Episode 37

C-PTSD and Brain Fog

I Can See Clearly Now

April 27, 2022

Today I want to talk about Brain Fog which Merriam-Webster defines as: "A usually temporary state of diminished mental capacity marked by an inability to concentrate or to think or reason clearly."This condition is characterized by excessive cognitive fatigue.” Well, that about sums it up for me. The past several months I have been really out of it and Brain Fog is the only explanation I have found that makes sense. I’ve been dazed and confused for so long it is beginning to be my normal state of mind. Then what?

Here’s a good example of Brain Fog. When I was preparing this episode, I completely lost track of what day it was and this morning about 9am, I realized I had an eye exam at the main hospital in San Jose at 9am, a 2-hour drive. The appointment was scheduled for 9am, so I missed it. For weeks, I’ve been anxious and fretting about driving into the city to get my eyes examined. The good news is I don’t have to drive to San José, but the bad news is I still need to get my eyes examined. There is definitely something going on with my left eye and who knows when I can get another appointment. The Brain Fog once again was successful in sabotaging me. Brain Fog does this frequently. It is becoming harder and harder to take care of what needs to be taken care of. This is the main reason why I am focusing on Brain Fog today.

As usual, below are some links to even more information about PTST and Brain Fog.

My life with Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder – Tereza's Health Blog (wordpress.com)

PTSD & Brain Fog - The Trauma Practice

Mental Fog, Stress, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | HealthyPlace

GET OUT OF BRAIN FOG from Complex PTSD - Bing video

Understanding Mental Fog And Complex PTSD | by Annie Tanasugarn, PhD | Invisible Illness | Medium

Episode 36

C-PTSD and Starting Over…Again!

Been Here Done That

March 29, 2022

In this episode I am talking about starting over and I want you to know that it is NOT easy. I am 68 years old and after the crashing and burning of my marriage, I sit here, on the side of a hill in Costa Rica, contemplating the kind of new life I desire. I’m no spring chicken and my body reminds me of this on a daily basis if not an hourly basis. It is now a nightly routine to wake up at 3am needing to go to the bathroom. I don’t know how he does it, but my cat, Don Gato seems to know the exact time when my bladder is full and he wakes me up. Personally, I think he does this because his bladder is full and he cannot go outside without my help. The way I look at it, we have a symbiotic relationship and mutually support each other. This has not been an easy episode to produce, because the topic matter is overwhelming. The thought of selling everything I have and moving back to the US is a big piece of meat to chew on.

Below are a few websites that may be of help to you if you are finding yourself in a position of turning your life upside down and sideways no matter how old you are.

Since I am 70-years-old, these articles are going to be more focused on starting over as a senior, but all of us who find ourselves starting over, regardless of your age, can benefit from the wisdom held within these articles.

I am 72-years-old and this time I began starting over a couple of years ago when I separated from my wife. (Still not divorced…yet!) This article by Noel from the Financial Geek gives solid advice to seniors who are looking at starting over at this stage of life. Starting Over at Age 60? 7 Things You Should Consider (thefinancialgeek.com)

Starting Over at 70? – I'm Not Dead Yet! (josaia.com) is a short read and focuses on motivating those of us in this situation.

This article supports anyone starting over to start with yourself. Examine your needs, your motives and your resources before you bite off more than you can chew. A Simple Guide for Starting Over in Life | by Vishnu*s Virtues | Medium

Since I am in my 70’s here an article just for us. Change seems to get more difficult as we age and people starting over as seniors, have special needs to consider. Starting Over at Age 60? 7 Things You Should Consider (thefinancialgeek.com)

Episode 35

C-PTSD and My Expat Life

No Matter Where You Go, There You Are.

October 4, 2021

Shit! Has it been a month? I am so sorry, and I apologize for my lack of production lately. I am still working my way through the blues, but the sun is shining, the sky is blue, and another wonderful day is on the horizon. This week I am compelled to share a few things about how the hell I ended up in Costa Rica in the first place. I hope you are at least entertained by my musings, but what I really hope is that Out of My Mind in Costa Rica – Living with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress is a beacon of light for you and a factor influencing you to take care of yourself first, knowing that if you are well, then you can tend to the needs of others.

As usual, I have compiled a few websites that shed a bit more light on today’s subject. I hope that these small, seemingly trivial acts will stimulate you to do what you need to do to heal from Complex Post-Traumatic Stress.

If you are not struggling with C-PTSD then you may have more questions than answers. Julie Maida writes about the key things we all wish others would know about this condition.

What Someone Living with Complex PTSD Wishes You Knew - Julie Maida (julie-maida.com)

Here is a very concise article written by Shirley Davis which was published at CPTSD Foundation. Straight forward and to the point.

The Difficult Road to Intimacy: Living with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder | CPTSDfoundation.org

Friendships are relationships and at times they are the most intimate relationships in our lives. Here’s a clear article written by Ashleigh Golden, PsyD that helps you to understand the conflictual nature of relationship with people who have C-PTSD.

CPTSD and Relationships: Why Conflict Happens and What To Do (psychcentral.com)

I have just completed a vast amount of research seeking some information on what living with C-PTSD as an expatriate is like and what kind of special challenges beset people in this situation. Nothing, nada, zero is what I found. It looks like I need to do an episode of Out of My Mind in Costa Rica-Living with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress focusing on life as an Expat, regardless of where you are in the world, and you have C-PTSD. Wouldn’t you know it, another thing I need to do myself. Expect that sooner, rather than later. Hell, who knows, maybe next week. Meanwhile give a listen to my current version of Expat life when you have C-PTSD.