Today I\u2019m talking with Charles Smith, an author, advocate, and lifelong survivor who uses his story as proof that you can overcome the worst that life has to offer. He has been an orphan, homeless veteran, and suicide survivor, and uses his pain as a building block to support others. Today, he\u2019s here to speak loud about bringing awareness to complex PTSD.\xa0
Compounding Traumas
Charles\u2019 mother passed away when was 6, followed later by his father at age 11. As a child, he moved often, and from the PTSD found it difficult to create close relationships. His sister recalls that he didn\u2019t speak for 6 months after they moved in with their aunt and uncle following his father\u2019s death. Charles says that he was in shock and depressed, and afraid of getting close to people only to lose them again.\xa0
As a young adult, Charles joined the army infantry, serving in Cuba and in the reserves. However, after his uncle and grandfather passed away, Charles found himself a homeless veteran. The depression led him to self-harm and an eventual suicide attempt. He was taken to a mental health facility and later bounced between veteran shelters for 5 years. This crucible, he explains, was actually what helped turn his life around. He no longer felt alone, seeing others in similar circumstances, and changed his views.\xa0
Understanding Complex PTSD\xa0
When Charles first experienced PTSD, it was known as battle fatigue and thought to only affect veterans. By the time he grew up, it was concluded that anyone who went through trauma could have PTSD. Standard PTSD forms from one specific trauma. Complex or compound PTSD, however, Charles describes as a layered cake. You can\u2019t have multiple instances of PTSD, but you can have multiple traumas that manifest in the same illness.\xa0
After being diagnosed, Charles wanted to learn as much about PTSD as possible and help other veterans receive the support they needed. He offered help to veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as created programs for various organizations to use what he had learned about PTSD. He\u2019s written 7 books on a range of subjects, including PTSD, addiction recovery, and financial well-being.\xa0
Giving and Receiving Help
Presently, Charles is working with Aware Recovery Care, an addiction treatment organization that specializes in in-home treatment. He works with clients for 52 weeks as they battle addiction. This way, he\u2019s able to support people in their homes for a longer period.
Charles\u2019 advice to listeners is to never give up. When he talks about his suicide attempt, he tells people that it was ten years ago and that his son is now ten years old. Without him, his son wouldn\u2019t be here, either, along with many other great things he\u2019s received since then. Charles says that he would \u201crather see someone get help than go to another wake.\u201d He hopes that listeners will feel empowered by his story.\xa0
Listen in for tools on managing PTSD symptoms, accepting the loss of loved ones, and Charles\u2019 upcoming book and other projects.\xa0
Resources Mentioned
Join Me on Speak Loud Platform
Speak Loud Podcast on the web
Find Charles\u2019 books on his website
Contact Aware Recovery Care
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