You Are Not Too Broken
POSSIBLE STRUGGLES YOU MAY HAVE
Emotional Responses:
Chronic Anxiety:
Example: Feeling a constant sense of dread about going to work, fearing criticism or failure.
Depression:
Example: Losing interest in hobbies or activities that once brought joy, feeling a persistent sense of sadness.
Guilt and Shame:
Example: Blaming oneself for not being able to prevent the abuse, feeling unworthy of love.
Emotional Numbness:
Example: Feeling detached from one's own emotions, as if watching life from a distance.
Fear of Abandonment:
Example: Constantly needing reassurance from friends or partners that they won’t leave.
Mood Swings:Example: Feeling euphoric one moment and deeply sad the next, without a clear trigger.
Behavioral Patterns
People-Pleasing:
Example: Always agreeing to others' requests, even when it causes personal inconvenience.
Self-Sabotage:
Example: Procrastinating on important tasks, leading to missed opportunities.
Isolation:
Example: Avoiding social gatherings, preferring to stay home alone.
Clinginess:
Example: Constantly texting a partner or friend for validation and reassurance.
Compulsive Behaviors:
Example: Shopping excessively to cope with stress, leading to financial strain
Avoidance:
Example: Steering clear of conversations about childhood or family.
You Are Not Too Broken
Emotional Dysregulation:
Description: Emotional dysregulation refers to difficulty in managing and responding to emotional experiences appropriately.
Example: An adult might experience intense anger or sadness over minor incidents. For instance, a simple disagreement at work could lead to an overwhelming feeling of rage or despair, far exceeding the situation's actual impact. This can result in outbursts or withdrawal.
Overthinking:
Description: Overthinking involves excessive rumination on thoughts, situations, or potential outcomes, often leading to anxiety.
Example: Before a social event, an individual might spend hours analyzing every possible interaction, worrying about saying the wrong thing, or being judged by others. This can cause them to feel paralyzed with anxiety and might even lead them to cancel plans to avoid the stress.
You Are Not Too Broken
Hyper-vigilance:
Description: Being in a constant state of alertness, always scanning the environment for potential threats.
Example: In a crowded place, they might feel overwhelmed by the noise and movement, always watching for signs of danger. This can lead to exhaustion and avoidance of such environments.
Perfectionism:
Description: Setting unrealistically high standards for oneself, often as a way to gain control or approval.
Example: They might spend excessive time on tasks, fearing any mistake could lead to criticism or failure. This can result in procrastination or burnout due to the pressure they place on themselves.
Difficulty with Boundaries:
Description: Struggling to establish and maintain healthy boundaries in relationships.
Example: They might find it hard to say no to requests, leading to overcommitment and resentment. Alternatively, they might build walls to keep others at a distance, fearing vulnerability.
You Are Not Too Broken
Cognitive Patterns:
Negative Self-Talk:
Example: Thinking, "I'm not good enough," whenever faced with a challenge.Black-and-White Thinking:Example: Believing, "If I make one mistake, I'm a complete failure."
Catastrophizing:
Example: Assuming that a minor mistake at work will lead to being fired.
Difficulty Concentrating:
Example: Struggling to focus on reading a book because of intrusive thoughts.
Relationship Challenges:
Fear of Intimacy:
Example: Avoiding deep conversations with a partner to prevent vulnerability.
Jealousy:
Example: Feeling threatened by a partner's friendships, leading to arguments.
Conflict Avoidance:
Example: Not expressing personal needs to avoid potential disagreements.
Over-attachment:
Example: Relying heavily on one friend for emotional support, causing strain.
You Are Not Too Broken
Physical Symptoms:
Sleep Disturbances:
Example: Experiencing frequent nightmares related to past trauma.
Chronic Pain:
Example: Suffering from persistent back pain without a clear medical cause.
Fatigue:
Example: Feeling constantly tired despite getting adequate sleep.
Appetite Changes:
Example: Eating significantly more or less in response to stress.
Coping Mechanisms:
Therapy and Counseling:
Example: Attending weekly sessions with a therapist to work through trauma.
Mindfulness Practices:
Example: Practicing meditation daily to help manage anxiety.
Creative Outlets:
Example: Writing poetry or painting to express and process emotions.
Building Support Networks:
Example: Joining a support group for survivors of childhood abuse to share experiences and gain support.
