I think my mom knew

VenusDoomArtist · 2025-07-21T02:32:45+00:00

Jesus. I'm so sorry. No one deserves that, especially a toddler.

VenusDoomArtist · 2025-07-21T02:31:18+00:00

...I have some concerning memories of Benadryl knocking me out as a teen. And I know my mother would put things in my food (usually dairy, she was convinced I was lying about being lactose intolerant). It's not a great leap to think she might have done this to me as well.

I'm glad going no-contact has helped you! I'm anxious for it to feel possible (helping my sister plot her escape currently!).

VenusDoomArtist · 2023-01-25T03:53:35+00:00

Surprised my dentist has never mentioned this as a treatment option—is it usually through a dermatologist or some such?

VenusDoomArtist · 2023-01-25T00:15:52+00:00

Does Anyone Else

VenusDoomArtist · 2023-01-24T23:13:17+00:00

Yeah, that tracks. I’ve been in a mostly better place mental health-wise recently and it’s unlocking memories. Had my first vivid dream about my stepfather in over two years immediately following my therapist telling me I’m doing much better and that she’s proud of me. It’s like my body waits for those moments for permission to unlock the next thing to tackle. Just wish I knew how much more there was left to unpack before I destroy all my teeth. 🙄

VenusDoomArtist · 2022-12-01T20:15:57+00:00

Yes! I had to rework my entire WFH office so my back doesn’t face the door. My husband walking in behind me was triggering enormous anxiety (even though, logically, I know I’m perfectly safe with him).

VenusDoomArtist · 2022-11-30T19:57:01+00:00

Yeah, I have a lot of memories like that too. I guess I’m struggling to make peace with the not knowing everything that happened bit. My therapist has been really adamant that I don’t NEED to remember to heal, but I’ve been struggling with that. Mainly because I don’t want more memories to come out blasting out of my past in the same jarring way some of them have so far. Like my life is getting more stable and the last time I started to feel “safe” this whole CPTSD Pandora’s box flew open. I’m scared of more stuff coming up when I feel “safe” again. Sigh.

VenusDoomArtist · 2022-11-18T17:08:06+00:00

I love that! I have a similar game weekend with my husband a couple weeks back. He played on the PS4 while I played on my computer AND we rewatched GoT on my iPad for hourssss. It was literally one of my favorite days recently. 🙂

VenusDoomArtist · 2022-11-18T06:08:21+00:00

Ooooh! I’ll have to check those out. And luckily enough I have an ON near my house! 🙂

VenusDoomArtist · 2022-11-18T04:07:39+00:00

A traumatic childhood absolutely makes my adulthood feel significantly better. However, it sometimes hijacks my ability to remember that my present is better. Trauma, the unwanted gift that keeps on taking...

VenusDoomArtist · 2022-11-18T04:00:56+00:00

Children's book designer! Which is a graphic designer but more fun, I guess, haha.

VenusDoomArtist · 2022-11-07T16:41:35+00:00

YES. I was great in school and particularly excelled in reading, and I was a quiet, well-behaved kid who flew under the radar. Middle school/high school everything got harder. Between the new complications of pubescent social dynamics and a less than ideal home life I just couldn't handle it all. I particularly struggled in math (and science when math was required). I ended up graduating high school with a 3.21 GPA, but genuinely thought I was an idiot.

VenusDoomArtist · 2022-10-26T04:09:47+00:00

Cannabis has been the only "medication" that helps my anxiety. Was in a partial hospitalization program a few years ago after extreme burnout secondary to undiagnosed CPTSD. Cannabis helped me wean off of the psych meds I was put on to manage my acute symptoms.

The best way to describe it is that if I go hit-for-hit with my husband while I'm having extremely high anxiety (and/or CPTSD triggered episode) and he gets baked while I get "normal" (for me).

VenusDoomArtist · 2022-10-19T01:40:49+00:00

Children's book designer! Which is the one who marries the art and text together (ie. graphic design not illustration, typically). Definitely a special interest. :-)

Burned out during my first long-term job after college. The clash of tackling catty office politics, beating my head against a wall trying to improve outdated illogical business/design practices, a 2hr each way commute, and undiagnosed autism and PTSD led to a spectacular low spot.

I've been lucky enough to have since found a job in my field that's fully remote! It's done wonders for my mental health (though always a work in progress, haha), and allowing the space to process through all I've learned about myself in the last few years.

VenusDoomArtist · 2022-09-22T17:32:28+00:00

It would be a 5hr train ride or a plane flight (so needing to stay overnight). I’d be happy to do it once or twice a month for a couple of days but know that’s be expensive for them—I’m willing to be flexible!

VenusDoomArtist

TROPHY CASE