Do the stories of partners of survivors matter? I tucked this question into my laptop bag and entered the doors of Humber College summer writing school this past July. I had submitted fifteen pages of…
“What do you do for self-care?” It’s one of the first questions I am asked by other partners. While I know what works for me, my preferred activities may not be what works for you.…
“How do you cope with fatigue as the partner to a trauma survivor?” a friend recently asked. To be honest, the question frightened me. Was I fatigued? Was it a problem? Was I coping? Was…
“As the partner to a trauma survivor, how do you do it? How do you keep going?” Funny. In the last two weeks, I have been asked this question three times. Maybe even weirder, I…
Can the Partners of Childhood Trauma Survivors Experience Vicarious Trauma? You would think the answer is obvious: “Yes,” and “Of course.” But a search for the term in conjunction with partners/ families and trauma shows few results.…
I’ve recently had a couple of articles sent to me about how to help a survivor if you are in a close relationship. The articles, written by clinicians, were clear, thoughtful and with a good…
How do you celebrate the holidays when you’re too tired to care? It’s a very real question for me this year. Although not a new one. Yes, this year I am especially exhausted. In under…
I was at my second appointment with my new therapist. She asked, “Do you think you have secondary trauma?” I paused and answered: “Yes.” An online search of ‘secondary trauma’ pulls up information for mental…
Editor’s note: This post was originally written in August 2017. Partners in relationship with individuals with complex PTSD often struggle alone. Partners may experience shame and stigma from those who are supposed to be supportive.…
Some of you know that I took the month of June (2017) off for some vacation time. I traveled to Victoria, BC to visit friends, spend time in nature, shop, and have fun! Sounds perfect,…
“How do you practice self-care?” It’s a question I’m asked a lot. I have a list of answers. ExerciseEnough sleepKeep extra-curricular commitments to a minimumSpend time outdoorsTalk with friends either by phone, text, or social…