Reddit reviews Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors

Weirdly enough, all emotional states are survival techniques that can become learned, unconscious, repetitive algorithms just like brushing our teeth . Depression can be viewed as the wonderful "hero" that can put us in a hopeless/helpless mode of submission when we are in danger and fighting or fleeing are not viable. Recurring depression usually comes from early life experiences where the 4 things you just listed were actually helpful belief systems to hinder activity that could bring immense shame/harm to you.

For example, if trying to connect with my parent always leaves me feeling like I am annoying them, concluding that "no one cares" will help me from approaching others and potentially facing this feeling of being let down and being an annoyance. When we learn early on that approaching connection makes things worse, and one cannot control or escape their experience, submission is your best choice.

"You are a burden" is nothing more than a survival mechanism that helped you survive extremely difficult, perhaps traumatic experiences. Weird, huh?

If you'd like to read more, I recommend Janina Fischer's book https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Fragmented-Selves-Trauma-Survivors/dp/0415708230

Janina Fisher's Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors

This reading list is amazing:

https://www.reddit.com/r/CPTSD/comments/8dgaav/newcomer_resources_list/

In particular, I found this this book changed the way I relate to myself and my experiences: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Fragmented-Selves-Trauma-Survivors/dp/0415708230

Mental health professionals can be helpful, but there is a lot you can do on your own!

Np, unfortunately most therapists are not very educated about complex trauma, so I would advice you to do some research and see if you get along well before picking one (if you have the opportunity). Same guy has an article about finding a therapist, which could be helpful.

Yes, it's very validating seeing how your past and current problems are all interconnected. Makes you feel less of a freak. I'm posting some book recommendations in case you would like to know more. Just reading one of them will help you a long way in understanding why you are the way you are:

Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving by Pete Walker

The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller

Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors by Janina Fisher

Have you read Janina Fisher's book, 'Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors'?

https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Fragmented-Selves-Trauma-Survivors/dp/0415708230

I have done parts work in my own therapy for DID, but didn't specifically do IFS. I've read this book after doing much of my healing and would have found it quite helpful at the time I was in therapy. I like how she uses the concept of structural dissociation to help describe how truama survivors may feel fragmented but not necessarily identify with having disociative identity disorder.

The OP mentions this book further up,

Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors: Overcoming Internal Self-Alienation https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0415708230/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-r2TCb0X0XP02

I've also read it and it was completely life changing

Sometimes, bpd is diagnosed where there is a better case to be made for dissociative issues caused by early life trauma. I would consult a trauma-informed psychotherapist, because psychiatrists may be quick with the (legal) drugs and i think you might agree that more drugs is not really what you need. Also, if you are the kind that likes to research things by yourself, try to have a look at this book or other theories dealing with disociation and trauma such as Sensorymotor therapy or Internal family systems theory.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Healing-Fragmented-Selves-Trauma-Survivors/dp/0415708230

This is also excellent for IFS and Richard Schwartz (who is the founder of IFS therapy)

https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Fragmented-Selves-Trauma-Survivors/dp/0415708230

This is the book \^.

I found that at least two of my "emotional parts" experienced marked relief from their trauma when I applied the advice in the book.

Interestingly, "Tom" did not seem to respond to any of the advice in this book. It was another system that I introduced him to on Discord who recognised him as a "persecutor alter" and was able to help calm him down a bit.