Month: May 2021

Call The Chicks because we’re in need of some Wide Open Spaces! Just kidding. Let’s stay inside today and talk all about the difference between agoraphobia and social anxiety!

Surprisingly yes, there is a difference between social anxiety and agoraphobia. You might think that they’re one and the same, but these two anxiety disorders are different AND related to each other at the same time. Does that make sense? They’re not totally different and not totally the same. Never mind, let’s just jump right into the article to talk about how social anxiety and agoraphobia differ! 

How Are They Related?

If you have experience with social anxiety and/or agoraphobia, you’ll understand how they differ from each other and how they’re also similar. If you aren’t familiar with these two anxiety disorders, it may feel a bit confusing trying to find the differences between the two because both can involve being afraid of public places, as well as being around other people. 

However, the two anxiety disorders have very different motivating fears. While the reasoning behind the fears of being in public and around others might be different, the actual fears of the public and people can look similar. Think about it like houses! Two houses can look identical on the outside, but the layouts inside can be completely different. 

Agoraphobia

At the beginning of this article, we made a joke about the song Wide Open Spaces by The Chicks. But being afraid of these wide-open spaces isn’t what agoraphobia is all about! So many of us think that it is, but it’s about sooo much more than just fearing the outside. In fact, that’s not even really what people with agoraphobia are afraid of! 

Agoraphobia is all about fearing situations or places that would make it difficult to escape or leave when the person is embarrassed or having a panic attack. The fears surround the possibility of embarrassment, embarrassing situations like having a panic attack, or losing control in a public space. 

It’s actually true that some people with agoraphobia are housebound. This self-seclusion and avoidance happens for a number of reasons. Most commonly, it is to help them avoid triggers or places with crowds, traffic, public transit, elevators, bridges, malls, planes, theatres…and sometimes being in public by yourself. 

This can result in a fear of leaving the house, and also play into the idea that people with agoraphobia are afraid of the whole, wide world. As you can see, that’s not always the case! 

Social Anxiety 

Let’s talk about the other star of the show — social anxiety! Like we said, social anxiety and agoraphobia can be super similar. When you have social anxiety, you can also be afraid of public spaces, crowds, meeting new people, small spaces and the inability to exit certain situations. 

Where agoraphobia is based on a fear of embarrassment, social anxiety is based on a fear of being negatively judged by others. While some people with agoraphobia might feel better being out and about with someone they trust and are comfortable with, someone with social anxiety might feel worse because they also don’t want their friend to judge them! Ugh, what a double-edged sword!  

None of us wants to be seen in a negative light, but for those with social anxiety that fear is amplified by a billion! 

How to Cope with Social Anxiety and Agoraphobia

Don’t think that it’s all bad news when it comes to social anxiety and agoraphobia. There IS a light at the end of the tunnel! That light just happens to involve a lot of therapy! 

That being said, there are so many different ways to treat social anxiety and agoraphobia! First, seek out the help of a mental health professional. Therapy, medication, or a combination of both might be recommended by the therapist. Thankfully, some therapists can now do appointments over video or phone, so you don’t need to leave your home if you aren’t ready to.

When you see your therapist, you’re going to work on a number of things to help you build the confidence you need to feel comfortable going out into the world! Here are some things that you might work together to treat social anxiety or agoraphobia:

1. Learn to Cope with Anxiety

Grounding yourself is so important when you feel anxious. You and your therapist can practice grounding techniques like deep breathing, creating a safe space, applied relaxation, mindfulness exercises (like the ones in the DiveThru app!) and other coping mechanisms. 

Our go-to grounding exercise that’s really easy to remember is called 5-4-3-2-1. Don’t stress, there’s not too much math involved! To do the exercise, take a look around you and find:

• 5 things you can see
• 4 things you can touch
• 3 things you can hear
• 2 things you can smell
• 1 thing you can taste

This exercise engages all of your senses and helps you bring your focus back to the present moment!

2. Build Your Confidence

You need to know just how truly badass you are for even existing with this anxiety! It’s not easy! Working with a mental health professional can help you build the confidence that you need in order to challenge your fears (and know that you can face them)! 

Journaling is another great tool that you can use to reflect on your progress. Every awesome little step forward is cause for celebration!! It’s also helpful when you’re feeling down and having a bad day to take a look at these positive milestones you’ve already hit.

3. Exposure Therapy

This kind of therapeutic technique was developed to help people face their fears. Not all at once, though! (That shit takes time!) In exposure therapy a patient practices facing this fear in a controlled and safe environment created by the psychologist. As the patient progresses, so does the exposure to their fears. 

4. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

This is a specific type of therapy that centers around how your thoughts, attitudes and beliefs influence your emotions and actions. CBT teaches you how to challenge these thoughts and practice coping skills to help manage your anxiety. 

5. Medication

There’s no shame in the medication game! (We personally love our meds.) Sometimes they give us the extra boost we need to cut through the overwhelming emotions and fears. 

