Surviving in the Dark: Unveiling Coping Strategies in CPTSD

The Friday Edition | No. 31

Surviving in the Dark: Unveiling Coping Strategies in CPTSD

Navigating life with complex trauma/CPTSD can usher in a myriad of disparate and chaotic and inexplicable things that become a way of living and being. Coping mechanisms that were once initially significant, gradually fade into the minutia of daily living. Yet, as we get older the ways in which we had to endure and survive are slowly revealed. They show us how ingenious and resilient we had to become, at a young age, to tolerate unconscionable circumstances, stay safe, and carry on.

These insights may vary in scale – some profound and monumental, while others are subtle nuances we grow accustomed to over time. They morph into ordinary facets of our lives, prompting occasional reflections on why certain preferences or habits persist.

One coping mechanism I’ve normalized is living in the darkness and being afraid of the light. I share this here as an example of how we adapt, survive, and persevere. These tendencies are not idiosyncrasies or personal habits to be afraid of but points of interest for healing deep-seated wounds. Becoming aware of these ingrained behaviors allows us to relinquish their hold, reclaim our power, and break free from cyclical ties to a traumatic past.

There is no timestamp on trauma. There isn’t a formula that you can insert yourself into to get from horror to healed. Be patient. Take up space. Let your journey be the balm.

_Dawn Serra