also left many survivors to interpret that as if they themselves are broken.  ...as if it was just all too much and they cracked and broke down - possibly even due to weakness or not being "strong enough".  ...as if they're fundamentally destroyed, irreparable or never able to be "put back together" the same again. This is just plainly untrue - both in terms of who these survivors are as people AND what actually happened to their minds in the first place.

     A dissociative mind is NOT a whole that breaks. It's one that just never came together into one, fully-communicating mind like it does for everyone else. EVERYONE starts out as scattered pieces when they are infants. Through childhood development, attachments get made, relationships become consistent, needs are met, and slowly, those pieces begin to integrate into larger pieces. Over time, those pieces develop self-awareness, and continue to merge and formulate ONE stable, solid sense of self.  "This is me, this is who I am, these are the things I like and don't like. I know who I am separate from my siblings, friends, and parents! Cool!". This usually completes by about age 9, and from then on life experiences continue to shape, mold and build that sense of self into perpetuity; shifting as one gathers more life experience. Our identity reflects that as we change throughout our teens, twenties and so forth. Even so, it is still just one, singular self-concept.
     We, of course, all have different aspects and versions of ourselves, but for those with a healthy childhood development, those aspects all communicate automatically and know about one another. Work You knows about and may influence the mood of At-Home You, and With-Friends You may let loose a bit, but is still aware that if you get a little too adventurous you may make things harder for In-A-Relationship You. Many aspects; one sense of self.  ...all communicating with and influencing the others.

     But when it comes to childhood trauma, all of that can get interrupted. Through extreme dissociation, many pieces stay separate. Walls and barriers get built to keep those smaller ego states from coming together because the mind has deemed that it's safer that way. Communication between and knowledge of what's beyond those walls can be minimal. What happens to During-Trauma You can't be known to At-School You because you wouldn't be able to function effectively if you had unspeakable trauma on your mind while trying to solve multiplication tables in math class. Over time, those compartmentalized collections of memory, emotion, knowledge, etc., will develop self-awareness and eventually their own sense of self, too -- just as they would for any developing child. The main difference is that these pieces of self may look considerably different from one another (and the whole) because they are only able to pull from a select number of life experiences within their little compartment to build an identity around.  Ergo: alters.  So, you didn't BREAK.  You most certainly were not too weak or fragile. The mind knew it could withstand the pressure of a violent storm by supporting your castle with an abundance of walls and columns instead. That's adaptive. That's strong. That's creativity and reinforcement; genius.  It's also beautiful.

     You did not crumble into rubble; you are not shattered glass. You didn't collapse or give out, nor were you destroyed by what happened.  You do not have to fuss with glue or tape to put yourself back together. Your mind repositioned its load-bearing beams and decided to stand strong a different way. It may not be like everyone else's, but I can promise that it's able to endure far more.  It has endured far more.  And you're still here.  Nothing can bring down that castle. You are rock solid. You were built to survive - and that creative, unique design kept you alive, kept you strong, and brought so much extra beauty.  You cannot even begin to imagine the richness that will bring to your living as you heal.

     We are amazed by how you found a way through. And we want you to know, as well as anyone who's ever misunderstood your condition, that:

You are not broken or weak. You are stronger than most could ever hope to be. You were made to last.

MORE RESOURCE POSTS YOU MAY FIND HELPFUL:

  ✧  DID Myths and Misconceptions: Dispelling Common Myths about DID
  ✧  Grounding 101: 101 Grounding Techniques
  ✧  Nighttime 101 and Nighttime 201: Sleep Strategies for Complex PTSD
  ✧  Imagery 101: Healing Pool and Healing Light
  ✧  Flashbacks 101: 4 Tools to Cope with Flashbacks
  ✧  Did You Know?: 8 Things We Should All Know about C-PTSD and DID
  ✧  Coping with Toxic/Abusive Families During the Holidays

  ❖  Article Index  ❖

 

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

  -  Facebook
  -  Twitter
  -  Instagram

Did You Know?: C-PTSD and DID Edition

    No matter the topic, misinformation and lack of understanding is everywhere.  When errors are made or false ideas get perpetuated, they tend to go unchecked and unchallenged usually because most of us just plainly don't know enough to even realize it needed to be corrected or looked into.  And, this is completely understandable, right?  We can't be expected to be informed on nearly every subject and struggle of humanity.  We can try our best, but there will always be things we are still woefully ignorant on.  Access to education, reliable resources, and just knowing where to even look for more information on any given topic is so hard.  We're left to take our cues from those claiming to be knowledgable, go along with the basic understanding held by the general public and our loved ones, and/or just let it be and invest our attention elsewhere.  When it comes to mental health, no doubt, all of these issues collide head on - multiple times over.  We unconsciously acquire so much misinformation about psychological disorders by the time we're only kids - and just by casually picking things up in conversations, media, and comedy, we also tend to adopt some heftily stigmatizing ideas as well.  And, if this is true even for those expressing no real interest in mental health, imagine the damage when people who do try to learn from the professionals are met with uninformed practitioners or those grossly misleading the public, their colleagues, and even their patients.  This is how Complex PTSD, and most especially Dissociative Identity Disorder, have been treated for decades.  We would like to start changing that.

   Little by little, bit by bit, we want to undo some of that damage and raise more accurate awareness for both C-PTSD and DID.  You can read more about the conditions themselves here (individual DID page coming soon!), but we also think it important to touch on what survivors with these disorders are currently going through just to obtain treatment.  After all, they wouldn't be struggling to get care so badly if those in the field had more of a vested interest in them - becoming at the very least trauma-informed, or better-equipped themselves to treat a client with complex trauma.  This will be an ongoing series no doubt - with many myths to debunk and important notes to impress!  So, to start chipping away at that iceberg, here are 8 things we should all know about Complex PTSD and Dissociative Disorders, and the survivors who have them.  

