Living with Complex PTSD (And Constant Dissociation)

Yasmin is diagnosed with Complex PTSD. She frequently catastrophizes, believing that everything will turn into a disaster. Her loving boyfriend Carlos tries to support Yasmin whenever she is symptomatic. Together the two are learning that loving a person with Complex PTSD is possible when both people are committed.

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[SpecialBooksbySpecialKids]

Yasmin told me it is her goal to meet other people who understand what she is experiencing. She hopes to create a community of people who are empathetic so she doesn't feel alone in her struggles. I left her social media account in the description of this video for anyone who would like to connect with Yasmin.

[FUNSEE]

Hello everyone, it’s Yasmin!

To say I’m overwhelmed from everyone’s response would be an understatement. Before making this video, I felt like I was the only one who felt the way I did. For a long time, it was just me, in my head. Even after I filmed the interview, I was so nervous about what I said. “What if I’m exaggerating?” “What if I’m taking up space?” “Maybe this isn’t as serious as I thought it was”.

But from all the amazing people who have commented and messaged me, I see that’s far from the case. Thank you to each and every one of you. I don’t think you understand just how much your words mean to me. I will carry with me all the support and use it to fuel my journey. I won’t disappoint you guys 😤

Chris, I don’t know how you fit all that babbling into a 20 minute video. I’ve watched your videos for years and I’m still amazed at your abilities. You’re such an amazing host and what you do is incredible. I have you to thank for all of this ❤️


Aaah I have so much to say!! But for now all I have to say is thank you!! I hope you all have an amazing day and know that no matter what, you and your struggles, whatever they may be, are valid. Alone we persevere, but together, we overcome (that sounded a lot cooler in my head). Love you all ❤️❤️

[Lily-yfrx]

I have complex ptsd as well. My field of expertise is neuroscience, and what makes complex ptsd so interesting is that it exposes children to obstacles which facilitate the development of mesocortical connections while neglecting mesolimbic connections. This basically means that children with CPTSD don’t have the chance to be children, and often have to compensate for unsafe adults such as parents or caregivers. While individuals with CPTSD find it hard to regulate high salience emotions because that part of them wasn’t really allowed to exist early in life, the adaptations and extensive pathways they’ve developed as a consequence of survival enables them to be some of the wisest and considerate people you’ll ever meet.

[asianbadgrl]

i have the privilege of knowing yasmin in person and being blessed for this woman to be my best friend. she is truly one of the most genuine, funniest, smartest, wonderful, and beautiful people i’ve ever known. i saw a comment where someone said that her attractiveness affects her trauma, but i disagree with that. all types of people in all shapes, sizes, color, and appearances go through trauma. the only difference is how we experienced it and how we all try to grow and heal from it. please don’t diminish her experiences just because she is pretty.

[kassi]

You aren’t wallowing in self-pity. The memories coming back and overtaking your brain. Your brain and body are trying to re-process it. you’re processing grief. I hate it when people call it self-pity and try to guilt trip you for experiencing it and taking care of yourself.

[fighttheevilrobots]

I have PTSD. The hardest part is when your family either can't know what happened (because they would judge and blame you) or they don't respect your boundaries. For example, talking about weight can affect me negatively for weeks. They still do it, and call me "overly sensitive".

[autiejedi]

So many of us with cPTSD compare ourselves to others, thinking "oh, someone else has it worse so it's no big deal". We invalidate and downplay our experiences in order to just survive and keep going.
You're a beautiful person Yasmin, and worthy of healing and happiness! 💜

[pie-eyes]

I was diagnosed with CPTSD, OCD, ADHD, autism and various anxiety disorders. Currently battling stage four breast cancer. I endured a myriad of traumatic experiences starting at 3 years old and continuing into my early 30s. I finally learned to avoid abusive situations. Therapy helped immensely and I feel like a warrior & a survivor. We are not our trauma and deserve peace, comfort and safety. ❤

[shannanigansisme]

I struggle with people thinking it's funny that I'm jumpy and enjoy scaring me even when I tell them that I don't like that. Anybody else experience this?

[missoli]

dissociation, depersonalization, derealization, or any type of phenomena that makes you feel disconnected from your own body and your own consciousness is super annoying to deal with. Yasmin, you're so strong and you're an inspiration to those who also struggle with feeling this way. we're all in this together

[Emma.H]

“i feel like i’m not deserving of my own story”… those words resonate with me so deeply. Every time I begin to validate my own feelings about my trauma I invalidate it immediately. It took so long for me to allow myself to accept and claim that I had a traumatic childhood and that it has negatively impacted my life. Thank you for speaking on this important issue Yasmin, you are never alone ❤️

[akwappa]

Cptsd makes you feel like you have lived 2 different lives, it’s very hard to manage and work a job let alone live with yourself and your thoughts. I’m thankful to have my mother who is very supportive and keeps me head straight

[Sarah-bqoy]

Very similar situation. I grew up sexually abused from 5-8 years old by an older sibling, along with growing up with emotionally neglectful/immature parents. I hadn't disclosed my abuse until recently, some 25 years later. For the longest time, I have always felt "different" because I had been exposed to so much more than children should at a young age. I was always "mature" and tried hard never to let any emotions through, which, as I know, now doesn't work well. That's when I finally, at 29, decided I needed to take life into my own hands and went for help. It's been one of the most challenging, heartbreaking processes of my life, but I wouldn't change a thing. During this process, I have recently completed a college degree, and I continue working hard to grow and reparent myself so I can thrive instead of survive.

[cadoo]

I just fired my therapist after almost four years after discovering all of this information about CPTSD. I grew up with an emotionally abusive narcissistic alcoholic mother and it has affected me all of my life. I am 68. I never knew what was wrong with me until two days ago when I watched my first video on this disorder. Four years and my therapist never once suggested anything like it. She said I just needed to get out of the house more. Now if I could replace my narcissitic husband with someone who understands and cares I would be in perfect shape. Thanks for sharing your experiences ❤

[Ss-fque]

I was SA when I was 6 years old by my adult cousin it really destroy child mind, hugs to all the people who experienced SA as children

[livianeves]

Yasmin and her partner have such a beautiful connection! The way they look at each other... it's so good that they found each other

[-chloe-]

i really appreciated carlos mentioning how no one would guess yasmin is dealing with cptsd. so often ppl’s struggles go unnoticed bc they’re harder to see! you never know what the people around you are going through ❤

[themikachicka]

I have CPTSD and I related to EVERY single thing she said. Yasmin thank you, for making me feel less alone. I’ve always been seen as a ball of optimistic energy, “the happy friend”, but inside my trauma has crippled me my whole life. Im turning 26 soon as well so we’re even the same age. There was not a single thing you said that I couldn’t relate to. I’m glad you are here and fighting, I’m glad you also have someone who loves you. My relationships anniversary is coming up to its 3 year mark next week (even have that in common). He’s helped me so much. I found myself shutting down in dark rooms wallowing as well but it’s nice to know someone’s there to listen to me and love me for all of me as well. WE DESERVE IT! YOU deserve it Yasmin. Sending you so much love.

[dark_teal]

Being in a relationship with someone like her can be a very intense experience. One of the most important things can be to realize that they often need reassurance that they are still loved if there is a disagreement or argument, even if you've said it a thousand times before, say it again! Looks like she's in good hands.

[steviguzman-falukos]

Yasmín, you’re fortunate to have a partner who is willing to try to understand. Ever single man I’ve been with takes advantage of it, uses it to cast blame on me, etc. It’s so hard to overcome like that. It only reinforces the dissociation.