Are you feeling ready and willing to leave the house now? Not yet? Noooo rush! We’re right there with you. If you’re struggling with your social anxiety, agoraphobia, or both, we are SO proud of you for facing your fears every. damn. day (and even for being strong enough to read this article)! WOW! Give yourself a round of applause because YOU DESERVE IT, BABE! Clapclapclapclapclapclapclapclapclapclap!

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is suuuper complex and has a lot of different aspects to it! But when someone says they’re “soooo OCD” just because they like to colour-coordinate their closet, it makes it a lot harder for people who actually have OCD to figure out what’s going on with them! We’re going to dive into one specific kind that tends to go unnoticed just because it doesn’t have obvious, physical compulsions. This is your guide to Pure O and how it shows up!  

What Is Pure O?

Pure O (a.k.a. Pure Obsessions) is a nickname for the mental aspect of OCD that’s characterized by unwanted (and oftentimes distressing) intrusive thoughts that don’t respond to logic! It’s not as well-known as other forms of OCD only because it doesn’t show up as excessive hand-washing, counting, or rearranging. Kinda exclusionary, don’t you think? Well, that’s why we’re here to help you recognize it more easily!   

“The person has obsessions — unwanted intrusive thoughts — and then performs mental compulsions,” explains therapist and Anxious Like You podcast guest Alegra Kastens, who struggles with Pure O herself. “Mental compulsions are really common and they often get missed by therapists.” 

Here are a few ways these thoughts can show up:

• Harm (thoughts of hurting someone you love or driving your car off a bridge)
• Pedophilic (sexual thoughts about an inappropriate person, like a child)
• Scrupulosity (a fixation on religion or beliefs surrounding your morals) 
• Disgusting (just plain absurd thoughts…like drinking from a dirty puddle with a straw)

Let’s dive a little deeper.

Symptoms of Pure O

Often, Pure O is labelled as “less severe” than other forms of OCD just because it’s not as obvious, but it’s defs not! It’s suuuper uncomfy for those going through it because they are the one experiencing these awful thoughts, even though they “seem fine” on the outside. It invalidates their symptoms…when it’s actually such a common experience! Now, symptoms of Pure O are divided into these two groups.

1. Mental Rituals 

These rituals include constantly going over memories to make sure nothing bad happened, repeating a word over and over in your head, and mentally doing or undoing actions!  

“A big one is mental checking,” says Alegra. “So, let’s say someone has a sexual obsession about a family member. It’s like, ‘let me check my groinal area, if I feel aroused.’ Or mentally reviewing the past, ‘when I was in my baby’s room, did I stab her? Did I do this?’ and constantly going over it in your mind.” 

2. Reassurance-Seeking

This may cause you to ask other people for assurance over and over and over! You may even keep reassuring yourself if no one else is around. This can include researching things online and avoiding any situations that can trigger more worries. 

“A lot of ruminating…‘why am I having these thoughts? What do they mean about me?’…trying to solve them,” adds Alegra. “Mental self-reassurance. Thought neutralization (trying to replace a bad thought with a good thought in your mind). The list goes on.”

Pure O OCD Treatment 

Fighting Pure O can be an uphill battle! It’s tough to recognize what’s happening at first, which may keep you from seeking mental health support. But once you get that diagnosis, a therapist will be able to set you up with a plan for psychotherapy and, possibly, medication. These two main things will help you overcome intrusive thoughts. 

1. Resisting Compulsions 

This is definitely easier said than done. But, compulsions are never the answer! It may feel like a relief to follow through on mental checks or seek reassurance at that moment, but it just keeps perpetuating the OCD cycle. Alegra recommends sitting with that feeling and not doing anything about it because when you act on compulsions you are just telling your brain that “the false alarms are actually real alarms.” It’s a total waste of time and energy, so kick ‘em to the curb!  

2. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) 

This route of treatment is effective for OCD because it makes you challenge your thoughts without taking any action! A mental health professional will guide you through exposure to your intrusive thought and control your response. For example, if your fear is stabbing someone you love, they will have you hold a knife to their back! It helps you realize that you don’t actually want to hurt someone, and you’ll be able to use that knowledge going forward! 

For more info on Pure O, listen to “OCD & All The Ways It Shows Up with Alegra Kastens” on the Anxious Like You podcast!

Sometimes there’s just a moment when you’re sitting in your therapist’s office and thinking to yourself “I don’t think this is working.” It could be something as simple as the two of you not clicking, or as difficult as your therapist not making you feel seen, heard and understood. Either way, recognizing that your therapist isn’t right for you is totally okay! It’s better to acknowledge when something isn’t helping you than to continue the therapeutic relationship while silently feeling uneasy.

How Do You Know If Your Therapist Isn’t Right for You?