  With as vast as the United States is, this is supremely disappointing.  You can find the current list of those facilities here on our website.  Even within those 9, many keep relocating or downsizing, some have a very small number of beds or are restricted to only certain age groups, others have had all their additional programs (like PHP/IOP) cut entirely or are so underfunded they don't run smoothly.  Overall, the standard of care for trauma patients nationwide is very low.
   Finding a trauma-informed unit at all is pretty scarce, but the greater drawback is that many who claim to be able to take Complex PTSD or DID patients offer them no therapeutic tools or classes designed to address their unique needs and have them intermingled with the rest of the mental health population. This might not sound like an issue, but due to the nature of a trauma patient in crisis and their high susceptibility for flashbacks, panic attacks, switching, and self-harm, being surrounded by unpredictable and sometimes volatile patients is unreasonable and unsafe.  Staff also need to be heavily trained in what is an acceptable and safe way to engage with a severely traumatized patient - particularly if they are in flashback, a dissociated self-state, or critically unsafe.  Units remain safest (from perpetrators and potential flight-risks) when they are locked, but an understanding that this can be also be extremely distressing for other patients is something staff need to be able to empathize with and negotiate.  In short, the nuance of care required for complex trauma patients is unlike that of any other mental health condition.  And yet we have less than 10 places we can safely send individuals, and many of those 10 even have their shortcomings.  A couple even continue to produce more negative reviews than positive, and some of the leading facilities have proven time and again they are fantastic with some patients but are not equipped to handle ritual abuse patients.  Greater education, as well as funding to produce more units in existing psychiatric hospitals is a MUST.

  As a side note, there are a handful of residential facilities cropping up in various places throughout the U.S.  Residential treatment centers, while valuable and a potentially great resource (especially when there's nowhere else to turn), are typically not equipped to handle clients who need stabilization or are struggling with safety.  They are also more unregulated, therapy modalities can be harder to discern, units are not locked, insurance rarely participates, and they tend to be extremely small in bed-availability.  While they are often very beautiful and relaxed, and nothing like an inpatient setting - they can be extremely expensive, with limited staffing, and tough to guarantee quality of treatment.  And again, while they may be able to facilitate a chronically traumatized patient through a rough patch in their healing, they are often not trained or equipped to aid in crisis stabilization, and are usually far from a hospital should the need arise.

   As it turns out, averages can be tough.  Research in this field is still limited, and even where it exists, trauma patients aren't typically the most eager to participate in a study.  However, despite research on treatment length being slightly dated, and the fact we are getting more practitioners better-able to facilitate a patient through their recovery, as well as those who can at least make an informed diagnosis more quickly -- we are still grossly behind.  So, while some may want to argue this estimate is too high based only on what they see in their well-trained offices, others who have patients working well into their 15-20th year of therapy would argue it's still much too low. Regardless of the exact specificity, this is a very reasonable estimate at the moment, and is witnessed to be valid by many, many clinicians, patients, and communities of survivors fighting this battle. Now, this does not always mean 10 years of consecutive therapy - though it absolutely can and does for many.  It's quite common for patients to have to stop and re-start therapy multiple times - for myriad reasons.  Finances, inadequate treatment, personal unreadiness, a geographic move, unavailability of clinicians, and/or feeling stable at one point but needing to return as more things surface later - these are all very common factors for a more drawn out therapeutic journey.

   Ultimately, treatment of complex trauma takes a very, very long time in even the best of circumstances.  It can be extremely daunting and feel outrageously unfair to the survivor.  The average of several misdiagnoses before arriving at a proper one alone, then coupled with misguided therapy, not only adds more years to the recovery but also risks turning clients away from therapy altogether.  It's even been a traumatic experience for far too many.  We need compassion and understanding for these survivors.  To support them through this long process, no matter how many years it may take or how many times they need to stop and try again. Recovery from trauma is scary.  They need our love and support, not added obstacles.

   As mentioned earlier, inpatient care for complex trauma is extremely scarce.  It requires a specialized unit and, for many, that will be out-of-state.  Insurances rarely cover beyond their state's borders and non-participating provider agreements can be very tough to come by - let alone something we should ever expect a survivor to have to fight for themselves while in a terrible, terrible place.  Because of this, many of them have to pay tens- to even hundreds-of-thousands of dollars out of pocket for care.  Many facilities will not let you pay once you get in and settled and can think clearly.  They often require a sizable sum up-front, before you even enter the unit.  And, again, coming up with thousands and thousands of dollars that most don't have to begin with, particularly while in crisis, is a feat many just cannot accomplish.  Needless to say, most go without.

    How many people in the world do you know with red hair?  There are at least that many people with DID in the world - though, more than likely a lot more than that.  Due to fear, stigma, high rates of suicide, misdiagnoses, lack of public education, and countless other reasons, most who have DID aren't even accounted for yet.  But, the bottom line is that this is NOT a rare disorder.  It's only rarely talked about.  And, when it is, it's very rarely talked about in a positive, empathic light.  Most refuse to confront the reality of its prevalence rate, because to do that would mean having to confront causality.  And, what causes DID?  It's most always man's inhumanity to one another and the cruel callousness of the world.  No one wants to acknowledge that or accept how rampant it is, so they sweep the survivors of such under the rug (while others go so far as to actively paint them as dangerous or truly insane, especially in media).  DID is not rare.  It's not a one-in-a-million case you'll never see.  It is everywhere.  And those suffering with it just want someone to help them after years and years of abuse, pain and neglect.

