Something I noticed is that when the blue PTSD cat is stung, their reaction is more of annoyance and they seem to recover from it quickly. Yet when encountering something similar later, it becomes a trigger. No doubt that is a point of contention in thinking “I was fine immediately after the traumatic event, why am I so affected by this now?”
Hi @aramisdagaz9, you’ve made a really insightful observation! It’s true that the blue PTSD cat initially reacts with just annoyance but later gets triggered by something similar. This actually reflects how trauma can work-sometimes, the full impact of a traumatic event doesn’t hit us right away. We might seem fine initially, but the trauma can resurface later, often triggered by something that reminds us of the original event. This can definitely lead to confusion and frustration, as people might wonder why something that didn’t seem to bother them at first is now so overwhelming. Thanks for pointing that out, and I’m glad you’re picking up on these nuances! All the best. ✌🌈☘
That's kinda how I feel towards the word "Trite". I don't even like to write it. It was a word my 11th grade AP art teacher used a lot, and apparently all the things I actually liked to draw were that. Caused a horrible shift in my confidence until I got high one night and had one of my favorite artists talk to me and unintentionally make me realize my art had worth. The t-word still makes me cringe though
@@PixiGagsI don't think it's about HAVING trauma. It's about GETTING it. "I was stung by a bee, and was FINE. Why do I have TRAUMA? Why did it happen after a BIT of pain? People didn't die, I didn't experience the LONG TIME of STRESS." I believe that's what original commenter meant.
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re experiencing this, @Mehmehmeh746. It’s tough when the emotional impact of trauma feels so intense. I hope the episode can offer some relief. Wishing you all my support and affection.
I understand that and its really tough. I have a friend that was very scared as a kid when balloons popped. Even though its not that harmful or scary, it left a mark on him and just seeing a balloon made him anxious that at any point it could pop and he would be "jump scared". But he told me, how he dealt with it (over many years): He pretty muchfetishized the fear into embracing the triggering emotions. Balloons still trigger him a lot, but he learned, that even though there is a high emotional response, it can't hurt him, so he acts like "Yeah, you trigger me? BRING IT ON! Is that all you got? Har har try trigger me harder!" And now he very much enjoys sitting on inflatable animals (in a waterpark and so on) and turned his fear into a kink. Now the strong emotional response can "go somewhere" where it doesn't inflict him negatively. I'm not sure about your bee stings of course, but maybe it can inspire you to not get impaired by it but triggered in a way that drives you forward instead. Best of luck 🍀
PTSD is very painful and frightening to deal with, but it's a very treatable disorder if you have people who support you and you're receiving mental health care from clinicians that you have good rapport with. If you're receiving treatment, PTSD symptoms can end after as little as 3 months, though it's more common to see results after 6 months to a year of treatment. PTSD left untreated CAN resolve itself, but there are also cases of people who struggled with PTSD for 30 years (the example I saw was a Vietnam vet), because of a lack of treatment and support.
Hi @DenderFriend! I’m glad you think so! I wanted to find a way to represent trauma in a way that’s accessible and entertaining, and bees seemed like a good fit. And thank you-I’m so glad you find the cats cute!
Ironically, I actually have an unpleasant memory related to specifically getting attacked by wasps, myself, as someone with CPTSD, albeit that’s not what caused my CPTSD, nor is it a triggering matter of mine, but it’s not exactly a fond memory, shall we say, though I am at peace with it. Partly because I nabbed those flying scum with a can of wasp-terminating spray of some kind shortly after it happened, to make sure the small hoard of wasps under our deck couldn’t harm anyone else. But yes, to the point, it is rather a much less potentially triggering matter than other matters when it comes to CPTSD. Mine is personally primarily grief related.
@@animationsandvnsbasil Indeed. Bees simply wish to gather nectar, pollinating flowers along the way, minding their own business in a calm manner, whereas hornets and wasps have it out for anything that so much as breathes within twenty metres of them.
@@ManyArmedMooseDeiStrongly disagree. You pass hundreds of wasps without even realizing it. There are tens of thousands of different wasp species, and that's only the ones we've discovered. Even the more common eusocial wasps don't go out of their way to sting you, they're animals that sometimes act irrationally to a giant creature with unclear intentions. Wasps are also pollinators, given that adult wasps also drink nectar. I have literally held a wasp in my hand more then once without being stung. They're just tiny animals doing tiny animal things.
The description explains it better, but basically: PTSD is from a single large traumatic event (ex. a natural disaster, a house burning down) whereas C-PTSD cause by an extended period of time instead of just *one* Big Event (ex. living in an abusive household)
@@Chigger The description explains it pretty well " PTSD often stems from a single traumatic event in the past, and when triggered, it causes a strong reaction in the mind and body. In contrast, CPTSD is connected to long-term trauma, often starting in childhood, and when triggered, it can feel like the traumatic episode just happened."
Hi @reneepark7385! I’m glad you appreciate the distinction between PTSD and CPTSD, I’m happy to help bring more awareness to the topic. Thanks for your feedback!
they arent the same but they are related - I think thats the point - its a bee costume. For my self for example a perfectly reasonable and nice person in traditional islamic dress is not a likely potential threat.. but they still trigger those responses, a heightened flight or fight response. I live in a very multi ethnic area too - damn its hard sometimes.
@@PetaSomersComplex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder You can imagine PTSD being caused by a single or group of traumas. While CPTSD is caused from prolonged exposure to various traumas. Its like being stabbed vs death by a thousand papercuts. I hope I explained this in an accurate way. I have CPTSD so I can't speak to PTSD from experience.
Honestly, I haven’t been diagnosed with either C-PTSD or PTSD but I find the most random thing can have such a trigger to me somehow, as someone who has trauma
As someone with CPTSD, I LOVED that the thing that triggered the orange cat wasn't actually the bees. That's very real. When different things happen at various places and times, almost everything feels triggering- streets, songs, the colour of someone's hat, you get the point. I know PTSD can have unrelated triggers, too, though, I'm not saying one type has worse triggers than the other because it, of course, depends on the person. Planning on moving outta my small hometown soon for this reason. My heart rate gets insane when just doing daily activities, and I can't even what set me off.
For the longest time one of my worst triggers was a particular album by a particular band that I listened to just about constantly during the worst period. Before that period that album and that band were one of my favorites. It's been over a decade since I've been able to listen to that album or any of the songs off of it.
YESSS, for me with my CPTSD I ended up being triggered by shows I liked at the time or shows some of the people who hurt me liked, along with people standing behind me, etc etc. Something completely harmless that my brain decided was dangerous because we needed to protect ourself to the best of our ability, even if that means overreacting. I'm doing a lot better now and I can manage most of my triggers pretty well, but. yeah
i’m not exactly sure if i suffer from either ptsd or cptsd but i have definitely experienced trauma and i 100% agree; i experienced very extreme verbal bullying at a young age while i was already suffering with mental health issues and whenever i see someone who reminds me of one of my bullies by looking or acting similar, it can trigger anywhere from moderate to severe panic attacks.
I like to think of it like this. PTSD is like having these massive, fast-paced battles with your past trauma, but outside of those battles, it’s business as usual. CPTSD is like having this endless war of attrition against the background noise of your trauma, which makes it easier to get used to, but harder to fully treat. They both have very real, very different struggles, connected with a thread of trauma and stress. And I know which one I would want: NEITHER. I have CPTSD, but I would never assume that PTSD would be easier.
Hi @frqubit! Thank you so much for your kind words! You’re right, Pete’s reaction to the bee sting is exactly like that-he really gets anxious whenever he faces that situation again. I appreciate your support and insight! 😺💖☘
@@kailathefox i'm sorry to hear you're struggling. if it gives you some hope, i want to tell you that i have cptsd as well, and that i did/still do struggle a lot with connection and trusting others but that i've met people who are understanding and kind and that it's helped me a lot. i really believe that you'll be able to find people like that too who will care for you and want to get to know you, and trust me that it will be healing, even if it's daunting and unbelievable at first. (rambling about coping methods) i don't go to therapy so i'm left to my own devices to deal with my reactions - i have to rationalize quickly, telling myself that what someone's just said or done wasn't meant as an attack on me and that they're not angry at me. focusing on one small event like that is called "magnifying," blowing up one thing and ignoring the rest of the interaction, which makes it seem scarier than it is. that was my biggest barrier in making friends and it still gets me sometimes, especially with my partner, who i logically know means nothing by whatever it was that triggered me and i know they don't mind my reactions, but irrationally i can convince myself they dont like me anymore and want nothing to do with me because im so emotional. sometimes i have to take deep breaths or step away to collect myself or cry, and that's okay. i have to give myself the grace to feel my big emotions and work through them at my own pace. it also helps me to sit down and think about What my reaction is and Why i'm having it, and then to ignore my heightened emotions to find a logical explanation for the triggering event (like if i'm melting down because i think my friend has secretly h@ted me this whole time, i think about what experiences ive had with others that would cause that assumption, and i consider what event led me to my conclusion. and then i think about some logical explanations for the event that would disprove my theory that my friend doesn't like me). and it's hard because i feel like i need to protect myself by assuming the worst, but more importantly i need to know that i'm safe. i want you to know that you're safe too and that eventually you'll feel that way. it just takes time ❤ and i hope some of this is helpful
@@kailathefox best of luck to you in that. It's tough, and possible. It's a social stigma to lack friends, but it doesn't hold any meaning over your actual personal worth. Plus you can always have at least one, which is yourself. Not saying that's easy either, but it's always more available than with others, so a great place to start.
@kailathefox maybe you can start building friends with yourself then? It's challenging, and I'm still personally getting better at not berating myself over little things. But taking a moment take a few deep breaths and remind myself that "I don't deserve to be treated that way, even by me" helps. It's not much, but over time the results appear and you'll have an easier time being with yourself and building a love for yourself as a friend you cherish and care for rather than an enemy of yourself and the wellspring of all your faults. It's hard to love yourself when you don't yet feel worthy of even kindness, so I think self compassion is a great starting point :) best of luck and I hope you remember that you're not alone.
someone with c-ptsd here, i think this is awesome representation. i know a user already mentioned this in a comment, but i also really like that you showed that even things that aren't always exactly or remotely related can be triggering, whatever brings up those memories and feelings, really. people with c-ptsd just need comfort and reassurance. we aren't overreacting, just scared. i absolutely love your neurodiverse friends series, i've seen myself represented in it a lot, and seeing c-ptsd representation is wonderful. thank you, pixi! keep up the good work :-)
Hi @MJmarJH, thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. I’m really glad to hear that the representation of CPTSD resonated with you. It’s so important to show that triggers can come from unexpected places and that the fear and reactions are real and valid. You’re definitely not overreacting-it’s just that even the smallest trigger can make you re-experience past traumatic events as if they’re happening in the present. I wish more people understood this. My advice to everyone is to try not to take anything personally. Thank you for your support and encouragement! 💖🌈
im not diagnosed with cptsd or ptsd but one time my friends (who are dating eachother) started arguing and it was giving me really bad reminders of my parents
The CPTSD cat being scared of something as silly as a bee costume is so real :') I deal with CPTSD and even when I know REALISTICALLY I'm not in any real danger, anything that's similar to my previous trauma can set me off. I absolutely adore these cartoons!!!!💕
My CPTSD is primarily grief related, though also physical trauma. It often is more a sense of crushing grief than anything else that I’m trying to avoid, but sometimes intense fear, and even the mere mention of certain matters triggers me. Indeed, even if the stimuli doesn’t directly correlate 1:1, it can still trigger. Which is why I used to be terrified of using the loo at night growing up, and though I rationally knew nothing was in the dark that wasn’t there when the lights were on, the paranoia of my mind thought that there was going to be *something* bringing ill tidings from out at the end of the dark hallway.
