Introduction

[Merl]

Hi my name is Merlin.  I am now widowed.  My journey so far having being diagnosed later on in life with CPTSD, has been and continues to be a very difficult one physically, and emotionally.  Beginnings started from an emotionally distant and insecure primary caregiver and an enabling father.  We both faced much invalidation which I have come to understand this as projection of the abusers own feelings.  Hoping that my mother would change seemed to me now one of wishful thinking.  She is now 89.  My recent therapist described her as having a narcisstic nature.  I have now decided to go 'no contact' with her.  I am now on a healing but still difficult daily journey of self-compassion.

[woodsgnome]

Despite the rough ride, Merlin, I hope you feel this forum as a safe place where you can research more on Cptsd, read what others here have had to say, and share your story, if and when you feel inclined to do so.

Welcome 

[Kizzie]

Hi and a warm welcome to OOTS Merl. I am sorry you got to a place where you had to go no contact with your M but as many of us find, it's that or  our health (mental and physical) continues to decline.  Not a great choice but it saves us.   

[Papa Coco]

Welcome to the forum, Merl,

I'm sorry to hear of your recent loss and of your need to go NC with your mother. I went No Contact with my entire family, including my father and I know that when leaving needs to happen, it needs to happen. My family of origin (FOO) was too cruel for me to survive, so I left them, and I know that's not always easy, but sometimes it's not really a choice. We have to do it when we have to do it.

I hope you find this forum to be as helpful and compassionate and understanding as I have found it to be. There are some truly wonderful people here who truly understand the bumps and storms of C-PTSD.

[Lakelynn]

Merl,

Welcome to the forum. I'm glad you found us, hopefully, this will be a place for you to find ways to make daily life a bit easier. Handling a loss as well as no contact is tough. We're here for you. 

[Merl]

Thank you all for your support and encouragement. 

[AphoticAtramentous]

Welcome to the forum, Merl.

My journey so far having being diagnosed later on in life with CPTSD, has been and continues to be a very difficult one physically, and emotionally.

It is unfortunate that it's only recently that CPTSD has become a recognisable condition, one that is very much deserving of attention. However thankfully it is never too late to start healing. I hope you find something useful here!

Regards,
Aphotic.

[Merl]

Thank you for your kind encouraging support.  Very much needed.

[Kizzie]

 

[Hope67]

Welcome Merl, 
Hope