I’ve been having a rough time since hearing the news of the shooting at Pulse in Orlando. Which was quickly followed by the news of a man being arrested with multiple guns as he was heading to LA Pride. My self-care has gone to hell. I’ve been doing some crying (not as much as I’d like because kids), not eating,  sleeping strangely. Lots of nightmares. Lots of waking nightmares.
Some research indicates that those who have experienced a trauma and developed PTSD are more vulnerable to having PTSD responses to future traumatic events, even if they aren’t directly involved in the event. It certainly feels true right now.
If it is true for you too, please get whatever help you can. It’s time for you to bring out your self-care kit and work it. If you don’t have a kit, we’ll soon talk about putting one together. Do what it takes to help your system settle down.
So often, folks have a hard time taking care of themselves. Especially after years of abuse have taught them that they don’t deserve to take care of themselves. As a parent, you have an even greater obligation to take care of yourself – if you run yourself into the ground, who’s going to help your kids? Put on your oxygen mask first.
I hope you have communities you can reach out to. One of the hardest parts of trauma is the sense of isolation we experience. The feelings that no one else is going through this, or that we don’t belong and have a right to our feelings. We do have a right. Reach out. Please let me know if I can help at www.facebook.com/QuietStormsCO.
More later this week,
dawn