@@vglycorpse2001 gotten over this trigger thank god, but i had a trigger to literal APPLES because my brain associated them with a certain someone. good lord brains are wack
@@lemonmeat they really are man😭 my poor roommate tries not to even say the word "puke" "throw up" even as a joke bc I said unfortunately it's a massive phobia/trigger of mine I feel SO BAD but they're very understanding about it :')
same, like your brain is trying to cover all ground with triggers so nothing can catch you off guard, but in doing so it just makes them go off at things you didn’t think could even trigger you
@@MYLAR. Indeed. It often seems rather a matter of not knowing where the triggers could be, or when they will metaphorically detonate, beyond a general sense of things like a particular subject matter being best avoided. Little wonder CPTSD goes hand in hand with Dissociative Identity, something we personally also exist with. Part of it was a coping mechanism for the causes that brought about CPTSD, part of it a sort of remedy deprived, at the time, of therapy. Sometimes it’s rather nice to just let someone else take the wheel and be a passenger for a bit.
Definitely can relate to the blue cat. Back in 2011, I was diagnosed with PTSD. I had experienced a horrible ordeal. I was home alone when 2 men broke into my house. I locked myself in my bedroom and jumped out my bedroom window. Thankfully there were people (workers) across the street who helped me. That experience was so scary to me and took a long time for me to be okay again. Even though this happened years ago and I have it in the back of my mind, it gets triggered whenever I move somewhere new. When I’m in a new place, I have to get used to new sounds, learn where they come from, and I’ll even have realistic nightmares of someone breaking in trying to “attack” me while I’m sleeping on the couch. No matter where I live, I always make my place extra secure.
Hi @MytokyokittyStudios! OMG! I’m so sorry to hear about what you went through; that sounds incredibly frightening. Such a traumatic experience definitely has a lasting impact, especially when moving to new places. Thank you so much for sharing your story; it’s important for others to hear and understand these experiences. I truly hope that with time, things will be able to improve for you. Sending you lots of support! ❤
Hi @Honey_Boba159! I’m really glad to hear that you appreciate it. It’s important to have accurate representation of Complex Trauma in media, and I’m happy to contribute to that. Thank you for your support and kind words! 💖☘
@@PixiGags no problem! I’ve been watching ur content for a while, ever since u released the first neurodiverse friends episode, and I rlly Ike how u represent different disabilities! I’m very happy to see some of the things I have being represented with cute cats, it definitely makes me feel less weird when thinking about my disorders (ik that sounds kinda hard to explain but it’s kinda like how it makes me see others experiencing it, and thinking “oh hey, I’m not so different from them, it makes me feel happy and more normal to see something I like, cats, displaying things that make me feel weird, which ends up making me feel happy and comfortable)
Most of the time ptsd is only ever talked about with veterans and the army too. Even less so talked about when it comes to things not related to that. I don’t have c ptsd but I feel like people even don’t take mine seriously cause it wasn’t from the military
@@Liyahmakebansit’s complex ptsd which is similar to ptsd but it’s caused by multiple events or an even going over a long time rather then one (or two in some cases) it’s common on the survivors of childhood abuse.
Gotta give you credit here. These cartoons about mental health are quite genius. Oftentimes, people have trouble identifying what is going on mentally since they live with it every day. So it makes it very hard to put into words what is going on, so they pick words that vaguely sound like what’s going on. These cartoons are very smart because they don’t rely on words but rather actions, and they convey those actions very allegorically so they can be applied to just about anything. And the body language/allegories themselves are nothing to be looked over. Not everybody can accomplish such a feat as to communicate mental health purely through movement. So good on you, buddy! Keep on keepin’ on!
It can also show that sometimes you have CPSTD and don't fully realize the extent of it yet, but once you start to know why things happen the way they do they get a bit easier to deal with. At least in situations other than what caused the CPTSD to begin with. If you go back to what caused it and it happens again it can still wreck your mental and physical health even if you realize what is happening I might be biased tho since the pandemic was the first time I was given a good reason not to visit my abusive father and once my physical health wasn't a risk I noticed why I hated going home for the holidays so much before hand. It still destroyed my stomach and caused my fatigue to be 1000% worse for a while
I know that this is probably an allegory, but I actually DO have PTSD from a bee sting. It managed to sting me on back of my neck, which caused an acute reaction. I had to go to the hospital and everything. To this day, I still find myself having a crippling fear of bees-- even if it's on the other side of a window or even just a picture.
I never got stung by a bee but I'm also really scared of them and people would make fun of me growing up and try to force me to go near them so it sorta became a trauma for me I think? Anyway I totally understand you and I'm sorry you went through that! 💕
@@M00N_IVY it was sorta like that for me, although people usually left it at ridiculing, not harassing me any further. Later, I found out that I'm allergic. So I guess my fear was well founded without anyone realizing it
@LibraryofAcousticMagic3240 I'm sorry you went through that. I definitely think you were doing your best to avoid something potentially harmful even if its small, which is normal to do. Plus knowing you are allergic now definitely makes it even more valid. I do know my grandparents are allergic but since I've never been stung I'm not sure if I am.
@@M00N_IVY well, no need to find out on purpose. I appreciate your empathy (or dare I say sympathy?). It was never that bad for me fortunately. I would hate someone shoving bees and wasps in my face. I hope you are well!
@LibraryofAcousticMagic3240 Ahh yeah that's good it wasn't too bad then. Yeah empathy or sympathy works I guess! I am doing okay thanks for asking. I hope you are okay as well.💕
NO WAY!! NO WAY NO WAY NO WAY!!!!! I SUBSCRIBED TO YOU BECAUSE I ADORED YOUR ANIMATIONS BASED OFF OF NEURODIVERSITY AND I LEGIT THOUGHT TO MYSELF “These are so informative and cute!!! Man, I wished PTSD was on there, but I don’t think they count as part of the Neurodiversity community. But that’s okay!” AND THEN I SEE THISSSSSSS!!!!! WHAAAAT!! Okay, let me back up a bit. I have a younger brother who has autism and was diagnosed at a very young age. And since then, I always did my best to treat him with extra love and understanding his struggles and personality. I am a Neurotypical, and the older sister. It was pretty tough to understand his needs and what things he couldn’t do, but I still remained respectful and loving to him because I can sense, deep down, he gets fed up with himself and sad when he is not acting like society wants him to act. But even if I am a Neurotypical, not diagnosed with Autism, I did unfortunately went through hardcore trauma at such a young age. Mostly dealing with school and my formal father. Ranging from verbal abuse from my teachers, who I looked up to do things right (and instead get yelled at with even the slightest mistake) to unfortunate, inevitable events of life where my life was threatened multiple times. (A lockdown happened in my elementary school just a week after Sandy Hook. I still hear my vice principal screaming till this day.) And just last year, I was officially diagnosed with PTSD, Panic Disorder, and GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder). My mother, thankfully, had studied in the Psychology department and is heavily invested in mental health and helping families of kids on the Autism Spectrum better understand them! She is VERY passionate about her job and honestly had saved my life when she witnessed me having my first ever panic attack. (She didn’t diagnose me, a medical professional did so after I took the courage to reach out.) Her coping skills and full on explanations help me relax and feel better of myself and to not beat myself up for things I had no control over. Also…Being diagnosed with these extreme anxiety, had me better understand my brother even more than ever before. Now I can relate to certain situations he find discomforting or even comforting to him. From stimming by repeating specific 2000s bumpers, to being extremely sensitive to sounds and certain touches. I start stimming when I get highly anxious and my sensitivity starts cranking up when sudden memories or triggers appear. (My ears hurt when average volume, that I am use to in everyday life, start to become louder than normal when I am very stressed out.) I freaking LOVE talking about mental health and spreading awareness/giving advice to cope with such things! (Thanks to my mom ❤) AND I AM ALSO A PASSIONATE DIGITAL ARTIST!!! Seeing your videos had me so inspired to someday make something like this!!! Heck, I even wanted to make a fan-made version of your creations for PTSD, but I dropped it since I mentioned that I wasn’t sure if it was part of The Neurodiversity community. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MAKING THIS!! YOU DON’T KNOW HOW MUCH IT MEANS TO ME!!!!! 💜💜💜💜
I’m really glad to hear that the series resonates with you, especially during such a challenging time. It means a lot to know it feels relatable. Thank you for your support, and I hope the series continues to provide some comfort and understanding. Take care! 💖
You truly understand the power of animation. That is, to help communicate ideas and feelings through a medium that can be almost universally understood. You've got a magic touch, and you're using your talents for such a noble cause. Thank you for your time, effort and dedication.
As someone with C-PTSD, we fully appreciate this so much. The differences are crucial and the portrayal of how unrelated things can stir a trauma response is so acurrate.
