Classroom · Life Through a Trauma Lens

Recognizing Trauma, As Trauma

A trauma survivor filters life through the internal lens of trauma. Those on the external side of the lens, only see the filtered picture that the internal lens presents. I have lived on both sides of trauma, from a family full of dysfunction and trauma, to a spouse who endured severe trauma and as a result, developed Dissociative Identity Disorder. I now use my story and insight, as a supportive source for those living on either the inside or outside, of the effects of trauma or DID.

The Roads and Detours to Trauma Therapy

The decision to seek help with trauma processing is a big one. The resources utilized to do this can make or break a person's chances of a successful journey. There are many resources that appear helpful, but in reality, can be harmful to the healing process. The personal journey with my husband, took us down a path that included pastors, friends, bible studies and the wrong counselor, most of which caused more harm than good. In this lesson, I share what helped and what hurt.

Dissociative Identity Disorder from the Outside

Dissociative Identity Disorder, also known as Multiple Personality Disorder, is the result of severe and repeated abuse during childhood and develops as the brain's way of protecting the victim from the abuse they are enduring. DID is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct "personalities" or "alters" which can all have different mannerisms, behaviors, and emotions and can be different ages and even different sexes. Here, we will discuss the complexity of this condition.

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Along Came a Personal Support System

A therapist is needed to treat mental health conditions. A relatable person is needed to support the day-to-day condition of mental health. When dealing with sensitive and complex topics, a personal support system may feel impossible to find. For 10 years, my therapist was my only support system for the difficult situation I was living in due to the effects of my husband's trauma and Dissociative Identity Disorder. Here, I want to give others the personal support I needed but did not have.

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