“Trauma results in a fundamental reorganization of the way mind and brain

manage perceptions. It changes not only how we think and what we think about,

but also our very capacity to think. We have discovered that helping victims of

trauma find the words to describe what has happened to them is profoundly

meaningful, but usually it is not enough. The act of telling the story doesn’t

necessarily alter the automatic physical and hormonal responses of bodies that

remain hypervigilant, prepared to be assaulted or violated at any time. For real

change to take place, the body needs to learn that the danger has passed and to

live in the reality of the present. Our search to understand trauma has led us to

think differently not only about the structure of the mind but also about the

processes by which it heals.” The Body Keeps the Score

A skeptic somewhere will say I am digging up excuses for my bad behavior.

A crueler person will say my life never happened.

A kind optimist will be happy for me and marvel at so much knowledge that can help people suffering from severe trauma.

I say it is bittersweet after a lifetime of believing I was “damaged goods” and labeling myself “inherent evil.” That said, I am overjoyed at the wonders of the brain and how many people will benefit. Now people need to set aside the stigma of seeking mental health. The mind can go awry just as the body.

There is no weakness in seeking help. I denied myself help, thought I should be strong enough, smart enough, and brave enough to tackle my disorder on my own. It was a mistake I shall regret till I die. I hurt a lot of people while denying my fragility, trying to “tough it out.”

It is never too late to turn a corner, choose a better path, and though I sometimes allow myself moments of self pity, look back and wonder what could have been for my children and I, there is no value in self pity. Self pity, or even the pity of others can only harm my progress, just as surely as denial.

I would suggest there are many disorders which benefit from Dialectical Behavioral Training. But I can only speak for myself.