Hi @turnstilerockets, thank you for your support! I’m really glad the portrayal of PTSD and C-PTSD resonated with you, and I’m grateful for your appreciation. Wishing you all the best! 💖☘
Oh, no... are they (still) calling them Aspy like "Aspie" (Aspergers)? Everyone needs to stop doing that after the attrocities of Dr. Asperger were brought to light 😨 I also used to refer to myself as an Aspie, but not after learning the guy maliciously experimented on - and killed - so many children in the name of Hitler's "science" to "cure" autists 😡
I never thought I'd see myself represented here. I'd love to see more of these guys. life with CPTSD is hell. but I'm still here. there really needs to be more research done on treatment for us. many of us are "treatment resistant" and don't respond well to what usually helps general PTSD. it's very frustrating. providers give up on you 😢
The things that helped me the most: biodynamic craniosacral therapy, Rolfing (has to be a good practitioner; can be quite painful, but I found it the biggest source of trauma release,) dancing over zoom with others, C-PTSD peer support groups (especially discussing Pete Walker), listening to trees, walking next to rivers and in the park, learning to say "NO": (going no-contact with family, ending friendships that were not mutual, not agreeing to help people when it isn't in my best interest), IFS inner work, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy strategies. I refused to see any kind of "talk" therapist because early therapeutic abuse was a major source of trauma for me personally. So it took 8 years, but I can say almost without qualification (some anxiety persists) that I do not have C-PTSD any more. And I'm telling you, I had REALLY bad C-PTSD for about 20 years before there was any mainstream awareness of it. I was pretty much incapacitated. Had many stretches where I didn't leave the apartment for months at a time. Went through multiple periods where I didn't work for years a time. And things are so much better now. Still working on integrating fractured/dissociated OSDD alters... Wishing you all the healing you can manage! I agree it is absolutely hell to live with, but there can be another side to life if you hang in there and keep chipping away at it!!! 💚💚
As somebody with CPTSD, I can confirm that the orange cat and his reaction to the cat in the bee costume is extremely accurate to it. My own life has been a prolonged journey of struggle, pain, and suffering, with only recently being able to start healing those wounds and hope the scars from those I was supposed to trust eventually fade away. It hasn't been easy, but it's been worthwhile. Thank you for this animation, and for unintentionally reminding me of what I have and how far I've come.
As someone who got attacked by a swarm of hornets a few months ago (thankfully I'm not allergic) despite not provoking them, I can definitely relate to this.
As someone who, growing up, got attacked by a small group of wasps while carrying something heavy down some outside stairs, I too can relate. It’s not a source of trauma for me, as I got closure by exterminating those flying [hempseeds] with a can of wasp-terminating spray and hour later, so those wicked things could not attack anyone else. My CPTSD, however, is related to childhood trauma of a physical and grief related sort, but that’s a completely different casting of wax.
@@aniboo8668 they are much more aggressive than bees in general. My dad got swarmed by hornets recently, thankfully he was fine after a while but did have to go to hospital at the time. Bees actually evolved from wasps, wasps were here first (and hornets are technically a type of wasp). Bees diverged by going for a plant-based diet instead of a meat-based diet.
As a multiple (DIDer) and person with CPTSD, we are greatly pleased to see this, I must say. This is a key destination neurotypicals often tend to not realise; in CPTSD, it’s not just a direct 1:1 trigger that can cause a panic/grief response, but anything that tangentially relates to the matter. This could be a sound, a sight, a word or phrase, a pattern, a particular object, a place, etc. TLDR; It’s like the world is a trauma trigger minefield, and one is walking through it, but one doesn’t know where it begins or ends, or even is. Sometimes though, small controlled exposure to milder triggers can ease the intensity.
I Don’t Have PTSD Or CPTSD, But I REALLY Relate To The Blue Cat. I Was Stung By One When I Was Like 4, Wasn’t Really Upset But More So Cried Cause It Hurt And Was Also Annoyed. But Now, Whenever I’m Near A Bee/Wasp, Or Even Hear Their Buzzing, See Images/Videos Of Them I Get SO SCARED. I Often Tear Up At The Sight Of Images Of Actual Wasps/Bees, And If I See One, I Run Away, Breathing Heavily And Crying. If I Hear A Buzz That’s Similar To A Bee/Wasp Or Have A Nightmare About Them I Search Around My Room For Said Bee Or Wasp. Even During The Winter Yeah.. My Phobia Is Really Bad 😭🙏
Hi @ChocoThe_Cat, thank you for sharing your experience. It sounds like the fear you now feel is linked to that past experience, and it makes sense how overwhelming it can be when you’re near bees or wasps, or even just hear their buzzing. Phobias can develop in ways we don’t expect, even if the initial event didn’t seem too traumatic at the time. When you encounter a bee or hear a buzzing sound, your amygdala-the part of your brain that controls emotional responses and fear-can trigger a panic reaction, making you feel like you're reliving the traumatic memory. This response is automatic and happens to keep us safe, but it’s not always helpful in moments where there’s no real danger. A good way to manage this is by taking a moment to breathe deeply and remind yourself that there’s no immediate threat. This can help activate your frontal cortex, the part of your brain that helps with reasoning and calming the body. By doing this, you can shift from that intense fear response and help yourself relax. Recognizing how this affects you is an important step, and you’re not alone in this. Sending support and best wishes! 🌈
I have both. The distinction between the in-the-moment traumatic event compared to the repeated trauma is very important to distinct the two, thanks again for making these videos!
@@angstybreadstyx1242its not that its "worse", most with cptsd just have harsher reactions and more triggers especially unrelated triggers. which is why veterans have CPTSD not ptsd. the distinction is never made. ptsd is a one time event reaction, so it seems "not as bad" but the reaction can be harsh as well its just not complex.
@@angstybreadstyx1242 veterans are often recruited multiple times and/or experience trauma with things other than the war itself (theres more work that goes into being in the military than just fighting in major wars)
@@kittyc0n idk, dude... I have got both, but my PTSD reactions are harsher than my C-PTSD reactions Like, during C-PTSD attack, i just become afraid and my breath and heart goes faster, sometimes i can just start crying (i don't control it) (however there are much more triggers) But during PTSD attack, i usually have got 20 minutes! panic attack with unstoppable crying and screams, tremble I can't even stand up during it, so i continue sitting on the dirty floor (and then i reel from this only after 1-2 hours) I don't think, that C-PTSD reactions are harsher than PTSD :/
I don’t have PSTD (that I know of) but I have family members, such as my mom, who have PTSD and are often misunderstood & stigmatized by media, other people, etc. And it can really frustrate them when people don’t understand their triggers. this video explains it in a really nice and simple way and also destigmatizes and educates on ptsd & cptsd!! Also i’m gonna send this to my mom now, she likes cute little critters.
i’m not officially dignosted with ptsd but i do suffer from post trauma anxiety and find myself resonating with the blue cat a lot recovering quickly but certain sounds or seeing the bee that caused it becomes a huge trigger
I might cry, I remember asking you about if I could design a character based on CPTSD and now I see this on my feed. This is one of the best simple ways to explain the difference I've seen. Anything even related to my trauma makes me absolutely panic and can completely ruin a good time. I'm happy the kitties were able to still have a fun time at the party despite this. It helps a lot to have supportive friends who understand why something like yellow and black stripes might set you off. Do they have names yet?
Hi @Lavlikessquids! I’m really touched by your comment. I’m glad to hear that the animation helps explain CPTSD and resonates with you. It’s so important to have supportive friends who understand what you’re going through, and I’m happy the kitties’ party scene reflected that supportive environment. As for their names, yes! The kitties are named Pete and Cippi. I hope their story continues to bring you some comfort and understanding. Thanks for your kind words and support! 😺🐝✌
i love this, making the complexity and differences of these two similar disorders this simple. they could show this to kids in school or in therapy to help explain this stuff. as someone with cptsd i appreciate that distinction.
Appreciated a lot the bee costume. My mom has CPTSD, she had a lot of different traumas in her first years of life, so her triggers seem like the most random things! Open curtains = being watched by abusers. Screams (even happy ones) = father yelling at her. Me going out late at night = her family leaving her alone at night when she was little. Is hard to see someone you love randomly reviving past pain again and again. Trauma is so complex, I feel glad you could show it through art ❤
Thank you for sharing something so personal, dear @sambr__! Your mom’s triggers make so much sense. Sometimes even the smallest things, like a random stranger in the distance turning their head away, can unexpectedly trigger feelings of abandonment. Wishing you both all the best. ❤️
I've also been diagnosed with PTSD recently it's one of the many reasons I don't socialize as often as I used to in the past, but I've been seeing a therapist to maintain it.
What a nice little informative way to show the difference between both types! And it's all done without any words. Great work on this. I like the detail that the CPTSD was triggered by something that wasn't a bee, but was instead something that was merely similar to it. ....Also, I adore the orange kitten's run. It's super well animated and expressive. Your work is so bouncy and fun.
Thank you so much, @katherinesmallbean3594! I'm really glad you enjoyed the way the differences were shown and picked up on the CPTSD trigger detail-it’s something I wanted to be subtle yet impactful. And I’m happy to hear you liked the orange kitten's run! I try to keep the animation fun and expressive, with the use of lots of multiple legs, so it’s great to know it resonates with you. Thanks a lot for the support! 💖✌🌈
Thank you so much for this, you’ve been one of my favorite animators for a while and seeing you make a video on PTSD and CPTSD is really heartwarming to me. I’ve been suffering from it for about 6-7 years now and so seeing it represented in a way that people can understand just makes my heart glow. Thank you so, so so much.
Hi @AdriLovesGames, thank you so much for your incredibly kind words. It means the world to me that the video resonated with you, especially considering your experience with PTSD and CPTSD. I’m deeply touched that the representation brought you some comfort and understanding. Your support means so much, I wish you all the best! ❤
@@PixiGags what you said means the world to me as well, thank you for everything you do. I am wishing you the absolute best too and it made my day a lot better reading this reply. 💛
Yay, more neurodiverse friends! These two sure came as a surprise, and they look super unique. That's something I like about these new episodes, you've been doing an amazing job in making them all stand out, for example the blue cat, a blue cat is something we haven't seen in the show before, same thing with that other cats stripes. It's little things like that that ensures every cast member is different, and I love it for that.
My trauma isn't really as bad as other people's, it's really just years of hearing constantly arguments as a kid. Still, its made me not like any sort or argument or negativity, and my trauma response is to become no verbal, freeze up, mentally regress, and have trouble breathing. I hope you guys who had to deal with worse or have worse trauma responses have a good and peaceful day
That can definitely still fall under CPTSD. Constant hostility in your household, even not directed at you, during development really messes you up. Comparing trauma doesn’t really help anyone, you’re still valid.
I had this in real life and this almost exact scenario. I got stung by a wasp. Soon after I developed an extreme fear of them and for years after that I wasn't able to go outside during summer. the sound of a flying near me would send me into hyperventilation. There was a hornet nest out on my front porch and I would literally not go outside for weeks, got so bad that I brought a bee suit to wear whatever I got in and out of the car. Safe to say it's crazy!
I might be in the C-ptsd camp but I tend to have fear reactions to the ptsd cat. Thanks for showing both of these mental health conditions in a warm light
My PTSD evolved into CPTSD and few of my friends couldn’t grasp the difference. This is really comforting in a way, and you explained the differences perfectly. I relate so much to the unrelated triggers.I got really (positively) emotional for some reason. It’s validating. Thank you for making these lovely animations, I love the way they move and all their designs, amazing job!
