Writing As A Form Of Therapy

[Former-Member]

Hi @-Liz-  Nice to meet you. 

That’s great that you are writing a book about CPTSD. 

I think that sounds like it would be helpful for you to write things down. 

I have struggled with CPTSD for most of my life. 

For me CPTSD is like an invisible disease. 

With no understanding or compassion from others in the real world who haven’t had CPTSD. 

It’s a struggle that no one else seems to understand. A lonely journey. 

I have often thought of writing a book, but life’s stresses take over and I don’t have the energy to start it. 

How do you cope with it?

🌷🌸🌼🌻

[-Liz-]

Hi @Former-Member and thank you for your positivity!

You have hit the nail on the head CPSTD is truly an invisible disease!! For me it was just as invisible to me as it was to others as it was my "normal" and there was no comphrension that this wasn't what was happening in every family. 

It truly is a struggle and I completely agree it is a lonely path. This may sound bizarre but one of the unusual places I've found CPTSD support is actually on instagram. I'd be more than happy to share a few accounts I've found helpful it that's ok by the moderators. 

With writing a book it's very poignant you using the word stresses and energy. That's the beauty of writing a book about CPTSD is that you get to vent the stresses and try to find word for that energy drain that other people just don't understand. Write it. Write it all!

How do I cope? I made a deal with myself to write every day for a set amount of days. Now here's my golden nugget I've discovered along the way ... Some days I can only fathom a word! Other days the words take over and I've written five pages. I don't set a time for that very reason that I didn't want it as a stressor. The thing along the way is that writing this book has become the one thing that doesn't drain my energy but more reflects the energy of the day. It's weird when for me sometimes getting up is all I can do and doing every single thing is so much effort but writing hasn't drained that effort. Please let me know if that doesn't make sense and I'll try and explain myself better.

[Former-Member]

Thanks for your reply @-Liz- 

Yes, it makes sense. 

Do you have a thread on the forums?

If so, perhaps you can tag me there, if you like. 

Or do you join in wherever?

 I used to write my thoughts down, now all I can do when overwhelmed is deep breathing. That helps me to relax at times. 

😊

[Former-Member]

And, yes I’m interested in the places you find support. 

Have a think about getting your book published too. 👍🤔😊

I think it would help others to read about your experiences and know that they’re not alone. @-Liz- 

[Former-Member]

Might catch up tomorrow @-Liz- 

Night night. Sleep well. 😴

[WriterMelb]

Ive been watching this thread for some time. I write as it is my happy place, when my moods allows me. I don’t do the diary thing because of possible rumination. Discipline to write or do anything much when low is nearly impossible. Much of the time I function at a high level until I don’t. At these times I appear normal even though officially I am disabled.

Most people don’t understand. The ones who do are precious indeed.

I am halfway through my second book. Everything now progresses so slowly. Time has been slowed to snails pace. When I feel good the pain of this change of pace is agony. The I dip a bit and don’t care. So on it goes. 

[-Liz-]

I'm still just navigating the site @Former-Member so I don't have a thread as yet.

Do whatever gets you through! Day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute!

[Appleblossom]

Welcome to the forum @WriterMelb  and @-Liz- 

[-Liz-]

@BlueBay I admire your dedication to you family! I'm going to play devils advocate so please don't construe it as me telling you what to do. If your doctor admits you (which sounds imminent) you won't be working, you won't get paid, you will be in a worse head space and it puts you in a much worse position moving forward if someone sections you to hospital rather than you admitting yourself to hospital. If your doctor makes the decision for you you will not be in the driver's seat as to when you leave hospital compared to if you admit yourself. It sounds like you have a living family surely they want to see a healthy and happy parent. Consider if you knew they were going through the same problem what advice would you be telling them?

[-Liz-]

Thankyou @Appleblossom