In some cases, it’s super clear that your therapist isn’t the right fit for you. In other cases, it’s a bit harder to figure out. Since everyone is unique and we all go to therapy for different reasons, you’re going to have to determine for yourself what your most important factors are. But let’s help you through that! Here is a list of things you might consider really important when deciding if your current therapist is the right fit for you:

• You feel like you can share with them and be your authentic self
• They have expertise treating your presenting concerns
• You feel validated, seen, heard and understood in your sessions with them
• They respect your boundaries and meet you at your current stage in your healing journey
• You feel comfortable with their modality (e.g. CBT) and approach as a therapist (e.g. using humour in sessions)
• They ask for or are receptive to your feedback and make adjustments in sessions based on what is working well or isn’t working well

This list covers a few of the foundational elements that are needed for a really great client-therapist relationship but it isn’t exhaustive! You might have other things that you’d like to add that are specific to you — for example, say you definitely want a therapist that is okay with swearing in session and using very casual language. Other examples might include that you want a therapist that has professional and/or lived experience in working with bi-cultural identities, or with racialized communities, or with 2SLGBTQIA+ folks, etc.! Take a minute to jot down the things that would make you feel like you found the right fit in a therapy relationship and use that to figure out if your current therapist makes the cut.

Now, some of you might not be able to fully label whyyyy the vibes are off but you just know that the vibes are definitely off and this therapist is not for you. That’s okay too! At the end of the day, being comfortable around your therapist is important to the therapy outcome so if you feel strongly that you’re not connecting with them, it might affect your progress. We’ll walk you through the next steps if this is the case a bit further below.

Things to Keep in Mind

As you’re thinking through whether your current therapist is a good fit for you or not, we have a few other tips that might help you come to a conclusion. Consider these other factors:

• Sometimes it could take a few sessions for clients and therapists to develop a relationship and get to know each other (just like when you meet other people too!). If you’ve only attended one session with them, consider if the lack of fit is related to you feeling vulnerable and discomfort in therapy in general, or if it’s something about this particular therapist. If the former, you may consider if you might want to give it a bit more time.
• On occasion, therapists may challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone a bit if it is related to your therapeutic goal. The key word there is “a bit”, which means only when they’ve already established a relationship with you and they deem it appropriate for your treatment. Rising to a challenge is how we grow! However, if it doesn’t sit well with you, or the timing is off, don’t be afraid to let them know.
• Therapists will sometimes ask you to do exercises that you don’t see the value in or that you may find tedious, annoying, etc. This is part of the process! If you trust your therapist and have taken strides in your work together already, consider the benefits of doing the exercise even if you don’t see the merit yet. If it’s pushing your boundaries more than what feels right, communicate that to them and they will adjust as needed.

What to Do When You’re Not Connecting with Your Therapist

If you’ve made it to this point in the article and still think “nope, I can’t imagine connecting with my therapist that way”, then it’s time for the next step: talking to them about it. 

We can see your anxiety level rising through the screen after reading that and honestly, we totally get it. Having this type of conversation can feel sooo overwhelming! But just remember that you’re having it with a therapist, someone who is literally trained for moments like these and can understand how difficult it is for you. Here’s how to go about it.

1. Be Honest About Your Concerns

Honesty really is the best (and the hardest) policy. If you’re already in a session with them, the best approach is to tell your therapist exactly what is and isn’t working! Either it’ll be within their ability to adjust their therapy style to better suit what your needs are, or you may have to part ways. Just remember that your therapist won’t ever hold it against you or make you feel guilty for ending the therapy relationship. They truly want what’s best for you!

2. Decide If You Want to Communicate Your Decision to End Therapy

If it feels appropriate for you, you can let your therapist know you don’t plan on returning. This may depend on how long you’ve seen the therapist, the nature of your work together, and your own personal preference. You can do it face-to-face if you’re already in a session or send an e-mail. It may benefit you if you feel like you want to give the therapist feedback and closure, or feel like you want that closure for yourself. 

However, know that you absolutely do not have to talk with them if you do not want to. Although therapists have a duty of care to their clients, you are not held to the same standards. So if you wanted to peace out without saying anything, you totally can and a lot of clients do it all the time. Therapists know and accept that that there are a multitude of reasons why someone decides not return to therapy.

3. Ask for a Referral 

Believe it or not, a lot of therapists know other therapists. So, if it’s reeeeally not a good fit, ask your therapist to refer you to another one. There won’t be any hard feelings because they want you to get the best outcome from therapy that you possibly can. And if another therapist is the way to do that, then they’ll defs help you out! 

What to Do If You Have Concerns About Your Therapist

If your therapist says something that makes you uncomfortable or does something to offend you, you can consider bringing this up with them. If there is a rupture in the relatinship that can be repaired, research shows that the therapeutic relationship is enhanced thereafter.

However, if you feel you have been harmed by your therapist or they may be practicing unethically, you can file a complaint with the regulatory colleges. For instance, registered psychologists and registered social workers must be registered under a college in order to practice. Regulatory colleges exist to serve and protect the public. If you search their website, you can find and follow the steps to file a complaint. 

We’ll leave you with one last nugget of advice — your needs matter and your therapist should do everything in their power to support you, including hearing your feedback and helping you find support from a different therapist.

Insecurities are the nastiest, meanest, and cruellest little shits that neverrrr seem to stop talking. Like, why?! Why can’t you just exist in your body without feeling afraid to look in the mirror? The media — and even real people in your life — has created a culture that values thinness over almost everything else. The messaging you’ve been hearing your whole life has basically said that if you’re not thin, you’re not worthy of love or respect. All of this has us asking WHAT THE FUUUCK? 