Hi @Dragonikku, Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m really glad the video resonated with you and helped explain the difference between PTSD and CPTSD-it can be tough when people around you don’t fully understand. It means a lot to hear that you found comfort and validation in the animation, especially when dealing with those unrelated triggers that can feel so overwhelming. Thank you for your kind words about the animations too! I’m so happy you enjoy the designs and how the characters move. Your support means a lot to me. Take care, and I’m sending you all the best! ✌💖
i have cptsd and i really appreciate the detail that the cat with cptsd was stung multiple times over and over again which matches cptsd often being caused by long term trauma that could not be avoided for one reason or another. these are amazing depictions!
One of my school friends has post traumatic stress and alarms really stress her out, she told me one day that when the government warning for a bad storm went off on her phone, she threw the phone across the room and wanted all the windows open which resulted in some soggy carpets and cold rooms
Hi @Nonexistent_croissant, thank you for sharing that, it really highlights how deeply triggers can affect someone with post-traumatic stress. It sounds like your friend was trying to regain control in a moment of intense distress, reliving past experiences. It’s great that you’re noticing and understanding what she’s going through; empathy, when possible, makes a big difference in situations like these. ✌
Hey @utopia9639, I see you! 😊 I’m so glad the videos are helping you-it means a lot to hear that. Taking care of yourself is so important, and if these can be a little reminder, then that’s amazing. Sending much love back to you, and thanks for your support! ☘😺💖
I wouldnt say its CPTSD, but I have a fear of stairs. I have to walk down them sideways or pigeon toed one firm step at a time. As a kid I lived in an older styled house with a narrow staircase, I fell down it a lot. I still have that lingering fear of falling down the stairs whenever I have to walk up or down them as an adult.
Hi @ClownBARF, it sounds like that fear of falling has really stuck with you after all those falls as a kid. It's not exactly CPTSD, but it’s a genuine fear based on those past experiences. The way you cope, like walking sideways or one step at a time, is a smart way to manage it. I hope you continue to find ways to feel safe and at ease! Thanks so much for sharing your story. 💖
Funny enough, bees are actually apart of my ptsd. When I was a toddler, a bee managed to fly right between my glasses and stung me in the EYEBALL. Been terrified of them since and will refuse to go outside when it's their season. I've been working with myself on managing it, logic over fear. Gotta leave the house if I want to survive with food, bills, etc.
Hi @lottafandoms, That sounds like such a scary experience! I really admire your effort to manage it and use logic over fear. It takes a lot of strength to face fears, especially ones tied to past trauma. Thank you for sharing, and sending you my support! 💖
Dear @LuciferzLittleHelper, thank you so much for sharing! I can relate to that, and I appreciate that my animation could make you feel better. Unfortunately, when certain things are denied to us in childhood, it can leave an empty void that may never be fully filled. However, developing a strong sense of self can help guide us through those feelings and find our own way to heal. It’s not an easy journey, but with time and self-compassion, it’s possible to create a fulfilling life. Thank you for your support, and I’m sending you all my best wishes. ❤☘
Am still suffering from CPTSD, also having Asperger (remember unnecessary things too good), and deeply feels my ADHD get damaged real bad by CPTSD too, can’t remember what to do (even I do memo it, I forgot where it went) and getting more anxious of trying myself very hard to remember the things I can’t remember, than I will get in arguments with people to be more emotional, and later on drinking and smoking strong stuffs all over.
I love these animations way too much, they're so nice! And seeing new characters added to the cast is always great to see! Just for fun, here's the names of the ND cast i've collected thus far from reading the commends of the previous episodes and from the community posts. Hopefully they're all accurate!: autism - Aspy adhd - Pixi tourette - Little Tourettes ocd - Ossie dyslexia - Syd schizophrenia - Skit bipolar-1 (yellow cat) - Bipo bipolar-2 (orange cat) - Mania borderline personality disorder - Bidi Bidi's dog - Bo ptsd (blue cat) - Pete cptsd (orange cat) -Cippi dyscalculia - Amy Mc Wise
Hey @Plasmawario, thank you so much! I’m really glad you’re enjoying the animations and the growing cast of characters. It’s awesome that you’ve been paying such close attention and collecting all their names-I truly appreciate it, and it means a lot. Thanks again for your support and for being such a great part of the community! 😺❤️
I have either CPTSD or PSTD (I don't remember, I was diagnosed a long time ago) It was from my dad dying in a car accident when I was 4. It makes it like really fuckn hard for me to drive on my own. Or even being in cars.
My personal favorite things in this video: A solid blue Cat! I've never seen one in this series before, nor did I think I would! (Plus, their walking animation reminds me of Little Tourette which I also find adorable) A cat with stripes too! The cats in this series are really starting to evolve, aren't they? There's even a reminder that Halloween is coming pretty soon too :3 As for my questions for you, @Pixi-Gags they are: What are the names and genders of the two new cats? What disorder or disorders do you plan on doing for the next animation? When do you plan on using the remaining cats on you channel banner?
Thank you so much, @mariemays4087! I am glad that you find this way of describing the difference between PTSD and CPTSD helpful. Thanks so much for sharing! 💖
I've never received a diagnosis, but as someone who has experienced multiple repeated traumas throughout my childhood, I have been able to resonate with C-PTSD as a condition a lot. This is possibly the Neurodiverse Friends video that resonates with me the most. Exposure to repeated traumatic events, and developing seemingly unrelated triggers from them is such a real thing for me. One of my biggest traumas stems from being in a toxic friend group with a neglective, emotionally and verbally abusive partner, and friends who didn't care enough to help me, for many years. So now I can't handle being in big groups. I feel really anxious, uncomfortable, and out of place when I'm in them. I honestly prefer having one or two close friends and a LOT more alone time than before, to recharge. Even just being ignored by someone when I'm speaking to them, regardless of if it was intentional or not, or certain words people say (even when intended with love), can cause an internal spiral, reminding me of what they did. Random things just suddenly become so personal and I hate it. I'm getting better at managing my symptoms and not outwardly reacting, as logically I know a lot of it isn't personal. But it's tough, I still feel the pain inside. It also makes connecting with people so much harder than it used to be, when you hardly have the social battery to deal with so many people, let alone even wanting to let them into your life. it's become so draining and stress-inducing to get too close to more than just a few people, and sometimes I feel like a monster for it. The most I can do is keep a lot of people at arms length, being well acquainted with them, but I literally can't handle letting too many into my life, even though I have a big heart and care about others and want to connect. I feel like a monster in a lot of ways, a lot of my trauma has left me feeling like one. But your videos humanise these conditions, and remind me that I'm just a person who is hurting. And that brings me comfort, and takes the pressure off a lot. It's healing in a way. So thank you for making this video, and making me and so many others feel seen. I absolutely adore this series, and I look forward to seeing more of it. Know that you are doing something amazing with your animating gift 🙏(also, the animals in these videos are so cute 😭).
Hi @Em-ig1ri, thank you so much for sharing this-your message is deeply moving. The experiences you describe, from struggling with trust in groups to facing painful triggers from the past, feel so real. It’s completely understandable that navigating relationships would feel complicated, especially with those past dynamics lingering so strongly in your memory. The natural desire to connect and build close relationships is something so many can relate to, yet letting people in can feel overwhelming and even risky. Holding people at arm’s length is a valid, protective response shaped by what you've been through. We live in a world where people are often driven by unconscious needs, and sometimes, they end up hurting others without even realizing it (and sometimes knowingly)-including those closest to us. Thank you for opening up about your experiences and for enjoying my characters; it truly means a lot! ❤️
CPTSD one is relatable, my brain likes to keep things interesting so it rolls the dice on what panic response it chooses each time. Sometimes I'll get really hostile out of nowhere, other times ill start eyeballing the nearest exit, and my favorite where I just disassociate. The last one is really fun where I just lose half an hour or so of my day that I'll never be able to get back or remember.
Hi @jeremyfisher8512! Thank you for sharing your experience. It sounds really challenging, and I can relate to what you’re going through. It’s important to note that these reactions are often triggered by something specific, like an image, certain words, or music connected to past events. When that happens, your brain starts to remember, and the amygdala-the part of the brain that processes emotions, especially fear-kicks in. It sends you into panic mode to protect you, which can bring back negative memories and reactivate that cycle. I know from personal experience that these ruminating loops can last a long time. One strategy you might try is developing an internal observer-a part of yourself that watches those memories without engaging with them. Think of it like a music conductor who stays at a distance, guiding without playing the instruments. It’s definitely easier said than done, but if you keep at it, there’s hope. Wishing you all the best! ❤️
@@PixiGags Wow I wasn't expecting a response, that's very thoughtful. The main way I've been able to deal with it is meditation, trying to feel some of those emotions again a little bit at a time and sometimes that de-sensitizes me. CPTSD is difficult because its not just one event or trigger to work at but over time it helps a lot.
i'm obsessed with your art style and feel so seen within your work. a lot of people do. i have cPTSD [plus more] and feeling the urge to flee when something vaguely represents a "bee" happens daily, but it's comforting to know i'm not the only one & that there's a whole neurodiverse community now to lean on during my healing journey! thank you for sharing this 🧡
Thank you so much, @khaosinc2015! It means the world to hear that my work resonates with you and helps you feel seen. That urge to flee is so relatable, and it can feel isolating at times, but you're definitely not alone-many share this experience. I’m truly honored to be part of your healing journey and send you all my support! 🧡
Like always, I love the research and care that goes into these animations, how it handles a lot of touchy topics with a lot of good rep rather than marginalizing people with disorders even further, keep it up!!
I like how you tried to be descriptive yet not gatekeeping. Far too often people say you can only have PTSD / C-PTSD if you were hit or sexually abused (even some professionals :P).
Hi @spectralkitty25! I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling with feelings of CPTSD without a formal diagnosis. It’s definitely challenging when people don’t understand what you’re going through. I’m glad the representation in the video helps. Everyone, to some extent, can react to past experiences when triggered, not just those with CPTSD. Schools and society could definitely benefit from more education on this topic. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! ❤
I deal with CPTSD and im glad something like this can really be used to represent how sometimes irrational CPTSD triggers can feel. I sometimes feel like im stupid for being scared of certain things despite knowing its part of an issue/trauma i cant control. Thank you for spreading awateness!
Hi @graciedavis7266, thank you so much for sharing your experience. I’m really glad to hear that you found the representation helpful. You’re absolutely not stupid for feeling that way-CPTSD triggers can seem irrational, but they’re deeply tied to past trauma, even if it’s not always obvious in the moment. It’s great that you’re recognizing it as something beyond your control. I’m grateful to help raise awareness, and I wish you all the best on your journey! ❤
I love this! Sorry this is late btw. I really appreciate the way you represented the differences of PTSD and CPSD. I actually have PTSD myself, so I really appreciate the repersentation!