   This is another fact that is just so very sad.  Complex trauma and dissociative disorders are hard enough on their own, but so are depression, anxiety, OCD, addiction, eating disorders, self-harm.  To have a collection of many of these at once just seems grossly unfair - yet that's the insidious nature of trauma.  The ever sadder part is how many of these aching, traumatized souls find themselves in eating disorder facilities or drug/alcohol rehabs (or even jail) for the more overt or destructive symptoms, but never receive trauma-informed care of any kind. Care that is specific to complex trauma or the uniqueness that DID can play in some of these more addictive or self-sabotaging behaviors is even more rare in places like these.  Additionally, when you try to "fix" an addiction or eating disorder through traditional means, without addressing the way its delicately woven and spun around the trauma, you can make them dramatically worse.  This, like all bad treatment, can turn them away from therapy (or help in general) forever - or more devastatingly, push them to lose their battle before they ever had a real fighting chance.

   It may be a broken record, but there is no place that the abundance of misinformation, redirection of resources, or ignorance of childhood trauma doesn't touch.  PTSD in any form is brutal and terrible and all-consuming.  But it's sad that in 2017, the first group of people that comes to mind for most whenever you mention trauma or PTSD, is still veterans.  If our "war flashbacks" and "triggered" memes online are any indication, people really do not understand the severity of the condition at all, nor do they even attribute it to the population struggling with it the most.  There is absolutely a way to keep the very real and VERY valid suffering of war veterans and those who've served in the military very present in our minds, hearts, and resource initiatives, while ALSO lifting up childhood trauma survivors and victims of sex crimes considerably higher than they currently are.  They need our attention and visibility.  And fast. 

    I bet if you call to mind any trauma survivor you know, they've also got at least one chronic (or "mystery") illness - maybe even several.  In fact, it's probably several if they've survived prolonged trauma.  Migraines, fibromyalgia, asthma, autoimmune disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, severe allergies, eczema, dysautonomia, POTS, EDS, neurologic disorders, chronic fatigue, or possibly even the highly insulting [and inaccurate] label of "conversion disorder".  These are all seen to coexist alongside trauma in abundance.  This list is by no means exhaustive, and - just like diagnoses for C-PTSD and dissociative disorders - many are still trying to just figure OUT what is wrong. They know they have a chronic illness, they just don't know which one, and every avenue they explore seems to point toward a dead end.
    We may have a helpful answer to you.  In reality, trauma affects absolutely every part of the body - especially the autonomic nervous system (which then affects everything else).  This can cause all sorts of havoc and in ways we are only just beginning to more fully understand.  It's been well-observed for awhile that trauma and physical illness go hand-in-hand, but it's only more recent that we've been able to see how, why, and where more specifically.  Because of this, and the fact it's a very lengthy topic, we cannot recommend the book The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk enough.  Or, at the very least, if you aren't interested in reading, maybe peruse some of his work online.  It'll be something you definitely won't regret, and supplies a well-studied introduction to all the ails, aches and pains, and mysterious illnesses you or a loved one have been suffering with for what seems like forever.

    Finally, in the same vein as so many of these facts but on a slightly different wavelength - traumatized children are seeing some of the most ludicrous misdiagnoses we've seen in quite some time.  The lack of understanding of what children who are being actively hurt (or just recently were) are "supposed to look like" in terms of their symptoms, is staggering.  Instead of traditional PTSD symptoms that we observe in adults, most kids are demonstrating all of the behavior one might expect from a child presently terrified, scared, shut down to numb, avoidant or afraid to attach, feeling under threat, trying to seek control and a voice, and who doesn't know what to do with all that adrenaline and nervous energy coursing through their tiny, terrorized little bodies. Sure, traumatized children can present in a variety of extremes, and that can be tough to distinguish at face value - but it's not too difficult to learn. And it's not acceptable to take the response of "No, no one's hurt me." as gospel in a child who's still in danger and never pursue it further - especially when all their symptoms are telling you otherwise.
   Jumping to the opposition-defiant, mood-dysregulated, ADHD, autistic, etc labels/misdiagnoses can be so harmful and even lead to more abuse at home.  Not to mention, they can follow them around forever, reshaping who they think they are or believe to be "wrong" with them.  It can make them feel broken or defective - particularly when the treatment for these suggested conditions can make them so much worse.  In reality, they are just traumatized children who did nothing wrong, but are being wronged by all the caregiving adults in their lives.  They're trying to communicate their suffering to you in any way they know how, but most of those "listening" are all too eager to villainize, label, or neglect them instead.  That is not helping them.  We need to do better.

---

  There are so many, many more things we all need to know and recognize about Complex PTSD, dissociative disorders, and the survivors who have them.  We will absolutely be continuing this list and adding more to the conversation.  What are some of YOUR greatest misconceptions about trauma disorders, or details you really wish people knew about the process of healing from them?  Please share them below!

MORE RESOURCE POSTS YOU MAY FIND HELPFUL:

  -  Grounding 101: 101 Grounding Techniques
  -  Nighttime 101 and Nighttime 201: Sleep Strategies for Complex PTSD
  -  Imagery 101: Healing Pool and Healing Light
  -  Coping with Toxic/Abusive Families During the Holidays

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

  -  Facebook
  -  Twitter
  -  Instagram

A Message of Care this Mothers' Day

 

 This will be a shorter and more informal article as compared to our more informational and instructional posts - but that doesn’t make it any less significant.  This weekend is Mothers’ Day.  And we know that this can be a very difficult day for survivors of complex, often childhood, trauma.  The larger holidays tend to gain more recognition as being difficult for people of all walks of life, but these smaller ones often go unnoticed and leave too many silently struggling in their homes.  We want to take the time to acknowledge this.  To let you know that we see you.  ..that you’re thought of.  ..that we’re sitting with each heavy reason that might be behind your hurting heart.  And?  That you are absolutely not alone.