We’re all worthy of loving ourselves, but when we have bodies that are outside of the ever-so prevalent (and impossible) beauty standards, we can feel like hot trash! You know what, though? That’s normal. It’s hard to undo years of fatphobic rhetoric that we’ve been fed. 

Having conversations about body diversity and fatphobia is so important! But it’s particularly important for fat people, because they bear the brunt of fatphobia, face discrimination and ridicule, only to be met with more challenges. The concepts of Body Neutrality, Body Positivity, and Fat Liberation are important to understand so we can dismantle the fatphobia that lives in all our minds and in our systems. 

The History of Fat Acceptance: Black Contributions, Body Positivity, and the Internet

Let’s take a trip in the way back machine. Ready? Okay, set your clocks for 1904! Yep — we’re going back more than 100 years. 

Between the early 1900s and the 1930s, writers and health care professionals would use a certain list of words to describe fat women in some of the most popular Black news publications. Because of this racist language, the words lazy, sluggish, mammy and ugly are still commonly used to describe fat people. Advertisements leading back to as early as 1932 depicted fat Black women in a negative light that reinforced stereotypes and generalizations against them. 

By the time the 50s and 60s came around, Black women were on the front lines of fat activism! Margaret K. Bass wrote an essay titled “On Being a Fat Black Girl in a Fat Hating Culture.” Not only did she discuss the kind of prejudices she encountered as a young black girl being raised in the segregated South, but she also addressed the self-hate she endured. 

The year 1972 introduced Johnnie Tillmon, a welfare activist who said “I’m a woman. I’m a Black woman. I’m a poor woman. I’m a fat woman. I’m a middle-aged woman. In this country, if you’re any one of those things you count less as a human being.” 

The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance

Let’s hop over to 1969! Bryan Adams made a song about that amazing summer, the Stonewall Riots and Gay Liberation were taking place, and the world was about to be introduced to fat activism!

Bill Fabrey, a young engineer from New York, was upset and angry with how poorly his wife Joyce was treated because of fatphobia. (FYI, fatphobia is societal discrimination and hatred towards fat people). He found an article written by Lew Louderback about how differently fat people were treated and the kind of hardships they face on a daily basis because of their body shape and size. Bill loved this article so much that he printed off copies and handed them out to anyone who would take one. (We love a supportive husband!) He even went the extra mile to found the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA) — the world’s longest-running fat rights organization. 

A short time later in California, a group of feminists were also fed up with the treatment of fat people in society and the systemic barriers they faced. These feminists founded a group called the Fat Underground. Tbh, that sounds like a badass band name! But what NAAFA called fat acceptance, the Fat Underground called fat liberation. And, when 1973 rolled around, they released their very own Fat Liberation Manifesto that demanded “equal rights for fat people in all areas of life.” 

As the word spread about fat activism, they began to realize how fat liberation was connected to other systems of oppression. Mainstream fat activism often diluted and excluded voices of fat BIPOC fighting for rights within their own communities. And, White activists thought that because BIPOC communities were accepting of fat people, these groups didn’t need activism or representation. But this couldn’t be further from the truth!! BIPOC communities were marginalized and oppressed for centuries, and this exclusion of them in these initiatives in the 60s and 70s only helped further erase their struggles and experiences.

Fat Activism and the Internet

The 80s brought about excitement and growth for fat activism. Body positivity wasn’t yet a term at this point, but activists within the movement were appearing on daytime television, hosting protests in front of gyms with fatphobic ads, and becoming involved in Pride! 

As the internet expanded, so did the message of body positivity. Now, more than ever, people became aware of the body positivity movement! And, fat people began participating in fat activism by simply being visible online to help spread unapologetic body acceptance and love. 

But unfortunately, the messaging of body positivity has become polluted with damaging messages from well-meaning (we hope) thin, white — and conventionally attractive — creators. And with that has come the message that body positivity is only acceptable if the end goal is to be thin. (a.k.a. the world only accepts fat people if their ultimate goal is thinness.). This has soured the taste of body positivity for many people. 

Some activists have turned to body neutrality as an alternative to body positivity. It focuses on what our body does for us rather than how we look (more deets later in the article!). The term came into the public discourse around 2015, when activists and public figures started to realize that body positivity is not realistic or helpful for everyone. Particularly, that it wasn’t realistic for people who are in chronic pain, disabled, trans, or otherwise didn’t love their body or how it looked. Body neutrality has gained popularity as a response to the unrelenting and often toxic positivity pushed in the body positive movement. Thank you, activists!

The Whitewashing of Body Positivity

Today, body positivity faces all of these same challenges, but with one more added to the list — colourism. The movement of body positivity has been infiltrated by light-skinned, conventionally pretty, cis women.