Dear @Angler_of_the_Seas11875, I’m so glad you liked this representation, and it means a lot that you found the differences between PTSD and CPTSD clear! Thank you so much for your kind words. 💖✌
I have PTSD. I definitely resonated with the way Petey was portrayed-- the absolute panic at even the suggestion of something similar or a memory can be debilitating.
Hi @aynDRAWS, I’m really sorry to hear about your experience with PTSD, but I’m glad that Petey’s portrayal resonated with you. The panic and anxiety that can come with even a small reminder are truly overwhelming. Thank you for sharing, and I hope the episode also brought some comfort. ❤
@@PixiGags If Petey is the name of the blue cat, does the orange one have a name too? They're really relatable and cute, I (and likely others) want to know what to call both of them... The orange cat is my favorite character of yours so far, I feel seen. Such a good video
I really do like that the orange cat is able to tolerant and eventually thrive being around a possible trigger. I know its such a short moment of it, but it really makes me happy! Im working on dealing with my triggers too, and I hope I can thrive just like that orange cat. - The blue one is also really interesting! I didnt figure that a small event could be such a horrible trigger later on for people, but these comments are really amazing to learn from. We all got this!!❤ - and last bit, I love these shorts alot, as always amazing work Pixi-gags :)
everytime when i see a bee,wasp,hornet or a yellow jacket i always have the urge to run away from it whenever i'm with my class or family or walking outside alone because i don't want to be stinged
I really love this series! You do a good job conveying certain nuances in such a short span of time. I do have one point to make on this video, I thought the blue cat was an example of coping with danger in a healthy way while the orange represented ptsd. I think the two disorders would lend better to having their own video because cptsd isn’t a milder form of ptsd it’s a separate disorder. The blue cat reacted to the danger appropriately, learning from its past and feeling stress when the danger was around again. Someone with cptsd would feel that anxiety with no bee around or often nothing to remind them of the bee while someone with ptsd might feel the actual stings of the bee again when he sees his friend in the costume.
Dear @taryn5330, Thank you so much for loving the series and for sharing your thoughtful feedback! Yes, CPTSD and PTSD are distinct disorders, and I completely agree that each could benefit from their own video to fully explore their nuances. I really appreciate your insight into how Pete and Cippi's behaviors could be interpreted differently-it’s such a valuable perspective. Wishing you all the best! 🌈
I also wanted to point out that CPTSD doesn’t mean your injuries are worse than people with ptsd, cptsd just means we have repeated encounters with said bees
wasn't expecting to cry at this of all things... especially when the orange one scratched right before it was stung again. it's so simple but so many things can have bee stripes.
Hi @blapii! Yes, it is. I really hope this episode will be helpful. While there's comedy involved, I've made sure to portray PTSD and CPTSD accurately. All the best!
the biggest thing I hate about dealing with CPTSD is the paradoxical feeling of having traumatic memories of dealing with trauma. I was very aware of these things when I was a kid and I was able to recognize that I was being traumatized while it was happening to me but I did not have the confidence or courage to force my way out of it. by the time I was a teen I could not ask for help and the few people I ever attempted to be vulnerable to, (mostly in relationships) were not nice to me. I was aware that things weren't right and that I needed help and that I would end up just like I am now if I didn't find a way out, but I simply could not do it on my own. I hid myself from everyone since I feared that people would end up upset with me and tell me it actually is my fault, but if I truly was being wronged then someone would notice and help me out. this unhealthy perspective of being aware yet still critical of myself in the most basic way lead to the nesting of my trauma. To this day I still feel panic attacks and get bad flashback memories of having to deal with panic attacks and flashbacks when I was younger and had absolutely no help. let alone trying to tackle the major long term events that lead to the start of all this trauma in the first place since I before I could speak. I always describe the difference of PTSD and CPTSD as a tangled knot of string/rope/wire. PTSD looks like a tangle you can understand how to undo. It's still not simple and never is quick, its going to take a lot of patience but when you look at it, it seems possible to untangle if you just focus on one part at a time and take your time. CPTSD looks like a bird's nest or woven ball of several individual strings. you still have to be patient and focus on one thing at a time but often times the tangled mass is so complicated and messy that you'll reach dead ends and have to work on other parts and other strings. None of them ever really coming undone and sometimes it feels like you're making stuff worse as parts of the knots tighten while you loosen something, eventually you have this exploded ball off strings, with a tightly bound core you're still working on but eventually it will happen, it just takes A LOT of patience and the will to try to understand every bit of this tangled knot as best as you can
I have CPTSD and PTSD (meaning I have ptsd triggered by long term traumas where i take a long time to feel calm after the initial trigger, and i have some trauma that gets triggered thats from a single event with a lesser response and i'm fine right after after) and I feel like this 1min vid explains what it looks like having either one quite well
It's so nice to have a way to explain this without having to dump so much actual explanation into all of it. Not that my previous ones were lacking, but explaining how things become instinct is... Hard, especially with painful stuff.
Hi @Suicutie, I’m so glad this helps explain things in a simpler way! I know it can be really hard to put those instinctive and painful feelings into words. It’s great that this lets you express it without needing to explain everything in detail. Thanks so much for sharing! ✌
Something I noticed is that when the blue PTSD cat is stung, their reaction is more of annoyance and they seem to recover from it quickly. Yet when encountering something similar later, it becomes a trigger. No doubt that is a point of contention in thinking “I was fine immediately after the traumatic event, why am I so affected by this now?”
Hi @aramisdagaz9, you’ve made a really insightful observation! It’s true that the blue PTSD cat initially reacts with just annoyance but later gets triggered by something similar. This actually reflects how trauma can work-sometimes, the full impact of a traumatic event doesn’t hit us right away. We might seem fine initially, but the trauma can resurface later, often triggered by something that reminds us of the original event. This can definitely lead to confusion and frustration, as people might wonder why something that didn’t seem to bother them at first is now so overwhelming. Thanks for pointing that out, and I’m glad you’re picking up on these nuances! All the best. ✌🌈☘
That's kinda how I feel towards the word "Trite". I don't even like to write it. It was a word my 11th grade AP art teacher used a lot, and apparently all the things I actually liked to draw were that. Caused a horrible shift in my confidence until I got high one night and had one of my favorite artists talk to me and unintentionally make me realize my art had worth. The t-word still makes me cringe though
omg I’ve felt that way for so long. ty for putting it into words
ooh, i have late onset like this, some things makes more sense now
@@PixiGagsI don't think it's about HAVING trauma. It's about GETTING it.
"I was stung by a bee, and was FINE. Why do I have TRAUMA? Why did it happen after a BIT of pain? People didn't die, I didn't experience the LONG TIME of STRESS."
I believe that's what original commenter meant.
I have post traumatic stress. The memories of the ‘bees’ are almost worse than when they stung me in the first place.
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re experiencing this, @Mehmehmeh746. It’s tough when the emotional impact of trauma feels so intense. I hope the episode can offer some relief. Wishing you all my support and affection.
I understand that and its really tough. I have a friend that was very scared as a kid when balloons popped. Even though its not that harmful or scary, it left a mark on him and just seeing a balloon made him anxious that at any point it could pop and he would be "jump scared". But he told me, how he dealt with it (over many years): He pretty muchfetishized the fear into embracing the triggering emotions. Balloons still trigger him a lot, but he learned, that even though there is a high emotional response, it can't hurt him, so he acts like "Yeah, you trigger me? BRING IT ON! Is that all you got? Har har try trigger me harder!" And now he very much enjoys sitting on inflatable animals (in a waterpark and so on) and turned his fear into a kink. Now the strong emotional response can "go somewhere" where it doesn't inflict him negatively. I'm not sure about your bee stings of course, but maybe it can inspire you to not get impaired by it but triggered in a way that drives you forward instead. Best of luck 🍀
PTSD is very painful and frightening to deal with, but it's a very treatable disorder if you have people who support you and you're receiving mental health care from clinicians that you have good rapport with. If you're receiving treatment, PTSD symptoms can end after as little as 3 months, though it's more common to see results after 6 months to a year of treatment. PTSD left untreated CAN resolve itself, but there are also cases of people who struggled with PTSD for 30 years (the example I saw was a Vietnam vet), because of a lack of treatment and support.
@@TheBigLou13my ex boyfriend had a really similar coping mechanism with balloons, interesting to see it’s a more common way of coping with that trauma
@@TheBigLou13That’s very good to hear
I think bees are a nice PG rated way to represent trauma! And gosh these cats are too cute!
Hi @DenderFriend! I’m glad you think so! I wanted to find a way to represent trauma in a way that’s accessible and entertaining, and bees seemed like a good fit. And thank you-I’m so glad you find the cats cute!
Ironically, I actually have an unpleasant memory related to specifically getting attacked by wasps, myself, as someone with CPTSD, albeit that’s not what caused my CPTSD, nor is it a triggering matter of mine, but it’s not exactly a fond memory, shall we say, though I am at peace with it.
Partly because I nabbed those flying scum with a can of wasp-terminating spray of some kind shortly after it happened, to make sure the small hoard of wasps under our deck couldn’t harm anyone else.
But yes, to the point, it is rather a much less potentially triggering matter than other matters when it comes to CPTSD. Mine is personally primarily grief related.
Nah wasps are better. Bees are gentle
@@animationsandvnsbasil Indeed. Bees simply wish to gather nectar, pollinating flowers along the way, minding their own business in a calm manner, whereas hornets and wasps have it out for anything that so much as breathes within twenty metres of them.
@@ManyArmedMooseDeiStrongly disagree. You pass hundreds of wasps without even realizing it. There are tens of thousands of different wasp species, and that's only the ones we've discovered. Even the more common eusocial wasps don't go out of their way to sting you, they're animals that sometimes act irrationally to a giant creature with unclear intentions. Wasps are also pollinators, given that adult wasps also drink nectar.
I have literally held a wasp in my hand more then once without being stung. They're just tiny animals doing tiny animal things.
Really appreciate the distinction shown between PTSD and CPTSD, it’s not something that’s talked about too often!
Ohhh I thought Pixi was talking about how trauma affects everyone differently lol 😅
What makes them different?
The description explains it better, but basically: PTSD is from a single large traumatic event (ex. a natural disaster, a house burning down) whereas C-PTSD cause by an extended period of time instead of just *one* Big Event (ex. living in an abusive household)
@@Chigger The description explains it pretty well
" PTSD often stems from a single traumatic event in the past, and when triggered, it causes a strong reaction in the mind and body. In contrast, CPTSD is connected to long-term trauma, often starting in childhood, and when triggered, it can feel like the traumatic episode just happened."
Hi @reneepark7385! I’m glad you appreciate the distinction between PTSD and CPTSD, I’m happy to help bring more awareness to the topic. Thanks for your feedback!
