I was in a Sucky Relationship — Now What?

PTSD from a toxic relationship is real. Our natural tendency, when we are in fear of something that has traumatized us, is to avoid doing again that which caused us pain. This presents a problem if your PTSD comes from a Narcissist or manipulator, and your goal is to find love.

As a Nurse I have witnessed the process of recovery from trauma. Recovery is not a straight line. Recovery is messy and confusing.

The process of recovery incudes the grief process. When you know what to expect as you work through the process, you can have hope and know that recovery and peace is possible.

After a toxic relationship, I could not make eye contact with men for a year. This is real trauma. This is also a protective function of the mind to keep you out of harm’s way. So we are going to honor the process. After experiencing trauma it is imperative to take time out to contemplate, and learn the lessons in this harsh school we call earth.

My time out from the Narcissistic relationship included coaching, reading, studying, and practicing self- care rituals that I continue to this day. In short, I chose me over toxic relationships. I was learning to love myself in new ways. Nothing like hitting rock bottom to start to look up and see the proverbial light.