Blogger and ELLE UK contributor Stephanie Yeboah said “Arguably, much like the feminist movement, body positivity has become non-intersectional and prioritizes/celebrates the thoughts, feelings, opinions and achievements of white women, with a small number of ‘token’ people of colour to help fill up the ‘look at us being diverse!’ quota.” 

Many Black people have set, and continue to set, the foundation for this work. Unfortunately, these Black activists and creators don’t receive the kind of acknowledgement, acceptance, respect and admiration that they so deserve for helping create a space that was designed to benefit everyone.

What Is Body Positivity? 

Okay, so we just gave you the biggest history lesson in the history of DiveThru! Now it’s time to get into the details about what body positivity is! 

It’s the philosophy that all people deserve to view themselves and their bodies in a positive light, regardless of how society dictates what is (and is not) the “ideal” body type or beauty standard. And, it recognizes that people face biases and discrimination based on size, race, gender, sexuality, disability and age.

The movement aims to help people break down the negative messages in media and throughout our societal fabric. It also aims to help people develop a healthy relationship with their bodies by challenging society on unrealistic beauty standards and body ideals.

What Is Body Neutrality?

Have you ever heard of body neutrality? No? Body neutrality is different from body positivity because it has the same basic principle of accepting your body. The difference is that it doesn’t put as much emphasis on the idea that you have to love your body. That might sound confusing because, for so long, we’ve been told to love ourselves, love ourselves and love ourselves some more! But some of us have a hard time loving ourselves no matter what we do or how hard we try! So, that’s where body neutrality comes in. 

Body neutrality is all about accepting your body for what it is, as it is. It puts emphasis on recognizing your body’s abilities and non-physical characteristics rather than believing your weight or body shape are indicative of your worth. It hopes to remove the concept of the body as an object by challenging the idea that your worth is based on how you look. Instead, it wants you to focus on how you feel within your body as you use it. 

It also shows that it is possible to remove body talk from conversations! So enough about how you look and more about how Dan Humphrey being Gossip Girl makes no freaking sense. Seriously. Still mad. 

That’s not to say that loving your body is a bad thing! If you already love your bod, go for it! We will ABSOLUTELY stay out of your way! This is just a great alternative for people who don’t want to think about their body, how it’s perceived, or even how they perceive it! It’s nice to just exist sometimes. 

Body Acceptance for Everyone

Many people in the queer and disabled communities have used the basic principles of body neutrality, rather than body positivity, as a way to come to terms with their own bodies and experiences. It can be extra hard to be body positive as a trans person when you feel like your body doesn’t match your gender. Striving for body neutrality can be a tool for trans folks to allow themselves to live in their body without needing to love it.

Disabled people face a similar struggle, but this time, their bodies might be causing them pain or difficulty. It can feel like they’re fighting against their own body while simultaneously trying to love it. Again, the guiding principles of body neutrality can lead someone to acceptance and liberation, but their journey can be a difficult and emotionally wrought one to travel. 

What Is Fat Liberation?

If you recall from our earlier section, fat liberation began in the 60s with the help of the Fat Underground. (Still an amazing band name!!!). As fat activists made strides throughout the 80s and 90s, fat liberation became more respected and relevant in academic and legal circles. 

Fat activists won lawsuits in some regions of the U.S. that made it illegal for employers to discriminate against anyone because of their weight. However, there is still a very long way to go and a lot of work to be done before fat people will have equal rights. In an article written by Sarah Simon, she explains that “…multiple books, both for academic purposes and for pleasure, have been published, allowing fat liberation to become part of the cultural zeitgeist and the fabric of academia through the fields of Women’s Studies, African American studies, Psychology, Literature, History, Sociology, Queer Studies and American Studies.” It’s important to remember that fat liberation comes from Queer rebellions. 

The messaging of fat liberation is progressive and requires more action than body positivity because it’s inherently political. So it’s less about #bopo on Instagram and more about making change. The conversation of fat liberation revolves around rectifying the various ways fat people are continually mistreated, misrepresented and discriminated against by the systems at hand. 

HAES

If you want to know more about a healthcare approach that is advocating for change, you can check out HAES. Health At Every Size is an evidence-based healthcare model and resource used to increase access to quality medical care for people in all bodies. HAES recognizes the potential sociopolitical and economic factors involved in health and weight, and pushes for healthcare that is inclusive of all body types and makes treatment available for all people to access. To pull from the Association for Size Diversity and Health website, five key principles of HAES are weight inclusivity, health enhancement, eating for well-being, respectful care, and weight-enhancing movement. ASDAH educates and advocates for things like the HAES approach in policies and healthcare spaces to make quality, inclusive care available to anyone who needs it. 

Fat people still experience discrimination in healthcare, employment, housing, education, travel, fashion and more. Fat liberationists fight for fat people to have access to the same rights, resources and respect that thin people receive without question. So, yes, absolutely, #bopo, but if you’re inspired by fat liberation, you can also get involved in creating real policy changes for fat people everywhere! 