CPTSD having unrelated triggers is so real
Hi @ShiaShnaky! I’m glad to hear that this episode resonates with you. Thank you for your support and feedback!
they arent the same but they are related - I think thats the point - its a bee costume.
For my self for example a perfectly reasonable and nice person in traditional islamic dress is not a likely potential threat.. but they still trigger those responses, a heightened flight or fight response.
I live in a very multi ethnic area too - damn its hard sometimes.
What’s cptsd?
@@PetaSomersComplex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
You can imagine PTSD being caused by a single or group of traumas. While CPTSD is caused from prolonged exposure to various traumas. Its like being stabbed vs death by a thousand papercuts.
I hope I explained this in an accurate way. I have CPTSD so I can't speak to PTSD from experience.
Honestly, I haven’t been diagnosed with either C-PTSD or PTSD but I find the most random thing can have such a trigger to me somehow, as someone who has trauma
As someone with CPTSD, I LOVED that the thing that triggered the orange cat wasn't actually the bees. That's very real. When different things happen at various places and times, almost everything feels triggering- streets, songs, the colour of someone's hat, you get the point. I know PTSD can have unrelated triggers, too, though, I'm not saying one type has worse triggers than the other because it, of course, depends on the person.
Planning on moving outta my small hometown soon for this reason. My heart rate gets insane when just doing daily activities, and I can't even what set me off.
For the longest time one of my worst triggers was a particular album by a particular band that I listened to just about constantly during the worst period. Before that period that album and that band were one of my favorites. It's been over a decade since I've been able to listen to that album or any of the songs off of it.
Take care❤
YESSS, for me with my CPTSD I ended up being triggered by shows I liked at the time or shows some of the people who hurt me liked, along with people standing behind me, etc etc. Something completely harmless that my brain decided was dangerous because we needed to protect ourself to the best of our ability, even if that means overreacting. I'm doing a lot better now and I can manage most of my triggers pretty well, but. yeah
i’m not exactly sure if i suffer from either ptsd or cptsd but i have definitely experienced trauma and i 100% agree; i experienced very extreme verbal bullying at a young age while i was already suffering with mental health issues and whenever i see someone who reminds me of one of my bullies by looking or acting similar, it can trigger anywhere from moderate to severe panic attacks.
I like to think of it like this. PTSD is like having these massive, fast-paced battles with your past trauma, but outside of those battles, it’s business as usual.
CPTSD is like having this endless war of attrition against the background noise of your trauma, which makes it easier to get used to, but harder to fully treat.
They both have very real, very different struggles, connected with a thread of trauma and stress. And I know which one I would want: NEITHER. I have CPTSD, but I would never assume that PTSD would be easier.
The PTSD cat is the first one to have a cool fur colour instead of a warm fur colour :0
(All the other cats are yellow or orange but this cat is blue)
dabadebabdadie
What is wrong with you, why are you bLUE?
@@thenyan3095 because... because...
*B L U E*
😂
HI H
I love how the blue cat basically gets stabbed and her reaction is basically "ugh how rude" lol
Hi @frqubit! Thank you so much for your kind words! You’re right, Pete’s reaction to the bee sting is exactly like that-he really gets anxious whenever he faces that situation again. I appreciate your support and insight! 😺💖☘
@PixiGags as a person who has ADHD. I think the ADHD cat is like me.
average day in the uk:
@@PixiGagsis this a family friendly channel
@@uncannycato feel like its gonna be unless hypersexuality gets into one of these
I love how it shows that they can calm down and connect with others after some time. A lot of media only focuses on the panic part
Man, fingers crossed I eventually learn to connect with others. My cPTSD makes it impossible for me to make friends. I have none.
@@kailathefox i'm sorry to hear you're struggling. if it gives you some hope, i want to tell you that i have cptsd as well, and that i did/still do struggle a lot with connection and trusting others but that i've met people who are understanding and kind and that it's helped me a lot. i really believe that you'll be able to find people like that too who will care for you and want to get to know you, and trust me that it will be healing, even if it's daunting and unbelievable at first.
(rambling about coping methods)
i don't go to therapy so i'm left to my own devices to deal with my reactions - i have to rationalize quickly, telling myself that what someone's just said or done wasn't meant as an attack on me and that they're not angry at me. focusing on one small event like that is called "magnifying," blowing up one thing and ignoring the rest of the interaction, which makes it seem scarier than it is. that was my biggest barrier in making friends and it still gets me sometimes, especially with my partner, who i logically know means nothing by whatever it was that triggered me and i know they don't mind my reactions, but irrationally i can convince myself they dont like me anymore and want nothing to do with me because im so emotional.
sometimes i have to take deep breaths or step away to collect myself or cry, and that's okay. i have to give myself the grace to feel my big emotions and work through them at my own pace. it also helps me to sit down and think about What my reaction is and Why i'm having it, and then to ignore my heightened emotions to find a logical explanation for the triggering event (like if i'm melting down because i think my friend has secretly h@ted me this whole time, i think about what experiences ive had with others that would cause that assumption, and i consider what event led me to my conclusion. and then i think about some logical explanations for the event that would disprove my theory that my friend doesn't like me). and it's hard because i feel like i need to protect myself by assuming the worst, but more importantly i need to know that i'm safe. i want you to know that you're safe too and that eventually you'll feel that way. it just takes time ❤ and i hope some of this is helpful
@@kailathefox best of luck to you in that. It's tough, and possible. It's a social stigma to lack friends, but it doesn't hold any meaning over your actual personal worth. Plus you can always have at least one, which is yourself. Not saying that's easy either, but it's always more available than with others, so a great place to start.
@@Torthrodhel I'm far from a friend to myself, I'm my own worst enemy unfortunately.
@kailathefox maybe you can start building friends with yourself then? It's challenging, and I'm still personally getting better at not berating myself over little things. But taking a moment take a few deep breaths and remind myself that "I don't deserve to be treated that way, even by me" helps. It's not much, but over time the results appear and you'll have an easier time being with yourself and building a love for yourself as a friend you cherish and care for rather than an enemy of yourself and the wellspring of all your faults. It's hard to love yourself when you don't yet feel worthy of even kindness, so I think self compassion is a great starting point :) best of luck and I hope you remember that you're not alone.
I just had a PTSD resurgence today, and then you post THIS... that timing.
Thank you for this.
Hi @SapphireLibra, I am glad that this episode resonates with you! I wish you all my best.
someone with c-ptsd here, i think this is awesome representation. i know a user already mentioned this in a comment, but i also really like that you showed that even things that aren't always exactly or remotely related can be triggering, whatever brings up those memories and feelings, really. people with c-ptsd just need comfort and reassurance. we aren't overreacting, just scared. i absolutely love your neurodiverse friends series, i've seen myself represented in it a lot, and seeing c-ptsd representation is wonderful. thank you, pixi! keep up the good work :-)
Hi @MJmarJH, thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. I’m really glad to hear that the representation of CPTSD resonated with you. It’s so important to show that triggers can come from unexpected places and that the fear and reactions are real and valid. You’re definitely not overreacting-it’s just that even the smallest trigger can make you re-experience past traumatic events as if they’re happening in the present. I wish more people understood this. My advice to everyone is to try not to take anything personally. Thank you for your support and encouragement! 💖🌈
We are just hurt to the point where we don't know what is and isn't safe anymore
im not diagnosed with cptsd or ptsd but one time my friends (who are dating eachother) started arguing and it was giving me really bad reminders of my parents
@@PWNDON Yep, childhood trauma. I get that, and the classic _"Stop crying or I'll give you something to cry about!"_
The CPTSD cat being scared of something as silly as a bee costume is so real :') I deal with CPTSD and even when I know REALISTICALLY I'm not in any real danger, anything that's similar to my previous trauma can set me off. I absolutely adore these cartoons!!!!💕
My CPTSD is primarily grief related, though also physical trauma. It often is more a sense of crushing grief than anything else that I’m trying to avoid, but sometimes intense fear, and even the mere mention of certain matters triggers me.
Indeed, even if the stimuli doesn’t directly correlate 1:1, it can still trigger.
Which is why I used to be terrified of using the loo at night growing up, and though I rationally knew nothing was in the dark that wasn’t there when the lights were on, the paranoia of my mind thought that there was going to be *something* bringing ill tidings from out at the end of the dark hallway.
@@vglycorpse2001 gotten over this trigger thank god, but i had a trigger to literal APPLES because my brain associated them with a certain someone. good lord brains are wack
@@lemonmeat they really are man😭 my poor roommate tries not to even say the word "puke" "throw up" even as a joke bc I said unfortunately it's a massive phobia/trigger of mine I feel SO BAD but they're very understanding about it :')
same, like your brain is trying to cover all ground with triggers so nothing can catch you off guard, but in doing so it just makes them go off at things you didn’t think could even trigger you
@@MYLAR. Indeed. It often seems rather a matter of not knowing where the triggers could be, or when they will metaphorically detonate, beyond a general sense of things like a particular subject matter being best avoided.
Little wonder CPTSD goes hand in hand with Dissociative Identity, something we personally also exist with. Part of it was a coping mechanism for the causes that brought about CPTSD, part of it a sort of remedy deprived, at the time, of therapy.
Sometimes it’s rather nice to just let someone else take the wheel and be a passenger for a bit.
I swear these cats are one of the few things that make me feel sane
I’m so glad to hear that, @childlikesaiyan! Wishing you all my love and support!
Kitties make everything right 😻🤗
Definitely can relate to the blue cat. Back in 2011, I was diagnosed with PTSD. I had experienced a horrible ordeal. I was home alone when 2 men broke into my house. I locked myself in my bedroom and jumped out my bedroom window. Thankfully there were people (workers) across the street who helped me. That experience was so scary to me and took a long time for me to be okay again.
Even though this happened years ago and I have it in the back of my mind, it gets triggered whenever I move somewhere new. When I’m in a new place, I have to get used to new sounds, learn where they come from, and I’ll even have realistic nightmares of someone breaking in trying to “attack” me while I’m sleeping on the couch. No matter where I live, I always make my place extra secure.
Hi @MytokyokittyStudios! OMG! I’m so sorry to hear about what you went through; that sounds incredibly frightening. Such a traumatic experience definitely has a lasting impact, especially when moving to new places. Thank you so much for sharing your story; it’s important for others to hear and understand these experiences. I truly hope that with time, things will be able to improve for you. Sending you lots of support! ❤
I have C-ptsd, and I’m so glad that u covered this! I rarely see ptsd representation in media, even less C-PTSD! Tysm!