Mother’s Day is typically thought of with all kinds of warm, flowery, loving imagery - complete with elaborate social media posts, beaming family photos, and tributes to the all the selfless mothers out there.  But, for many people, it’s not really all that warm.  And for others, it’s downright excruciating.  In the world of childhood trauma, survivors' mothers may have been the primary source of their suffering.  Erroneously, familial abuse is often assumed to be the fault of the men in a family.  But women - yes mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters and cousins - can all be equally as awful and abusive.  Additionally, some moms may not have been the one to perpetrate violence, but they allowed the abuse to go on. They fostered an environment that made it possible in the first place; were neglectful, lost in addiction or revolving parters; turned a blind eye to their child’s obvious suffering, possibly even denying them necessary medical or mental health treatment; or, they were so hot and cold with their affections that the child was left absolutely confused and conflicted about what kind of mom they even have.

Now, in adulthood, many of you are trying to navigate a world without her, or fight the powerful fight of setting appropriate boundaries between you. All the while, family or even strangers may be guilting or shaming you for not having a close and positive relationship to your mother.  Most cannot fathom she might actually be an awful and/or unsafe person, unworthy of that connection.  But you know.  Your feelings are not only valid, they should be honored and respected; they are paramount.  You do not have to minimize them, talk yourself out of them, or try to ‘get over it’ and ‘just try to make up already’.  As crazy as it sounds coming from a charity unearthed out of empathy and kindness, we want you to know you are never obligated to be kind and thoughtful to anyone who hurt you — not even if they’re your mother.  It’s okay, and even admirable, to set that boundary and protect it firmly.  It is neither rude nor selfish; it requires strength, clarity, and so much self-respect. It may also come with so a great deal of grief attached - having to mourn and say goodbye to what you’ve lost or was never there. Whatever the relationship with your mother looks like today - healed and vibrant, or scarred and hollow - we want you to know that parts of your heart that were hurt by her - whether big ways or small - they are on OUR hearts and minds this week.

---

Mothers' Day just brings such an awful, eerie feeling. I never know which version of my mother I’m going to get on that day.

- Jenn, Survivor

---

Another painful reality for many trauma survivors is that some of YOU are mothers. ...and not always as a result of healthy relationships, but instead tragedy and torment.  Perhaps you were made a mother against your will or maybe you still are today but have had to hide that knowledge from everyone you know and love.  Then, there are so many of you who've had the devastating misfortune of losing a child, which is inordinately traumatic on its own, even when you’re nestled in the most loving and safe of circumstances.  We also know of the moms who have great kids, in a now wonderfully knit family, but who still wrestle this seemingly impossible task of raising healthy children when you’ve never seen an example of what that looks like.  Laden throughout so many of these experiences is an abundance of heavy sadness, trauma, loss, shame, and fear.  And yet, often what rings the loudest is the silence you feel you must keep, the aloneness with which you sit in that suffering. If there’s one small thing we can offer, we'd like for you to not feel so alone anymore. To know that someone’s taken your hand, acknowledged your aching, and has made sure you're anything but on your own in this.  We are here.  And so many survivors just like you are here right now, meeting you in their feelings, too.  Together, we each carry a piece and make the load so much lighter.

---

I’m a mom, but my own family doesn’t even know that. Mothers' Day is “my day” but I have to spend it hiding. Hurting.

- Rachael, 29

---

These are hardly the only reasons survivors may be aching this holiday.  Many of you have lost your mothers.  That kind of sadness cannot be described in words.  If she wasn’t a safe person to you, this grief becomes wildly complicated.  But for tons of you, your mom was your bright spot in all the hurting.  She was your everything.  ...the only one who saw you and heard you, did everything to keep you safe, and always fought for you.  To lose something so special and so rare in your world, it is absolutely soul-shattering.  Your pain reverberates through just about anyone who’s lost “their safe person” - or has even paused to imagine what life without them might be like.  We are extending extra warmth and love your way.  Just as we are to everyone who has their own deeply layered, extremely personal stories that you’re grappling with.  We can count so many, many more ways in which this time is hard for folks and want each of you to feel the same extension of validation and warmth.  You are important, and so is every last drop of your sadness, anger or grief.

---

Mothers' Day has always flooded me with a sense of being left out or not human.  My mother was an awful woman, but she's gone now.  I also cannot have children of my own - because of trauma.  It's just a loaded day.

- LC, survivor

---

Whatever is on your heart, we know that there will be no shortage of difficult posts, commercials, and media content to drive that knife a little deeper.  The open gushing of amazing relationships, the gut-wrenching in-memoriam posts, newborns-to-moms-to-grandmas montages on TV, condescending guilt-trip posts demanding you “Love your mom now!” “There is NOTHING that can’t be forgiven!” and "Family is everything!", throwback photos of heartwarming pregnancies and new babies — all this and more surrounded by countless graphics that your ad-blocker seems to not mind missing juuuuust this once. It’s enough to make sure this hurt doesn't leave your mind for even a moment.  We know it can be a LOT.  …especially when so much of the general public seems to have it nowhere on their radar that this time of year can be really brutal.  So, even if we can’t make everyone else understand or be more thoughtful toward you, we want to at least be that place for you. And,

To supporters, friends, and general citizens out there:  Perhaps this little post helped to remind even you that these “smaller, insignificant-to-many” holidays can actually be the some of hardest.  Definitely don’t contain your own expressions of love to the moms in your life; it just never hurts to be conscientious and thoughtful toward all those in your life who may be hurting this day.  So sending them a little extra support and friendship could make the all the difference. Truly.  Just knowing that someone thought of them and wanted to take care of them through a simple gesture, it can be a very “mom thing to do" — one they'd been needing and missing.  While it can’t fill the void entirely, it can help a little - and a little’s enough.