If you want advice from an incredible fat activist, check out our DiveThru course with therapist and fat activist Hannah Fuhledorf. In “Healing the Wounds of Fatphobia and Learning To Take Up Space,” Fuhledorf will go through the definition of fatphobia, mending the wounds it can cause, and living unapologetically in your body! You can find all this great stuff and more in the DiveThru app. Seriously. Give it a watch. She’s pretty great. 

Who To Follow 

We know that we’ve thrown A LOT at you today! You’re likely having some lightbulb moments. (And maybe even realizing how much inner-work you need to do in order to correct your biases). But don’t worry… We know it can feel overwhelming, so we’ve compiled a list of people to follow on Instagram to keep learning!

• @fatmarquisele
• @yrfatfriend
• @dashaunlh
• @fattymph
• @fatlibink
• @fatwomenofcolor
• @fatangryblackgirl
• @ragenchastain
• @sparklejams
• @syddskyy
• @lindobacon
• @chr1styharrison
• @sheabutterfemme
• @thebodyisnotanapology
• @thebodylovesociety
• @raffela_mancuso
• @megboggs
• @bodyposipanda
• @kelvindavis

We hope that you can take ALLLLLL this info and use it in your everyday life! Maybe you found that you resonate more with the practices of body neutrality than body positivity. Or, maybe you’ve discovered incredible fat activists who inspire you to fight for equal rights for fat people! Whatever you found in this article, we’re grateful that you took the time to read it. Oh, and if no one’s told you this today, remember that you are worthy! You are deserving of love, happiness, respect and kindness from everyone, always! 

You may have heard Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) used as a joke at some point. “Oh, I have PTSD from that hairstylist because she cut my hair all weird!” Well, real PTSD is actually waaaay scarier than a shitty haircut and doesn’t go away as easily as just growing your hair out. It’s a difficult mental health disorder that affects 1 in every 11 U.S. citizens! 

There’s also Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) which, as the name hints at, is related to PTSD. There are quite a few differences, so we’re going to spend this article breaking down each condition and dissecting alllll the ways they vary.

What Is PTSD?

PTSD develops in people after they’ve witnessed or experienced something suuuper traumatic. It was often referred to as “shell shock” or “combat fatigue” during World War I and II. But, despite those names, PTSD isn’t just reserved for veterans! It stems from a traumatic event and causes you to have thoughts and memories of the event even after the danger has passed. Basically, your fight-or-flight response is kicked into high gear at all times. There are several types of trauma that can result in PTSD, so let’s take a look at them.

PTSD Triggers

Of course, there are sooo many things that can cause trauma, but it’s usually very serious things like death, violence and injury that lead to PTSD! Whether it affected you directly, you’ve witnessed it, or it has happened to a loved one, these are some examples of triggers:

• Natural disasters (earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, etc.) 
• Military combat and wars 
• Physical or sexual assault or abuse
• Near-death experiences like a really bad accident or collision
• Having a job that exposes you to trauma (first responders, medical personnel, etc.)
• Hearing about adverse details of an event (first responders, police officers, mental health professionals, etc.)

Extra risk factors include having a history of mental illness or substance use, childhood trauma, and having little-to-no support after the traumatic event! 

Types of PTSD 

There are multiple stress-related disorders connected to PTSD, but we’re going to focus on the 4 groups of symptoms! While depression and panic attacks tend to be pretty universal across the board, there are some specific symptoms that can be grouped together. Everyone will experience them differently, but they tend to fall under these categories: 

1. Intrusion: categorized by flashbacks, nightmares and distressing memories.

2. Avoidance: avoiding people, places and situations, and talk about the trauma.

3. Arousal: trouble sleeping or concentrating due to always being aware of the trauma.

4. Cognition: having negative thoughts about oneself or the world, trouble being happy.

PTSD Symptoms

Signs of PTSD usually show up within 3 months of a traumatic event, but they can sometimes pop up later! All of the symptoms associated with the 4 groups listed above can be hella uncomfy and disrupt your ability to function in everyday situations. So, let’s break them down a little more! 

Intrusion causes you to relive the event over and over. Whether through flashbacks, vivid memories, or constant nightmares it causes intense physical and mental distress every single time.

Avoidance, just like the name entails, is all about avoiding people, places and circumstances that remind you of the traumatic event! You also hate talking about it, because you want to avoid reliving the situation at all costs. 

People experiencing arousal and reactivity have trouble concentrating, are constantly on edge and have an exaggerated response when being startled! They also tend to be irritable and have bouts of anger.

As for cognition and mood, it shows up through mixed feelings of guilt, worry and self-blame. People experiencing this will have a hard time remembering important aspects of the actual event. They also will no longer participate in activities they once enjoyed!  

PTSD can happen to literally anyone and at any age. But women are actually twice as likely to get it than men and are less likely to ask for help right away! Women will also experience more anxiety, depression, numbness and sensitivity, while men have more concerns around mood issues, avoidance, re-experiencing and arousal. 

What Is CPTSD?

Alright, time to get into Complex PTSD and why it’s so different! CPTSD has been getting more recognition over recent years for being the result of a repeated trauma over months  — or even YEARS — rather than one singular event, like regular PTSD. The two are similar in some aspects because they include allll of the same symptoms. Except CPTSD actually includes a whole lot more on top of them. Let’s figure out what those are!  

