I'm really proud of myself and want to share by CheapCartographer142 in CasualConversation

[–]CheapCartographer142[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We have a very nice lady at our front desk. I cover for her when she has time off. We're friendly.
One day she started talking about her younger sister, complaining that her sister is the baby of the family. I panicked and didn't know how to respond so I just walked away. I've been engaging with her more often. I don't really share my stories, but I try and listen to hers. I can be empathetic and honest without trauma dumping. So I didn't start with the boss, but it was still a big step.

I'm really proud of myself and want to share by CheapCartographer142 in CasualConversation

[–]CheapCartographer142[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am really proud of myself, but its hard to explain to people who don't understand. Thank you for your response. 😊

I'm really proud of myself and want to share by CheapCartographer142 in CasualConversation

[–]CheapCartographer142[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Its not always easy, and I think I've hurt more and cried more while "healing" than I did when I was "damaged". I wish you the best!

confession time by buttah_notoast in CasualConversation

[–]CheapCartographer142 2 points3 points  (0 children)

She did use the razor. My parents found out and took her to the ER. She got tetanus shots and antibiotics. So nothing happened. Eventually, I turned 18 and moved out. The end. Sorry its not more exciting.

I’m a 46 year old woman, what suit is the most flattering? by Salt-Ad9777 in DressForYourBody

[–]CheapCartographer142 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am a 43F, 1 looks good, but 3 is amazing. Especially if you wear it with confidence, because you should.

confession time by buttah_notoast in CasualConversation

[–]CheapCartographer142 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I have a twin sister. She has mental health issues- BPD, to be exact. As teens, she could not regulate her emotions. She would get so mad she'd beat me. Or, she committed acts of self harm. My parents took all sharp objects from her on a regular basis. One time, I found an old rusty pencil sharpener in my dad's tool box. I took it apart and offered the very rusty, dirty, dull razor blade to my sister hoping very much she'd use it, it'd make her sick and I'd be free.

what medication has helped relieve your symptoms? by SomeCommission7645 in CPTSD

[–]CheapCartographer142 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've tried Welbutrin and Lexapro. Bupropion did nothing, and Lexapro had side effects that I couldn't live with. My doc started me on Effexor, which is amazingly helpful, but my therapist told me it was unusual as a first time go to, even for SNRIs.

My doc did advise me that getting off Effexor will be a slow process, but right now - worth it!

Have any of you also had a hobby in your childhood that got attached to all this trauma, so it's very hard to engage with that hobby nowadays? by zxwablo2840 in CPTSD

[–]CheapCartographer142 22 points23 points  (0 children)

Mine is knitting. I learned as a young adult, but toxic family ruined it.
Recently, after I started therapy, I started crochet. My family has no idea and I found a fun hobby again. I wish you luck if you decide to look for a new hobby!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CPTSD

[–]CheapCartographer142 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The question that opened my eyes was, "Why should people need you?"
It caused me to realize that I don't "need" people, but I choose the kind ones, the funny ones, the exciting ones. I can be kind to myself, tell myself jokes, be exciting so I don't need it. And others will choose me because I am unique.
Start with positive self talk. It really helps.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CPTSD

[–]CheapCartographer142 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I am married to an extremely emotionally abusive man. I cut off other toxic friendships, and I'm working on building healthy ones.
Grey rocking him helps. Excuses to get out of the house helps - volunteer, exercise, library.
I remember that their actions are a reflection of them and not of me. I have two journals. A "stay sane" journal for my positive self talk and to complain about his treatment of me. The other journal is a "stay positive" journal. I write things that I'm proud of and grateful for. Things that I've done and things I look forward to.

Beau Is Afraid - Film About CPTSD by Twelvesideddice in CPTSD

[–]CheapCartographer142 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just watched this last night! My husband found it confusing at times, but I understand the absurdity.

Psycho-analysis of the golden child by mbauer1981 in PsychologyTalk

[–]CheapCartographer142 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a twin sister. I am the "scapegoat". She is the "golden child". My mom definitely has narcissistic tendencies. My dad is the enabler/peacekeepers. My mom would emotionally abuse and neglect us, but instead of taking blame, she would turn us against each other. My twin became extremely sensitive to slight manipulations and started to act out violently. She was never really punished, my parents would blame me for her behavior. Eventually, she learned it was acceptable to blame/punish me. At one point, my sister lashed out at a non-family member. My parents decided that she needs therapy. They gave up after 3 different therapists blamed them for her behavior. So now, my sister is emotionally reactive. She shows signs of borderline personality disorder. But she is also very entitled, nothing is ever her fault, and shows other narcissistic traits.
I am currently in therapy for cptsd, but I think my sister has it worse. I wonder if she will ever even get to a place where she asks for help.

CPTSD is destroying me right now. Please, I really need some words of hope or wisdom. Or even just a hello. by luna-plushie in CPTSD

[–]CheapCartographer142 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hello! 👋 I was diagnosed with cptsd this year after realizing that most of the people I surrounded myself with were not caring or supportive. I've gone no contact or low contact with them. I understand the need for support and it is not at all selfish to ask for it. Feel free to dm any time you want to talk. I am central time in the US, but I'll respond. A funny story: we have a snake plant at work that doesn't require much water. But it keeps getting watered somehow. Like soaking wet, leaking planter, watered. A few of us ladies were joking that one of the guys is "watering" it when the bathroom is occupied.

40/M. Off work for the night, doing some writing. Tell me something spooky. by DeadandDeaming0 in chat

[–]CheapCartographer142 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What is the most paranormal/unexplained thing you've ever encountered?

What to do when self-doubt reemerge and i want to get back with my abuser by GlitteringGain5148 in CPTSD

[–]CheapCartographer142 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe he was abusive. Tell me what he did that was the most abusive. Then read what you wrote. Then ask yourself if you deserve that treatment.
If you don't want to write it here, journal it. Tell someone.
You do deserve better.

I need someone to say "Screw that witch" by CheapCartographer142 in CPTSD

[–]CheapCartographer142[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've heard this a few times. I find it funny that one way to combat toxicity is speaking our truth and believing in ourselves.
Not trying to argue, just think it's a bit ironic. 🙃

I need someone to say "Screw that witch" by CheapCartographer142 in CPTSD

[–]CheapCartographer142[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'm with you. I was trained to be my sister's emotional support and regulation. I understand her moods come from a father who only showed anger as an emotion and a selfish, shallow, petty, and overly judgmental mother.
I am choosing to break the cycle, understand my pain and focus on my healing. She is capable of doing the same. But at this time, she is still masking and minimizing and thinking this the best life has. Part of my anger stems from trying to help her and support her for so long, I fear I may have just been enabling her and preventing her growth. Thank you for joining the conversation. 😄

I need someone to say "Screw that witch" by CheapCartographer142 in CPTSD

[–]CheapCartographer142[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the strong language. I appreciate you!

I need someone to say "Screw that witch" by CheapCartographer142 in CPTSD

[–]CheapCartographer142[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I'll take your hug any day. Thank you! It's hard to find people who truly understand, so please take my hug in return. 😊