---

Mothers’ Day to me means.…trying SO hard.  Little me still just wants to make her happy.  Adult me tries to pretend we’re something we aren't for her.  I still give her gifts with the hope she'll love me - or even just believe me.

- EM, 38

---

Finally….  If you are hurting, if you are dreading this day, fearing this day, hating this day, or just trying to just avoid it at all costs:  We want to encourage you to do something different.  Your family of origin is not what makes a family, so if you can spend it with the family you’ve created for yourself, that’s absolutely wonderful and so highly encouraged by us.  But, we also see great value in making this a “you” holiday.  “My Day”, not "Mothers’ Day".  Take care of yourself.  Do all sorts of things that you love, and practice more self-care than you have in a long time. (We even have a post that can help with that ;) Self Care 101!)  Honor yourself.  Take time to consider all the ways in which you are special, respectable, selfless, caring and important.  Treat, love and appreciate yourself.  Sure, it might not even be a holiday intended for 'you', but we can pretty much guarantee that you didn’t get NEARLY enough of these kinds of days, nor very many positive, safe holidays in general growing up.  They proooobably went awry the majority of the time or at least left you with your feelings hurt somewhere along the line.  So, you have more than enough special holidays to make up for, so why not make this one of them?  Take it.  Make it one for YOU.  You deserve it.  And, hey, it sure beats a weekend of pain and dread.  Every time you see an ad or post, you can pause to check in with yourself, remembering "Aw, that's right, this is My Day!" and do something nice for you.  This is YOUR day.  It’s a day for honoring YOU.  It's a day to appreciate all that you are, all you've overcome, and all the love that exists in your heart.

We truly hope that you all make it through this weekend safely and with wellness. Please know that we are here and we are thinking of you this day and each of the many holidays like it.  You are important to us.  Respect what you need and what you feel as much as is safe to do so. And, to everyone else, we hope you spread the same thoughtfulness and support to a survivor this week.  It may be just the bright, uplifting light they needed to carry them through.

MORE POSTS YOU MAY FIND HELPFUL:

  ✧  Grounding 101: 101 Grounding Techniques
  ✧  Distraction 101: 101 Distraction Tools
  ✧  Self-Care 101: 101 Self-Care Techniques
  ✧  Nighttime 101 and Nighttime 201: Sleep Strategies for Complex PTSD
✧ Color Breathing 101: How to Calm Overwhelming Emotions and Physical Pain
  ✧  Imagery 101: Healing Pool and Healing Light
  ✧  DID Myths: Dispelling Common Misconceptions about Dissociative Identity Disorder
  ✧  Did You Know?: 8 Things We Should All Know about C-PTSD and DID
  ✧  Trauma and Attachment: 3-Part Series on Attachment Theory with Jade Miller
 
  ❖  Article Index  ❖

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

  ✦  Facebook
  ✦  Instagram
  ✦  Twitter

Imagery 101: Healing Pool and Healing Light

Whether you are struggling with physical pain, body memories, illness, headaches, or any of the other distressing symptoms that can come with being a trauma survivor (or someone with a chronic illness) - there are imagery techniques out there that can help alleviate your suffering!  As I'm sure you're well aware, medications do little to nothing to relieve your body of pain it’s reliving from the past.  Conditions like fibromyalgia and other autonomic/nervous system disorders are also highly prevalent amongst trauma survivors, and they, too, show some of the greatest resistance to medications and other external approaches to treatment.  While there are several therapies that can help release your mind and nervous system of these specific types of pain, one solid tool you can use anywhere and anytime, no matter what shape your body is in, is imagery.  More specifically, Healing Pool or Healing Light imagery.

We'll walk you through both of these techniques, but to make sure you have the greatest chance at success, we want to be sure you understand the concept of imagery and how it's used first. (If you're already familiar, you can skip this part and head straight to the exercise!)

Imagery is a coping skill that allows you to picture things in your mind's eye - very vividly and in exquisite detail - to bring yourself and your body to a calmer state. It may be used to relieve pain, put away upsetting memories or intrusive thoughts, contain distressing emotions, retreat to a safer or quieter place, get some desperately needed rest, or just about anything your mind can create.  This is a skill that, like all tools for combatting trauma symptoms, does take practice and is one to experiment with when you don't "need" it. This way, when you're flustered, overwhelmed and unable to think clearly, it's second-nature instead of "some dumb thing that's probably useless anyway".  (Yes, we're very familiar with that rhetoric and guilty of it ourselves when distressed.)  Imagery is a technique constructed around being as detailed, descriptive, multi-sensory, and personalized as possible. Imagining yourself in a place or scenario that holds absolutely zero interest to you, that you have a hard time visualizing, or is even upsetting to you, is NOT going to be helpful.  Commanding the full use of your mind and its senses will engage so many more neurons and ask them to get off the upsetting or painful feedback loops they’re currently on - which is good not only mentally but for your physical health.  So, more detail, more customization toward my preferences and interest, got it!  What else?

Have patience with yourself.  Sometimes your mind is going to wander, that's okay. Sometimes the environment just isn’t going to work well, and you might feel frustrated, but that's also okay.  It's not your fault, or an inability to "do it right", or "never going to work".  Your body may be under a lot more distress than can be managed at that moment or it’s a visualization that just isn’t tailor-made for these symptoms. If for any reason it's making things worse, perhaps there's something triggering about the scene you chose that you hadn't even considered.  Or, particularly for those with DID, maybe there's a part of your mind who has misgivings about allowing you to feel comfort or make the pain "go away".  (Even if you don't have DID, some aspect of your mind may still feel this way.)  This happens sometimes.  It doesn't mean all is lost, that you'll never be able to use this skill, or that your mind is sabotaging you.  You just need to work with that stumbling block and either talk through it or at least find a compromise.