CPTSD Symptoms

So, in addition to all of the shitty things folks with PTSD go through (the intrusion, the avoidance, and so on and so forth) here are 6 symptoms that are unique to CPTSD!

1. No Emotional Regulation: uncontrollable feelings, whether explosive anger or ongoing sadness.

2. Consciousness Changes: a lot of dissociation and forgetting about the traumatic event.

3. Negative Self-View: a lot of guilt and shame, to the point of feeling different from others.

4. Relationship Problems: avoiding them altogether out of mistrust, or seeking out abusive relationships.

5. Fixating On Abuser: either being preoccupied with revenge or giving the abuser full control of your life.

6. Losing Faith: no longer trusting long-held beliefs or your view of the world.

CPTSD Triggers

The events that trigger CPTSD tend to be more long-lasting and not just one, singular event! In most cases, it’s from being under the control of another person or situation and not being able to escape. Here are some examples: 

• Ongoing sexual, physical, or emotional abuse 
• Being held captive or being a prisoner of war
• Prolonged childhood neglect
• Living in a war-torn area for a long period of time

Like PTSD, there are also some extra risk factors that can expose you to CPTSD! That includes underlying mental health conditions, how the brain processes stress hormones and lifestyle factors like not having a solid support system.

What’s the Difference Between PTSD and CPTSD?

As you could probably tell from reading the different symptoms and triggers, there are TWO key differences between PTSD and CPTSD — the biggest one being the length of the traumatic event! PTSD usually stems from one major, life-changing event. Trauma that leads to CPTSD can go on for months or even years! And, while PTSD gets worse over time in terms of fear and anxiety, CPTSD can be worsened by the harmful effects of racism, oppression and a shitty justice system. 

The second big difference is the amount of symptoms! CPTSD exhibits all of the same ones as PTSD, and then some. So, not only did the trauma go on for much longer, but the outcome is more than TWICE the amount of symptoms. Doesn’t really seem fair, does it?

How to Deal with CPTSD vs PTSD

When it comes to PTSD treatment that also works for CPTSD, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) has been found to be very helpful! The process is guided by a therapist and focuses on using eye movements to process and reframe traumatic memories. Once all is said and done, the hopeful outcome is to be able to reduce any negative feelings associated with that trauma! 

With CPTSD, it may require a bit more time when it comes to treatment because you’re dealing with multiple traumatic experiences across a longer time period. Medication, such as antidepressants, can also be helpful in reducing anxiety and depression, in addition to psychotherapy.  

You know that friend who likes to keep their apartment neat and tidy, and EVERY time they clean up a little tiny speck of dust they say “I’m soooo OCD”? Yeah, the normalization of that phrase is suuuper invalidating to people who actually have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Wanting to keep your space clean and only turning your radio volume to multiples of 5 are not characteristics of OCD, and they don’t typically cause distress like real OCD symptoms do to people who experience them.

Luckily, we’re here to clear the air! Let’s dive thru what OCD is, how it feels, the different types and what treatment looks like. While we’re at it, we’re also going to break down what OCPD (Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder) is. So, strap in and get ready to learn all the things about something 1% of the U.S. population (about 3 million people!) goes through.

What Is OCD?

OCD is a mental health disorder that causes people to get caught in a cycle of obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are unwanted and intrusive thoughts, urges, or images that are uncomfortable and often very disturbing. Meanwhile, compulsions are the behaviours or actions that someone performs to get rid of those uncomfy thoughts or urges.

Again, wanting to colour-code your closet does NOT fall under that realm. For something to be categorized as OCD, the obsession/compulsion cycle has become so severe that it takes up a ton of time and energy from the person experiencing it! There is absolutely no control over those impulses and, a lot of the time, the person with OCD is also very aware of how irrational those impulses are.

4 Types of OCD

There are 4 main subtypes of OCD that are grouped based on the symptoms that are present! Although symptoms tend to stay relatively stable over time, they can change in nature or someone with OCD may experience a few symptoms from another subtype. 

1. Contamination: being worried about dirt or germs, to the point of cleaning and washing hands obsessively. 

2. Harm: constant thoughts about hurting yourself or others, and persistent questioning whether they have previously harmed someone.

3. Symmetry: feeling the need to arrange, or rearrange things, until they are in the “perfect” position.

4. Intrusive Thoughts (Tics): harmful, embarrassing, sexual, or religious thoughts that cause distress. 

What Are the Signs of OCD?

You may be wondering, “What is OCD like?” And the answer is that it’s a bit different for everyone. So, we’re gonna run through all the different symptoms associated with the 5 types listed above that you might experience if you live with OCD. 

Contamination is allll about avoiding things that can cause contamination (and their sources): dirt, germs, blood, toxic substances, viruses, etc. There’s a LOT of fear about being contaminated! And because of that, there’s an urge to throw out anything that has been tainted, and to follow precise washing and cleaning rituals.

