Healing — Humour — Emotional Freedom
The Highs and Lows of CPTSD
Healing Through Humour Capsule 1
Back when I was still depressed, before I started actively tapping to heal (EFT Tapping Therapy), one of the ways I coped was to create capsules — basically mini scenes — with a humourous tone to depict some things I was going through or had experienced during my healing journey from narcissistic abuse.
I giggle mildly reading these today, knowing how far I’ve come and how ‘épanouie’ I feel now that I have achieved emotional freedom. Though I am still a work in progress, I have come so far when at the start of my healing, I thought I would never get here.
By the way, there really is no English equivalent to ‘épanouie.’ I can perhaps translate it to, ‘elated by life.’ It’s a state of blooming joy. One definition for it is: ‘Détendu par la joie,’ which literally means, ‘relaxed by joy.’
Capsule 1 depicts the highs and lows of C-PTSD. I could wake up feeling amazing, only to have a massive low a few hours later, feeling unable to do anything, and become fearful to the point I needed several people to reassure me.
And some of these scenarios actually happened. I actually did say, ‘I have thoughts. In my head.’ For real, though, sometimes I have thoughts out loud! I have to specify when it’s my head.
Meet Mi, a.k.a. me.
I wanted it pronounced “me” but written to look like a 3rd person outside of myself. It was a way for me to look at a situation as though I were an outsider to this situation I was living.
As a way to be more present and practice mindfulness, to accompany these capsules, I created my own stick-figure art. It was fun, and actually quite therapeutic.
Author’s note:
In this scene, I aim to shed light on the intricate journey of healing from Complex-Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The character’s question, “Am I bipolar?” mirrors the complex emotions those with CPTSD may face.
It’s vital to understand this scene does not equate CPTSD with bipolar disorder but seeks to portray the emotional turbulence of healing. Self-doubt and misdiagnosis are common threads in recovery.
Know that each healing journey is unique and personal. And I wish emotional freedom to all.
I invite you to check out Marilyn Glover who has also been on a healing journey from abuse. Recently she wrote a beautiful piece about the spiritual meaning of moths and her experience with a trio of moths.
🌿If you fancy it, you can tip me with tisane on Ko-fi. ☕🌺😊