Hi @Honey_Boba159! I’m really glad to hear that you appreciate it. It’s important to have accurate representation of Complex Trauma in media, and I’m happy to contribute to that. Thank you for your support and kind words! 💖☘
@@PixiGags no problem! I’ve been watching ur content for a while, ever since u released the first neurodiverse friends episode, and I rlly
Ike how u represent different disabilities! I’m very happy to see some of the things I have being represented with cute cats, it definitely makes me feel less weird when thinking about my disorders (ik that sounds kinda hard to explain but it’s kinda like how it makes me see others experiencing it, and thinking “oh hey, I’m not so different from them, it makes me feel happy and more normal to see something I like, cats, displaying things that make me feel weird, which ends up making me feel happy and comfortable)
Most of the time ptsd is only ever talked about with veterans and the army too. Even less so talked about when it comes to things not related to that. I don’t have c ptsd but I feel like people even don’t take mine seriously cause it wasn’t from the military
What’s C ptsd
@@Liyahmakebansit’s complex ptsd which is similar to ptsd but it’s caused by multiple events or an even going over a long time rather then one (or two in some cases) it’s common on the survivors of childhood abuse.
Gotta give you credit here. These cartoons about mental health are quite genius.
Oftentimes, people have trouble identifying what is going on mentally since they live with it every day. So it makes it very hard to put into words what is going on, so they pick words that vaguely sound like what’s going on.
These cartoons are very smart because they don’t rely on words but rather actions, and they convey those actions very allegorically so they can be applied to just about anything.
And the body language/allegories themselves are nothing to be looked over. Not everybody can accomplish such a feat as to communicate mental health purely through movement. So good on you, buddy! Keep on keepin’ on!
I like how cPTSD cat gradually became calm around Autism cat's bee costume. It's a good portrayal of exposure therapy.
It can also show that sometimes you have CPSTD and don't fully realize the extent of it yet, but once you start to know why things happen the way they do they get a bit easier to deal with. At least in situations other than what caused the CPTSD to begin with. If you go back to what caused it and it happens again it can still wreck your mental and physical health even if you realize what is happening
I might be biased tho since the pandemic was the first time I was given a good reason not to visit my abusive father and once my physical health wasn't a risk I noticed why I hated going home for the holidays so much before hand. It still destroyed my stomach and caused my fatigue to be 1000% worse for a while
I know that this is probably an allegory, but I actually DO have PTSD from a bee sting. It managed to sting me on back of my neck, which caused an acute reaction. I had to go to the hospital and everything. To this day, I still find myself having a crippling fear of bees-- even if it's on the other side of a window or even just a picture.
I never got stung by a bee but I'm also really scared of them and people would make fun of me growing up and try to force me to go near them so it sorta became a trauma for me I think? Anyway I totally understand you and I'm sorry you went through that! 💕
@@M00N_IVY it was sorta like that for me, although people usually left it at ridiculing, not harassing me any further. Later, I found out that I'm allergic. So I guess my fear was well founded without anyone realizing it
@LibraryofAcousticMagic3240 I'm sorry you went through that. I definitely think you were doing your best to avoid something potentially harmful even if its small, which is normal to do. Plus knowing you are allergic now definitely makes it even more valid. I do know my grandparents are allergic but since I've never been stung I'm not sure if I am.
@@M00N_IVY well, no need to find out on purpose. I appreciate your empathy (or dare I say sympathy?). It was never that bad for me fortunately. I would hate someone shoving bees and wasps in my face. I hope you are well!
@LibraryofAcousticMagic3240 Ahh yeah that's good it wasn't too bad then. Yeah empathy or sympathy works I guess! I am doing okay thanks for asking. I hope you are okay as well.💕
NO WAY!! NO WAY NO WAY NO WAY!!!!!
I SUBSCRIBED TO YOU BECAUSE I ADORED YOUR ANIMATIONS BASED OFF OF NEURODIVERSITY AND I LEGIT THOUGHT TO MYSELF “These are so informative and cute!!! Man, I wished PTSD was on there, but I don’t think they count as part of the Neurodiversity community. But that’s okay!”
AND THEN I SEE THISSSSSSS!!!!! WHAAAAT!!
Okay, let me back up a bit.
I have a younger brother who has autism and was diagnosed at a very young age. And since then, I always did my best to treat him with extra love and understanding his struggles and personality.
I am a Neurotypical, and the older sister. It was pretty tough to understand his needs and what things he couldn’t do, but I still remained respectful and loving to him because I can sense, deep down, he gets fed up with himself and sad when he is not acting like society wants him to act.
But even if I am a Neurotypical, not diagnosed with Autism, I did unfortunately went through hardcore trauma at such a young age. Mostly dealing with school and my formal father.
Ranging from verbal abuse from my teachers, who I looked up to do things right (and instead get yelled at with even the slightest mistake) to unfortunate, inevitable events of life where my life was threatened multiple times. (A lockdown happened in my elementary school just a week after Sandy Hook. I still hear my vice principal screaming till this day.)
And just last year, I was officially diagnosed with PTSD, Panic Disorder, and GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder).
My mother, thankfully, had studied in the Psychology department and is heavily invested in mental health and helping families of kids on the Autism Spectrum better understand them! She is VERY passionate about her job and honestly had saved my life when she witnessed me having my first ever panic attack. (She didn’t diagnose me, a medical professional did so after I took the courage to reach out.) Her coping skills and full on explanations help me relax and feel better of myself and to not beat myself up for things I had no control over.
Also…Being diagnosed with these extreme anxiety, had me better understand my brother even more than ever before. Now I can relate to certain situations he find discomforting or even comforting to him. From stimming by repeating specific 2000s bumpers, to being extremely sensitive to sounds and certain touches. I start stimming when I get highly anxious and my sensitivity starts cranking up when sudden memories or triggers appear. (My ears hurt when average volume, that I am use to in everyday life, start to become louder than normal when I am very stressed out.)
I freaking LOVE talking about mental health and spreading awareness/giving advice to cope with such things! (Thanks to my mom ❤) AND I AM ALSO A PASSIONATE DIGITAL ARTIST!!! Seeing your videos had me so inspired to someday make something like this!!!
Heck, I even wanted to make a fan-made version of your creations for PTSD, but I dropped it since I mentioned that I wasn’t sure if it was part of The Neurodiversity community.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MAKING THIS!! YOU DON’T KNOW HOW MUCH IT MEANS TO ME!!!!! 💜💜💜💜
i heard that ptsd, and c-ptsd are considered neurodivergences. "aquired neurodivergence" is the term i think. I'm not a scientist or professional.
0:32 prepare for the Dog Man fans. That design is Petey with less steps.
LITERALLY
Only difference is Petey has a flat tail.
@@myguitarisinmymind yeah, pretty much just petey.
Omg I was thinking the same thing!!!
RAHRAJRAH that’s why I recognize it!!
As someone who literally had a ptsd flashback two days ago this is so relatable, I am in love with this series
I’m really glad to hear that the series resonates with you, especially during such a challenging time. It means a lot to know it feels relatable. Thank you for your support, and I hope the series continues to provide some comfort and understanding. Take care! 💖
You truly understand the power of animation. That is, to help communicate ideas and feelings through a medium that can be almost universally understood. You've got a magic touch, and you're using your talents for such a noble cause. Thank you for your time, effort and dedication.
the little dance party at the end this is adorable pixi as always
As someone with C-PTSD, we fully appreciate this so much. The differences are crucial and the portrayal of how unrelated things can stir a trauma response is so acurrate.
Hi @turnstilerockets, thank you for your support! I’m really glad the portrayal of PTSD and C-PTSD resonated with you, and I’m grateful for your appreciation. Wishing you all the best! 💖☘
I was half expecting aspy to say "Ya like jazz?"
Nobody speaks. They only did that in Lexical Struggle and Aspy was the only one that didn’t even show up.
@@DTgamer_Shiver-is-best-waifu eeh true.
And there was jazz music playing in this video which makes it funnier 🤭
Oh, no... are they (still) calling them Aspy like "Aspie" (Aspergers)? Everyone needs to stop doing that after the attrocities of Dr. Asperger were brought to light 😨
I also used to refer to myself as an Aspie, but not after learning the guy maliciously experimented on - and killed - so many children in the name of Hitler's "science" to "cure" autists 😡
Asperger was a Nazi scientist who used the label to decide which of us should be allowed to live or die, why would you want to adopt that name?
I never thought I'd see myself represented here. I'd love to see more of these guys. life with CPTSD is hell. but I'm still here. there really needs to be more research done on treatment for us. many of us are "treatment resistant" and don't respond well to what usually helps general PTSD. it's very frustrating. providers give up on you 😢
The things that helped me the most: biodynamic craniosacral therapy, Rolfing (has to be a good practitioner; can be quite painful, but I found it the biggest source of trauma release,) dancing over zoom with others, C-PTSD peer support groups (especially discussing Pete Walker), listening to trees, walking next to rivers and in the park, learning to say "NO": (going no-contact with family, ending friendships that were not mutual, not agreeing to help people when it isn't in my best interest), IFS inner work, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy strategies. I refused to see any kind of "talk" therapist because early therapeutic abuse was a major source of trauma for me personally. So it took 8 years, but I can say almost without qualification (some anxiety persists) that I do not have C-PTSD any more. And I'm telling you, I had REALLY bad C-PTSD for about 20 years before there was any mainstream awareness of it. I was pretty much incapacitated. Had many stretches where I didn't leave the apartment for months at a time. Went through multiple periods where I didn't work for years a time. And things are so much better now. Still working on integrating fractured/dissociated OSDD alters... Wishing you all the healing you can manage! I agree it is absolutely hell to live with, but there can be another side to life if you hang in there and keep chipping away at it!!! 💚💚
god, this is so real. i always get anxious whenever i feel like i'm about to be scolded because many of my worst memories are connected to that.
Oh gosh same 😭
As somebody with CPTSD, I can confirm that the orange cat and his reaction to the cat in the bee costume is extremely accurate to it. My own life has been a prolonged journey of struggle, pain, and suffering, with only recently being able to start healing those wounds and hope the scars from those I was supposed to trust eventually fade away. It hasn't been easy, but it's been worthwhile. Thank you for this animation, and for unintentionally reminding me of what I have and how far I've come.
I love the Neurodiverse Friends vids
I am so happy to hear that, @dapapermaker! Thanks for your support.
@@PixiGags :)
Why is PTSD blue?
As someone who got attacked by a swarm of hornets a few months ago (thankfully I'm not allergic) despite not provoking them, I can definitely relate to this.
As someone who, growing up, got attacked by a small group of wasps while carrying something heavy down some outside stairs, I too can relate. It’s not a source of trauma for me, as I got closure by exterminating those flying [hempseeds] with a can of wasp-terminating spray and hour later, so those wicked things could not attack anyone else.
My CPTSD, however, is related to childhood trauma of a physical and grief related sort, but that’s a completely different casting of wax.
What @@ManyArmedMooseDei
Hornets and wasps are absolutely bloodthirsty. Horrible creatures...
