Vaccine Central
My husband, Ron, and I just got our second COVID shots last Tuesday. Although Ron had very little in the way of side effects, I had chills and a fever of 102* for 24 hours. I knew it was a normal reaction but that didn’t make me feel any less like a zombie while I was going through it! We believe the vaccine will take us one step further along the road toward normalcy in our daily living and are grateful we continue to have good health. We hope that is true for you, too.
If Only
If only there were a vaccine for early childhood trauma. If only there were some medication or protocol that would take away the pain. Those of us who have a dissociative disorder form a community of people who carry stories that may propel us, metaphorically, into a zombie-land of our own that makes us feel as sick as I did last week.
Vaccine
On our best days, we are competent and sure of ourselves. On our worst days, we crawl into bed and pull the covers over our heads. One thing is for sure, though. While the world has no vaccine against child abuse, you and I have created our own “vaccines” that enabled us to survive. As children, we created parts that protected us from the horror of our histories. We created memory barriers that allowed us to go back into the world and manage another day. Our coping strategies, which sometimes get in the way in our adult lives, were the living vaccines that saved our lives.
The Cure
Kudos to the many organizations and movements that are spearheading efforts to end child abuse. (For an excellent example, check out Safe Communities PA.) It may be too late for you and me, but it’s not too late for our children and children everywhere. In the meantime, it’s important to remember that no matter what you’re struggling with today, you have the capacity to heal, grow, and overcome all odds.
Like my immune reaction after my shot, your particular struggle will not last forever. With gentleness for yourself, hard work, and good therapy, your body, mind, and spirit will rise up toward wholeness. More than that, your creativity will lead you to places other people can’t or won’t go.
Self Care
Take it one day at a time. Breathe. Write. Find what grounds you then give it to yourself. Send yourself love letters, let yourself feel, face it head on. Not only are you a survivor, you are on the road to becoming a thriver!
Be well and stay healthy. You have what it takes!
Invitation
Check out my website at www.lynbarrett.com where you can download the free ebook called DID Unpacked. You can also sign up for notification of the release of my memoir, Crazy: In Search of a Narrative and learn more about writing opportunities.
What questions do you have about DID? Any topics you’d like me to cover? I’ll look forward to hearing from you!
Those who love me, I will deliver;
I will protect those who know my name.
When they call to me, I will answer them.
Isaiah 91: 14-15a
Lyn