“Many survivors have such profound deficiencies in self-protection that they can barely imagine themselves in a position of agency or choice.” – Judith Lewis Herman Understanding Trauma Bonding: Breaking Free and Healing In relationships, the emotional connections we form can be powerful and profound. However, not all connections are healthy, and some can become deeply entangled with … [Read more...]
Trauma
Childhood Trauma: Why You’re Struggling to Move On
Fact: people who experience trauma in childhood are three times more likely to struggle with a mental disorder in adulthood. Also fact: it is possible to heal from childhood trauma and to not have it overrun your life. Trauma is not a lifelong diagnosis. Defining Childhood Trauma Childhood trauma refers to any experience during childhood that is emotionally or physically distressing and has … [Read more...]
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Living with and Understanding a Complex Mental Illness
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition. It affects approximately 1-2% of the general population and is characterized by intense and unstable emotions, impulsive behaviour, and a distorted sense of self-identity. Living with this mental illness can be a challenging and isolating experience, but with the right support and treatment it is … [Read more...]
5 Ways To Feel Better Without Therapy: Part Three, Managing Emotions
Have you ever reacted to someone in the heat of the moment and afterwards looked back wishing you had responded differently? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by emotion and notice it affects your ability to focus or be present? Most of us find ourselves in these situations some of the time, but if this happens often to you, you may be having problems regulating (calming) your … [Read more...]
10 Ways To Ease Depression With Only Your Pen
"Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack, a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." — Leonard Cohen. One of my struggles since childhood has been with depression. From as early as I can remember I wondered why my school friends found it so easy to just be a kid, while I could only seem to observe their laughter from the fringes, surrounded by … [Read more...]