And, finally?  The more you truly believe these skills are working for you - drawing out the pain from your physical body, sealing up those memories nice and tight, slowing not only the intense emotions but your heart rate and tense body too - the better it will work.  If you just go through the pictures in your mind and don't try to connect them to what your body and mind are truly experiencing (whether that’s because you were sure it couldn't possibly touch the level of pain you’re in, were just doing it to tell your therapist you did, think coping skills are worthless, yadda yadda), welp, then, you're right, it's not going to work.  The mind is sooo powerful, and highly susceptible to the input YOU give it.  If you tell your mind you're now feeling differently or that parts of your body are starting to feel numbed or relaxed, it's likely going to believe it at least a little (if not much more) and start to follow suit. (And not just in a hocus-pocus, frou frou kind of way, but instead a well-researched, biological way - based on the new neural connections you helped your body make.)  Trust in it; the more you do, the more success you'll have.  And truly, if you're in distress and just need the madness to pause, or the pain to stop, what do have to lose by committing your whole self to the exercise?  You've probably tried everything else, possibly even things with serious side effects.  This has zero, so why not give it your all?

Now for the fun part!

HEALING POOL

Healing pool is just what it sounds like.  It's imagery that relies on a body of water with personalized healing properties to target and alleviate your pain from head to tippy toe.

To start, choose a location that feels the most calming and soothing to you based on the type of pain you’re experiencing and the environment that appeals to your senses.  Nothing is off limits!  It can be a real place you’d like to visit or one you’ve already been and love. Or, you can create a magical, mystical wonderland that’s the perfect fantasy destination for healing. Try to paint the scene as vividly as you possibly can. Is it a tropical oasis?  ..on a beach with crystal clear waters, sand, and an ocean breeze?  Is it in a mythical forest?  ..with a hidden spring, ancient stone fountains, and tall woodland trees all around you?  Is it in a rainforest or Hawaiian escape?  ..with tall, cascading waterfalls emptying into a warm, quaint natural pool?  (Hey, it can be magic, remember? That pool doesn't need to empty out somewhere else just because there's a waterfall leading in!)  Or, do you prefer something in a colder climate? A northern, mountainous retreat with perhaps a hot spring bubbling up, or a cooler lake to calm the aching? If none of these known environments are pleasing to you, you can even leave this world behind and be on your own planet, in a futuristic world, or high atop the clouds in a land with its own prodigious body of water. Creativity in imagery knows no earthly bounds!

Once you've chosen a general landscape and water source that is perfect for you, go deeper still into that world.  What do you hear?  Are there birds or other animal/nature sounds? What kind? Are they quiet and sporadic or filling your ears like music? Does the water itself make a trickling sound, have crashing waves hitting the shore, or does it bubble as it waits for you to enter? What do you feel? Is the air warm? The hot and muggy kind? Sunny but breezy? That still and "just right" feeling? Or, is it instead cold, clear, crisp and refreshing? Now, what about the time of day? This may change each time you return, but is your healing hideaway in the invigorating daylight, amidst the beautiful colors of a sunset, or is this a moonlit dip in the water?  (You can try all the above in future visits!) Now, return your focus to the water.  This is your healing water - not just any old water. Does it have a special color? Does is glisten or sparkle? Does it have any billowing mist coming off of it? Perhaps it's not even earthly water, and instead a mystical, dry ice-like fog?  Or, maybe it's more like a warm liquid gold? Maybe crystal blue ocean water with iridescent ribbons of light eager to heal your pain speaks to you? The possibilities are endless!

❧ ❧ ❧

Now it's time to get in.  We know when you’re in terrible pain and agony, the urge to just jump right in and submerge yourself immediately can be so intense - anything to stop the pain immediately. But, this technique actually works much better, and for longer, if you can gradually go through each part of your body, one at a time - really feeling it take effect not only in your mind, but in your skin, muscles and bones. Some may even witness the coloring in their skin shift through different techniques as their body responds as though this were entirely real. So, go slow and commit yourself to experiencing the variety of sensations; relief will find you much more completely.

