Navigating Solutions and Darkness

It's a pity we don't have a mental Olympics. Maybe people around us would be happier to acknowledge the work that goes into recovery if there was, since such tangible demonstrations seem crucial to understanding and acceptance. But that's a whole other discussion. 

Title:  The Autobiography of a Sex Worker  Author:  Nalini Jameela Year of Publication:  2005 Series:  NA Series #:  NA Goodreads Rating (Avg.):  3.19 Goodreads Rating (Mine):  5 Synopsis:  An autobiographical work by a sex worker and activist from Thrissur, Kerala. I read the revised edition translated into English (it would have taken me forever and a giant dictionary to read it in the original Malayalam.) Autobiography of a Sex Worker  is in one word, mind blowing. The author’s narrative voice is strong and dispersed with wry humour. She comes across as well aware that her matter-of-fact narrative holds up an uncomfortable mirror to society. It’s hard to review such a book. Any recommendation I can give pales in comparison, when the book speaks for itself so assertively. It is revolutionary on countless planes and for numerous reasons, for Kerala boasts an extremely conservative culture. Keralite women from well off, up...

"Some of these factors (that affect recovery) you cannot change. For example, you cannot control whether you have experienced more than one traumatic event."* While many mental health professionals may have their hearts in the right place, be sympathetic in their approach, and even have experienced the same kinds of trauma, there is still a flaw in the above approach. It's true, you cannot control whether you have experienced more than one traumatic event. But you also cannot control whether you will experience more trauma  in the future. Now, that may not sound very actualized (I'm still processing and working out all of this) but how exactly does trauma therapy account for the fact that if are a marginalized identity - women, lgbt, poc, dalits etc - then you are highly likely to experience not one, but multiple traumatic events? That it is practically inevitable? How do you process trauma when you're on tenterhooks, waiting for the next axe to fall? ...

Photo by  Liz Sanchez-Vegas  on  Unsplash Coping mechanisms are varied, and may have adverse or positive long term impacts on mental and physical health. The best way to think about these coping mechanisms is through the lens of whether they are helpful, or unhelpful.  Unfortunately, experiencing traumatic events can lead to an increase in maladaptive coping mechanisms - aka the unhelpful ones. PTSD - Discussed here Acute Stress Disorder  - Shows many PTSD symptoms for a period of several weeks after the stressor. - Not a prolonged reaction - Usually resolves on its own, especially with a good support system Grief Reactions  -  Extreme sadness - Difficulty maintaining a routine - Difficulty concentrating - Problems with guilt and anger - Can happen after the sudden, unexpected death of a loved one - Associated with sudden illness or injury Depression  -  Common consequence of trauma - Depends on the type of trau...

This post is based on the book Overcoming Trauma and PTSD: A Workbook Integrating Skills from ACT, DBT and CBT by Sheela Raja and Susan M. Orsillo. Images are from the same book. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common reaction to experiencing something traumatic. Reactions to traumatic events usually involves intense fear, helplessness or horror. In addition, after the trauma, you experience one or more of these other types of symptoms: Re-experiencing Bad dreams Distressing memories  Feeling that the trauma is happening over and over again.  Avoidance Going to great lengths to avoid any reminders. Avoid certain places or people that remind you of the incident. Unable to remember important aspects of the traumatic event. Lack interest in life - disconnecting from people Emotionally numb Feeling constantly anxious or on edge Difficulty sleeping and concentrating  Difficulty managing anger  Feeling irritable Being "on guard" , always scanning your ...

Photo by  Ed van duijn  on  Unsplash “Will you walk into my parlour?” said the Spider to the Fly, “‘Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy; The way into my parlour is up a winding stair, And I’ve a many curious things to shew when you are there.” “Oh no, no,” said the little Fly, “to ask me is in vain, For who goes up your winding stair can ne’er come down again.” “I’m sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high; Will you rest upon my little bed?” said the Spider to the Fly. “There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin, And if you like to rest awhile, I’ll snugly tuck you in!” “Oh no, no,” said the little Fly, “for I’ve often heard it said, They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!” Said the cunning Spider to the Fly, “Dear friend what can I do, To prove the warm affection I’ve always felt for you? I have within my pantry, good store of all that’s nice; I’m sure you’re very welcome–will you please to t...