Harm shows up as intense fear that you have hurt yourself or, even worse, someone else! You’ll persistently fear harming someone and be bombarded with graphic images of hurting someone (or yourself). You also think that, just by thinking about something bad happening, it’s more likely to happen!

Symmetry comes out as exactly that: symmetry. For example, if you scratch one elbow then you HAVE to scratch the other! Everything has to be in its exact place, or you’ll feel incomplete. All objects need to be organized and aligned in a certain way, and there are often counting rituals involved! 

As for intrusive thoughts, you’ll experience sexual or even violent thoughts that cause you a lot of guilt and shame. You’re constantly worried that your actions will hurt someone and you’ll perform compulsions to hide anything that could be dangerous. You’re always seeking reassurance that you’re not a bad person and check your daily activities to make sure you didn’t actually do something bad!  

What Triggers OCD?

Fun fact, OCD doesn’t discriminate! It can come up for all genders, at any age, and in folks of all races, ethnicities and backgrounds. However, there are two stages of life that tend to be more prevalent: between the ages of 8 and 12, or in the late teen and early adulthood years. 

Research has also found that these factors can sometimes play a part: 

• Family History: genes are partly responsible for the development of tic-related OCD.
• Biological Causes: problems with transmission of brain chemicals like serotonin.
• Environmental Factors: trauma, abuse, illness, or other stressful events. 

What Is OCPD?

Okay, so The Big Bang Theory defs had some problematic undertones, but the TV show did get one thing right: Sheldon’s Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder! Throughout the whole show, he has a certain set of rules that he HAS to adhere to (like his spot on the couch), he has an overwhelming need for order, and he insists that his way is the only way things should be done. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg. So, let’s take a deeper look at OCPD and how it shows up! 

OCPD Symptoms

There are quite a few symptoms that are very unique to folks with OCPD. We’ve already touched on some of Sheldon’s qualities but, once you read these, you’re gonna realize just how accurate that diagnosis is! 

• Restrained emotions and wanting to control relationships with others
• Devoted to work to a point that it hinders social and family activities 
• Fixated on lists, rules and minor details
• A high level of perfectionism that gets in the way of finishing tasks
• Following strict moral and ethical codes 
• Not wanting to assign tasks to someone else unless they’ll do it perfectly
• Being extremely frugal and not very generous 
• Exhibiting hoarding behaviours
• Avoiding intimacy

What Triggers OCPD?

Much like OCD, the exact cause of OCPD is not exactly known. Research has proven a few theories, but it’s never rooted in one single cause! There are the 3 possible triggers:  

• Family: having strict parents who punished you can cause you to adopt the “perfection” of OCPD as a coping mechanism. 
• Genetics: like OCD, family history with the condition may play a role. 
• Culture: some authoritarian societies with strict rules may impact early childhood development and personality expression.  

What’s the Difference Between OCD and OCPD?

As you can see, OCD and OCPD are very different. In fact, there are 5 main differences between the two. Sooo…get ready for some more long lists (sorry not sorry)!

1. Awareness

People with OCD are very much aware of what’s happening with them, and can recognize that their unwanted thoughts are unreasonable. Meanwhile, people with OCPD feel pretty comfortable with their self-imposed rules and rituals — their way is the best way!

2. Reality

The thoughts and behaviours related to OCD are not generally related to real-life situations. However, OCPD procedures make someone feel like that’s the ONLY way to manage daily tasks!

3. Work Life

OCD often causes problems at work, with family and in social life. OCPD also strains personal relationships, but can actually make work-life more efficient! Who woulda thought? Buuut, even though work performance isn’t hurt, there may be some problems interacting with coworkers and employers.

4. Perspective

Much like in point 1, people with OCD know there’s something funky going on. They genuinely hate the effect it has on those around them and they WANT to seek treatment. People with OCPD, on the other hand, don’t think they need treatment and want everyone else to get on their level instead! The only motivator would probably be the risk of losing a job or relationship.

5. Interpersonal Relationships

Family members, or roommates, of people with OCD can find the demands difficult and it can lead to conflict. But living with someone who has OCPD takes it one step further than that, to being criticized and controlled.

How to Treat OCD vs OCPD

One of the most effective treatments for OCD, once it’s been diagnosed, is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Essentially, a mental health professional will expose their patient to the thing that is causing intrusive thoughts and help the patient limit their response. For example, if they’re having sexual thoughts about children, the therapist will have them watch videos of children, or even go sit at a playground, and make them choose not to engage in compulsive behaviour! 

Treatment for OCPD typically uses standard psychotherapy approaches. The International OCD Foundation says “the goal is to lessen rigid expectations and learn how to value close relationships, recreation, and fun with less emphasis on work and productivity.”

Lastly, medication like antidepressants is also a good option for both! 

If you’re dealing with symptoms of OCD or OCPD then daily life is a bit more complicated and requires a bit more thought. If you are seeking a diagnosis, we highly recommend that you find a mental health professional who can conduct the proper tests and analyses to determine your situation. We hope this article has helped you better understand where your symptoms are coming from. And, we hope you feel less alone! WE LOVE YOU!