Go ahead and stick your toes in. What happens? Does the water change color? Make a sound? Begin to draw the pain out of your body, dissolving it as it hits the water? Is it cold on your toes - almost making you shiver or giving you goosebumps? Or is it so warm and inviting - everything you ever hoped to be - stirring an audible sigh of relief at first touch?
Now, go ahead and let it cover your ankles.  Wiggle your toes around and paddle your feet, remembering that this is YOUR healing water, no one else's. It knows just what you need.
Move further still, putting your calves in. Notice them relax, surprising you at just how much tension they were holding while you were totally unawares. Give your legs another kick, pushing and pulling against the weight of the water, feeling it whisk between your legs as they pass each other. 
Scoot further in now and let it cover your knees.  Spend some extra time here and let it fully soothe your tired legs and aching joints. Notice how incredibly weightless they feel. It's quite possibly the best feeling you've ever had.
Slide in now and feel the water come up over your thighs and up to your hips. It's not too hot or too cool, it's exactly what your body craves, almost as if it was pulling you in. Notice your legs just completely melt, almost wishing to release a sigh of their own. It's as if not only the healing properties but the water itself goes straight through your skin into every tissue, cell and fiber of your body, drawing out every ounce of hurt or exhaustion in your poor, tired legs. They feel almost euphoric in the release.
Go in up over your tummy and up to your ribs now.  As a wave of relief washes over you, even the coloring in your face changes and the tension held in your pained expression relaxes. All the nausea and cramping and pain - any body memories or low back pain - it's all just drawn out of you and replenished with a level of comfort you didn't even know was possible. Cooling, numbing, calming every inch, while warming and softening other aching muscles.
Go ahead and let your arms start to fall in now.  After your fingers dip in, it's only natural to want to play with the water. You've never been in anything like it! What does it feel like? Does it swirl? Can you pick it up, does it change when you hold it in your hands?
Now sway your wrists and hands through the water, pushing and spreading it out. See how cramped and pained your hands were? You maybe didn't even notice in all the rest of your body's aching. Or, maybe they were swollen and rigid and tense and this was exactly what you wanted. Spend extra time on them. Now you can open and close a fist without pain, wiggle your fingers loosely, and dance in the water without pressure or restriction. They feel FREE!
Drop your arms until the water covers your elbows - now able to stand completely comfortably, your shoulders more relaxed. Take a nice deep breath. Do you want to keep walking around in it now - free to twirl in a circle - or, would you rather sit on an underwater stone or rocky ledge and just take it easy?
Either way, dip yourself slowly lower until the water is up to your collarbone.  Feel your chest cavity expand and the fresh oxygen rush into your lungs.  You'd been holding your breath for so long in the pain and you're now invigorated with such clean, healing air. You didn't know your lungs could open so far! Notice your heart rate slow and steady. And the PAIN held in your heart and chest, the spaces between your ribs - all of that weight from such emotional anguish and hurt - it just dissolves.  ...almost as if the healing water swirled around inside of you and gave your heart a warm, loving hug. Stay here as long as you need. This is so important.
When you're ready, cover your shoulders - possibly relaxing back against a cozy ledge.  Goodness, it's like your whole body has become jello now. Some of those last bits of tension are melting away and releasing the hold on you they'd had for so long. Take another deep, deep breath. Close your eyes if you want to.  And, now it's up to you if you want to take your head under or just splash some on your face instead. If you have a headache or migraine, I'm sure you almost can't wait. If you don't want to go under, that's okay, too. Just being close, or rinsing your face can be more than helpful.
If you decided to dip yourself under, go ahead.  Good news is that in this healing pool, you don't have to worry about holding your breath. Just let the water relax your jaw, smooth away the creases from your brows and forehead once contorted from pain. Feel it draw out all of the throbbing, aching, pounding, or sharp pains in any and every part of your head. Your thoughts calm and slow, and the worries, memories or awareness of pain just disappear. Everything goes quiet, and feels still. You could almost sleep in the absolute serenity. You're only right here, right now, and it's all you could ever hope to feel. Breathe deep. Spend all the time on you and your body that you need before lifting your head out of the water.

You can decide if you want to stay here and swim, take a nap in this place, or just relax for a few more moments - making sure you truly experience deep, deep healing in even the most stubborn parts of your body. When you're ready to leave you can slowly bring your awareness back into the present, but don't worry, the healing doesn't just disappear. You take at LEAST a piece of it with you for the most sore parts of you, and even more elsewhere. It wants to gift it to you and you’ve already changed a great deal of how your neurology while you were here. It won’t just undo. Over time, if it wears off or symptoms return, you can return. You can come back to this at any time and change any part of it that you need - customizing it for any future aches and pains, headaches, overstress or body memories.  

You may need to take a couple extra moments for grounding after coming out of such a calming oasis. If you're heading to bed or doing this before sleep, you're a-okay.  But if you need to return to the regular world, you may need to shake the fog from your eyes and fully connect with your surroundings before re-engaging with life again. So, be sure to orient yourself fully. (If you aren't sure what to do for grounding, good thing we've got 101 Techniques for that!)  But, even though reconnecting with the real world can be undesirable, that doesn't mean the calm, peace, and pain relief found there just goes away! You're more refreshed than you've been in...maybe ever.  Just be sure to fully re-orient, even if that haze seems more inviting.  ;)

Healing Light

Healing Light works in a very similar way to Healing Pool, but it's especially great for anyone who has any kind of uneasiness around water, needs more of a localized "spot treatment", or has a harder time creating more scenic imagery in their mind.  

Just like Healing Pool, this skill is much more effective when you make it as descriptive and detailed as possible - only this time you will mostly need to focus on detailing the light and less so your surroundings. The light can even reach you right where you are sitting or laying right now if you'd like. But, if you want to visit a more soothing environment as you practice this, you are more than welcome to include one and detail it just as we did earlier! It’s all about your comfort and what will maximize the benefits you’ll receive.

So! When it comes to light, the possibilities here are endless. Is it a sun ray that bursts through the clouds and finds you? Is it more like a secret weapon, a thin, pain-zapping laser? Is it more like a glowing orb of light, personalized just for you? Or, perhaps it’s more conical like a flashlight, being emitted from some other precious source that you can turn on and off? Maybe it's no beam of light at all, but more like a dancing, ribbon-y, spritely kind of light flitting through the air. Is there a trail of shimmer or glistening particles that follow it in its magical nature? Is it warming and softening, or cold and tightening? Possibly something more gaseous, or like pressurized ice that can flash-freeze and numb ANY type of pain, seems more satisfying for your needs?
Does it make a twinkling sound, the whirring of a pulsating orb of light, or is it more of a buzzing or zap of a machine as it obliterates the pain? Does the light come in one color or many? Maybe you have different colors for different areas of the body, or a variety of colors and styles dependent on the type of remedy you need for it to give.  Perhaps you have one light that heats and relaxes the skin, another that freezes your pain dead in its tracks, a third that envelopes and "holds" the pain until the throbbing stops, a more aggressive light that shatters the pain into a million pieces and then individually dissolves each one, another that injects coolness through the area like a gel and feels like an internal ice pack, a highly unique one that simply erases the aching entirely as if it were never there, and a super satisfying light that draws the pain out from your body like a magnet or vacuum. You can even have one that incorporates more of a spiritual element, or the energy and care of someone you love, who can offer a special kind of comfort that no one else can. So many options!

