Hello, Sam. I know as survivors we can form a protective shell because we have been hurt so much over the years that at times it’s hard to open up share our stories with others for fear of more pain. So thank you for sharing. I am so thankful to the CPTSD Foundation that gives us a voice and the ability to heal together.

Thank you for the recommendations on the books. I have not delved into breath work as of yet, but I have heard the term several times lately, and I think the Universe is telling me that I need to start exploring that. I am happy that helps you.

Best of luck on your journey of healing! It’s not for the faint of heart.

I’m on a similar journey. The residual trauma, though a small percentage remaining from a lifetime after much self-care, still significantly interferes with living.

Having processed/integrated/’healed’ much of my trauma, I’m now rereading The Presence Process (revised edition), by Michael Brown. It’s one of the most solid, thorough, comprehensive approaches I’ve found over the decades.

This time I’ll be doing the breathing practices–going ‘all the way’. I’m very ready, having upped my breathing practices per Patrick McKeown’s work (The Oxygen Advantage).

More crying ahead (atop the thousands of times these past few years). All good.

Thank you!

I have heard this is a common phenomenon with survivors who weren’t able to face their trauma until later in life. I was 51 when I finally was able to face my past. I wish I had been able to face it earlier because I really suffered for years but I now realize that I wasn’t strong enough. I wish you well on your journey of healing. It’s not easy.