From an early age, I've always felt like a natural caregiver, but the irony is that I spent the first 16 years of my life enduring physical and verbal abuse from my own mother. Now, at 52, I look back on 26 years of struggling with PTSD triggers that seemed almost untamable. But here's the silver lining: I found a therapy that works for me, and I'm excited to share that even in the unpredictability of this COVID era, I've regained control over my emotions and my life. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy was a game-changer for me. This unique form of therapy doesn't just shift your thinking; it changes your brain chemistry. During EMDR sessions, I use hand buzzers that alternate vibrations while I close my eyes and discuss the issues bringing up my triggers. This physical stimulation, combined with talk therapy, helps me unravel and understand the emotional knots I'd been tied up in for years. Being a curious person with a passion for science, I always give new treatments my full focus before moving on to something else. And let me tell you, EMDR worked wonders for me. I had been so lost, feeling constantly angry and upset, mistakenly blaming those around me. But through EMDR, I've learned that the root cause lay within my own mind, not outside of it. Yes, after 16 years of abuse, there are still triggers lurking in the corners of my memory. But the wisdom I've gained from EMDR has empowered me to face them head-on. If you have any questions about my journey, I'm more than happy to connect and share my experiences. Here's to finding solutions, embracing change, and living a life less burdened by the past.

In 2012, while in the US Navy and on deployment in the Arabian Gulf, I experienced a prinzmetal angina episode where I was unconscious for more than 2 hours. After I was medically evacuated back the US, it was discovered that I had suffered a hypoxia frontal lobe brain injury (TBI non-impact), and as a result was subsequently diagnosed with: Severe Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Traumatic (non-impact) Brain Injury (TBI), and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

After many years of talk therapy, we tried EMDR therapy, and it worked wonders. I would be happy to chat with anyone about this.​ I have years of experience I can share if it will help.

I need help not triggering reactions.

I am my husband's caregiver. He had a psychotic break 3 year ago and since then he has been struggling with PTSD from traumas that occurred during childhood. He has nightmares, he sleep walks and builds barricades with our living room furniture, toys, whatever he finds. He also has dissociative disorder and severe anxiety. We use a lot of alarms and written reminders bc he has no concept of time anymore. My struggle is keeping my marriage strong and finding ways to keep our connection strong when I am also his caregiver. It's a particular struggle when he can't remember what time/place we are in and he is reliving the past and he doesn't remember that he is a grown man and that is the past.

My SO is a trauma survivor too. He triggers me. He interprets it as not respecting him. He was in the military. I am a retired nurse. I have had trauma recovery. Major medical help too.

I grew up in an Independent Fundamentist Baptist home and had a very strict upbringing. I've always had anxiety issues dealing with the harsh discipline I received growing and am hoping to talk with someone about this.

My husband was recently diagnosed with PTSD and Mood disorder after spiraling downward for the last 3 yrs. I am realizing I'm not equipped to support him on my own and my instincts as a partner seem to aggrivate the situation.