Like the slow entry into the water in Healing Pool, it is oftentimes more effective to start with an area of the body that's unaffected - gradually approaching your "target" area so that your mind and body have an opportunity to fully connect this imagery exercise with your actual pain. If you're a fan of those that obliterate and destroy the pain with like dry ice blocks, etc, you miiiight want to give the light a "seeking" function that just cools and nurtures the healthy areas as you begin the process, then let it 'scan for' the most painful section you want it to destroy.  We don't need you feeling like your forearm just got pulverized or flash frozen when it was your shoulder that was waiting for the relief, ya dig? ;)

Okay, so, first!

Visualize in your mind's eye where the light source is coming from. You might even start to feel building anticipation of the relief you’re about to receive. Picture this light source, notice its glow, feel the warmth or coolness it’s emitting, listen to its unique sound.
If it's your head that is throbbing, perhaps allow the light to first hit your spine - releasing and soothing each individual vertebrae as it climbs your back to your neck and head. Allow the healing particles to weave throughout your jaw and mouth, completely relaxing them along with your brows, forehead, and eyes. Then send it to your pounding skull. Let it do there what you’ve desperately been needing it to. Let your mind subconsciously direct it. If your abdomen or low back are aching, maybe show some love to your toes, feet and legs before reaching the pain of your midsection. If it's your shoulders or neck, let the light graze your fingertips and creep up your forearms, triceps and deltoids before tackling your upper body pain and releasing that suffering.

This light is so detailed and meticulous, so specified to you and your needs. It reaches through every capillary, tissue, cell wall, vein and nerve fibre. It knows what you need without your instruction.

Visualize what's happening beneath the surface as it finds your pain. The way it coats, cools, and soothes your pulsating nerves. See the light pierce through all parts of you to find your toughest tissues and muscles, melting them into the greatest relaxation you've ever felt. Imagine how your light sprinkles your skull with tingling, healing properties - how they then trickle through all the wrinkles and spaces and curves of your brain, quieting and soothing not only the aching but all your frenetic thoughts, too. Picture its warming, swirling path to all the cramping and twitching muscles that are remembering something from the past. See it drawing out the inflammation and "darkness" that can feel so heavy when it gathers in your joints, or even in your lungs or heart. It's gone now. You can breathe. You can feel that relief. It may have even felt so good that now you need that light to go everywhere else. That's perfectly okay! Practice that self-care and bathe in that light if that feels right to you. This is your light. No one else's. It's made just for you, for your pain. No one can change it, tamper with it, or even know about it if you don't want them to! This is YOUR healing light.

When you've decided that you are finished, you can watch the light slowly leave your body - taking any last stubborn remnants of pain with it. Take a deep breath knowing that as it leaves, the pain will not just immediately return; it's been healed. Your mind and nervous system have chosen a different path and sent wellness to that area. You aren't just "imagining" relief, you've neurologically and chemically given your body some different instructions. And when life is being a jerk again, you can call on your healing light any time to give your body that relief once more. It is so precious.
 

These techniques are but a few in a sea of treating ailments and managing distressing trauma symptoms through imagery. There are countless others, like those involving the use of colored “pain water” that fills up the body but is slowly drained out from the heels. Another semi-silly one that is taught in some trauma units is called "flick the pea". In this one, you imagine your pain as a very large sphere (like a basketball or even larger if it feels more massive). You then move that ball away from that area causing you so much distress, toward your arms, shrinking it down in size as it travels, until it's so small (the size of a pea) that once it reaches your fingertips, you can flick it away with a very, very satisfying flick. There's another that is specific for numbing that just involves sticking your finger in an ice cold water and mentally carrying that frozen feeling up your arm and through your body until it meets the pain you’re suffering with. This is one you can often see the color change occur in the skin as your mind registers the chill taking over you.

We have also made a post on Color Breathing, which not only helps with emotions and panic, but pain as well. There is also an introduction to imagery techniques that use dials to help modulate pain, intense feelings, and memories which you can find here.  If you would like us to share any of these in more detail, we can certainly do that. We are planning to make many more articles on imagery - particularly containment skills (for memories, emotions, intrusive thoughts, self-harm urges, etc), but we wanted to be certain to tackle those that help with physical pain first!

We truly hope these skills help! Feel free to expound upon any of them, make them your own, or - if you're just learning - even let your phone or computer read them out to you so that you can just close your eyes and follow along, visualizing as it guides you through! These can also work for anyone, not just trauma survivors! So don't hesitate to share them with friends and loved ones, particularly if they have chronic pain or any chronic illness!  Good luck, and if you have any questions, please ask below or message us!

 

More Resource Posts You May Find Helpful:

✧  Grounding 101: 101 Grounding Techniques
  ✧  Distraction 101: 101 Distraction Tools
  ✧  Flashbacks 101: 4 Tools to Cope with Flashbacks
  ✧  Nighttime 101 and Nighttime 201: Sleep Strategies for Complex PTSD
  ✧  Coping with Toxic/Abusive Families During the Holidays

  ❖  Article Index  ❖

Follow Us on Social Media:

  ✦  Facebook
  ✦  Instagram
  ✦  Twitter