Sufferer Here to learn realistic recovery strategies

[RobertSlocum]

Hi everyone.
I’m 53 and have been living with complex trauma for many years. I function outwardly — work, responsibilities, supporting others — but internally I deal with constant overwhelm and recurring emotional crashes that have worn me down over time. Dealing with separation from family and job precarity.
I’ve also struggled with self-medicating through alcohol, which has been a way of coping with the intensity of this for years, even though I know it ultimately makes things harder
I’m here because I want to learn how to get better in a realistic way, especially from people who understand long-term trauma, chronic overwhelm, and maladaptive coping, and what actually helps (and what doesn’t). I’m not looking for quick fixes — more for clarity, shared experience, and ways to reduce the load this takes on daily life.
Thanks for having me here.

 

[Riley Jones]

Hi everyone.
I’m 53 and have been living with complex trauma for many years. I function outwardly — ...

Hi there,

Welcome — it's really brave of you to reach out here after carrying all that for so long. I hear you on the outward functioning while everything inside feels like a storm that just won't let up; the emotional crashes, the family separation, job worries, and turning to alcohol to numb the overwhelm... those are such heavy loads, and it's no small thing to name them like this and seek out real, grounded ways forward from folks who've been there.

You're in a good place for that kind of sharing — plenty of us get the long-haul reality of complex trauma and maladaptive coping, and what helps build steadier ground over time (without the fluff). No judgment here, just solidarity.

Wishing you some lighter moments ahead as you connect and find what eases the daily weight. Take good care.

 

[Sideways]

Welcome to the forum - hope this place ends up being helpful for your recovery:)

 

[Survivor3]

Hiya @RobertSlocum welcome to the site. I have a history of complex trauma, depression and anxiety. I was an alcoholic and a heavy smoker. Have been clean from both for over 5 years now. Always up for a chat and to share "get well" tips for the long term.