@@aniboo8668 they are much more aggressive than bees in general. My dad got swarmed by hornets recently, thankfully he was fine after a while but did have to go to hospital at the time. Bees actually evolved from wasps, wasps were here first (and hornets are technically a type of wasp). Bees diverged by going for a plant-based diet instead of a meat-based diet.
As a multiple (DIDer) and person with CPTSD, we are greatly pleased to see this, I must say.
This is a key destination neurotypicals often tend to not realise; in CPTSD, it’s not just a direct 1:1 trigger that can cause a panic/grief response, but anything that tangentially relates to the matter. This could be a sound, a sight, a word or phrase, a pattern, a particular object, a place, etc.
TLDR; It’s like the world is a trauma trigger minefield, and one is walking through it, but one doesn’t know where it begins or ends, or even is. Sometimes though, small controlled exposure to milder triggers can ease the intensity.
I Don’t Have PTSD Or CPTSD, But I REALLY Relate To The Blue Cat.
I Was Stung By One When I Was Like 4, Wasn’t Really Upset But More So Cried Cause It Hurt And Was Also Annoyed.
But Now, Whenever I’m Near A Bee/Wasp, Or Even Hear Their Buzzing, See Images/Videos Of Them I Get SO SCARED. I Often Tear Up At The Sight Of Images Of Actual Wasps/Bees, And If I See One, I Run Away, Breathing Heavily And Crying. If I Hear A Buzz That’s Similar To A Bee/Wasp Or Have A Nightmare About Them I Search Around My Room For Said Bee Or Wasp. Even During The Winter
Yeah.. My Phobia Is Really Bad 😭🙏
Hi @ChocoThe_Cat, thank you for sharing your experience. It sounds like the fear you now feel is linked to that past experience, and it makes sense how overwhelming it can be when you’re near bees or wasps, or even just hear their buzzing. Phobias can develop in ways we don’t expect, even if the initial event didn’t seem too traumatic at the time.
When you encounter a bee or hear a buzzing sound, your amygdala-the part of your brain that controls emotional responses and fear-can trigger a panic reaction, making you feel like you're reliving the traumatic memory. This response is automatic and happens to keep us safe, but it’s not always helpful in moments where there’s no real danger.
A good way to manage this is by taking a moment to breathe deeply and remind yourself that there’s no immediate threat. This can help activate your frontal cortex, the part of your brain that helps with reasoning and calming the body. By doing this, you can shift from that intense fear response and help yourself relax.
Recognizing how this affects you is an important step, and you’re not alone in this. Sending support and best wishes! 🌈
If I saw a bee that could sting multiple times, I'd freak out too.
At least they all got to party happily in the end.
Also each new character design just ends up looks so good, wasn't expect to see a Blue one.
I have both. The distinction between the in-the-moment traumatic event compared to the repeated trauma is very important to distinct the two, thanks again for making these videos!
Same but I’m not sure abt how the cptsd is portrayed as almost seeming worse or more intense than the ptsd
@@angstybreadstyx1242its not that its "worse", most with cptsd just have harsher reactions and more triggers especially unrelated triggers. which is why veterans have CPTSD not ptsd. the distinction is never made. ptsd is a one time event reaction, so it seems "not as bad" but the reaction can be harsh as well its just not complex.
@@kittyc0n I thought veterans ptsd wasn’t considered complex because the war is a singular event it can be pinned to?
@@angstybreadstyx1242 veterans are often recruited multiple times and/or experience trauma with things other than the war itself (theres more work that goes into being in the military than just fighting in major wars)
@@kittyc0n idk, dude... I have got both, but my PTSD reactions are harsher than my C-PTSD reactions
Like, during C-PTSD attack, i just become afraid and my breath and heart goes faster, sometimes i can just start crying (i don't control it)
(however there are much more triggers)
But during PTSD attack, i usually have got 20 minutes! panic attack with unstoppable crying and screams, tremble
I can't even stand up during it, so i continue sitting on the dirty floor
(and then i reel from this only after 1-2 hours)
I don't think, that C-PTSD reactions are harsher than PTSD :/
I don’t have PSTD (that I know of) but I have family members, such as my mom, who have PTSD and are often misunderstood & stigmatized by media, other people, etc. And it can really frustrate them when people don’t understand their triggers.
this video explains it in a really nice and simple way and also destigmatizes and educates on ptsd & cptsd!!
Also i’m gonna send this to my mom now, she likes cute little critters.
It’s good to see cptsd is being mentioned! Quite often cptsd is neglected and misunderstood. As someone with cptsd, I really appreciate that.
i’m not officially dignosted with ptsd but i do suffer from post trauma anxiety and find myself resonating with the blue cat a lot recovering quickly but certain sounds or seeing the bee that caused it becomes a huge trigger
I might cry, I remember asking you about if I could design a character based on CPTSD and now I see this on my feed. This is one of the best simple ways to explain the difference I've seen. Anything even related to my trauma makes me absolutely panic and can completely ruin a good time. I'm happy the kitties were able to still have a fun time at the party despite this. It helps a lot to have supportive friends who understand why something like yellow and black stripes might set you off.
Do they have names yet?
Hi @Lavlikessquids!
I’m really touched by your comment. I’m glad to hear that the animation helps explain CPTSD and resonates with you. It’s so important to have supportive friends who understand what you’re going through, and I’m happy the kitties’ party scene reflected that supportive environment.
As for their names, yes! The kitties are named Pete and Cippi. I hope their story continues to bring you some comfort and understanding. Thanks for your kind words and support! 😺🐝✌
I had acute stress disorder- it's like the prediabetes to ptsd. It's been over 2 years but I still fluff up if I think a bee is near.
i love this, making the complexity and differences of these two similar disorders this simple. they could show this to kids in school or in therapy to help explain this stuff. as someone with cptsd i appreciate that distinction.
Appreciated a lot the bee costume. My mom has CPTSD, she had a lot of different traumas in her first years of life, so her triggers seem like the most random things!
Open curtains = being watched by abusers. Screams (even happy ones) = father yelling at her. Me going out late at night = her family leaving her alone at night when she was little.
Is hard to see someone you love randomly reviving past pain again and again. Trauma is so complex, I feel glad you could show it through art ❤
Thank you for sharing something so personal, dear @sambr__! Your mom’s triggers make so much sense. Sometimes even the smallest things, like a random stranger in the distance turning their head away, can unexpectedly trigger feelings of abandonment. Wishing you both all the best. ❤️
I've also been diagnosed with PTSD recently it's one of the many reasons I don't socialize as often as I used to in the past, but I've been seeing a therapist to maintain it.
What a nice little informative way to show the difference between both types! And it's all done without any words. Great work on this. I like the detail that the CPTSD was triggered by something that wasn't a bee, but was instead something that was merely similar to it.
....Also, I adore the orange kitten's run. It's super well animated and expressive. Your work is so bouncy and fun.
Thank you so much, @katherinesmallbean3594! I'm really glad you enjoyed the way the differences were shown and picked up on the CPTSD trigger detail-it’s something I wanted to be subtle yet impactful. And I’m happy to hear you liked the orange kitten's run! I try to keep the animation fun and expressive, with the use of lots of multiple legs, so it’s great to know it resonates with you. Thanks a lot for the support! 💖✌🌈
Thank you so much for this, you’ve been one of my favorite animators for a while and seeing you make a video on PTSD and CPTSD is really heartwarming to me. I’ve been suffering from it for about 6-7 years now and so seeing it represented in a way that people can understand just makes my heart glow. Thank you so, so so much.
Hi @AdriLovesGames, thank you so much for your incredibly kind words. It means the world to me that the video resonated with you, especially considering your experience with PTSD and CPTSD. I’m deeply touched that the representation brought you some comfort and understanding. Your support means so much, I wish you all the best! ❤
@@PixiGags what you said means the world to me as well, thank you for everything you do. I am wishing you the absolute best too and it made my day a lot better reading this reply. 💛
this brought me to tears.
thank you for letting me know someone understands.
Yay, more neurodiverse friends! These two sure came as a surprise, and they look super unique. That's something I like about these new episodes, you've been doing an amazing job in making them all stand out, for example the blue cat, a blue cat is something we haven't seen in the show before, same thing with that other cats stripes. It's little things like that that ensures every cast member is different, and I love it for that.
My trauma isn't really as bad as other people's, it's really just years of hearing constantly arguments as a kid. Still, its made me not like any sort or argument or negativity, and my trauma response is to become no verbal, freeze up, mentally regress, and have trouble breathing. I hope you guys who had to deal with worse or have worse trauma responses have a good and peaceful day
That can definitely still fall under CPTSD. Constant hostility in your household, even not directed at you, during development really messes you up. Comparing trauma doesn’t really help anyone, you’re still valid.
Your trauma IS VALAD period. No matter how easy you had it, or how worse someone elses is.
Source?
Someone made the distinction!!! SOMEONE MADE THE DISTINCTION!!! 😄😄😄😄
I had this in real life and this almost exact scenario. I got stung by a wasp. Soon after I developed an extreme fear of them and for years after that I wasn't able to go outside during summer. the sound of a flying near me would send me into hyperventilation. There was a hornet nest out on my front porch and I would literally not go outside for weeks, got so bad that I brought a bee suit to wear whatever I got in and out of the car. Safe to say it's crazy!
I might be in the C-ptsd camp but I tend to have fear reactions to the ptsd cat. Thanks for showing both of these mental health conditions in a warm light
My PTSD evolved into CPTSD and few of my friends couldn’t grasp the difference. This is really comforting in a way, and you explained the differences perfectly. I relate so much to the unrelated triggers.I got really (positively) emotional for some reason. It’s validating.
Thank you for making these lovely animations, I love the way they move and all their designs, amazing job!
Hi @Dragonikku,
Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m really glad the video resonated with you and helped explain the difference between PTSD and CPTSD-it can be tough when people around you don’t fully understand. It means a lot to hear that you found comfort and validation in the animation, especially when dealing with those unrelated triggers that can feel so overwhelming.
Thank you for your kind words about the animations too! I’m so happy you enjoy the designs and how the characters move. Your support means a lot to me. Take care, and I’m sending you all the best! ✌💖
I absolutely love how you distincted the two, it's not something I see often and it's really refreshing, especially in such a kid friendly manner
i have cptsd and i really appreciate the detail that the cat with cptsd was stung multiple times over and over again which matches cptsd often being caused by long term trauma that could not be avoided for one reason or another. these are amazing depictions!
I love how you are able to portray such difficult mental illnesses in a more goofy and lighthearted way! :)
One of my school friends has post traumatic stress and alarms really stress her out, she told me one day that when the government warning for a bad storm went off on her phone, she threw the phone across the room and wanted all the windows open which resulted in some soggy carpets and cold rooms
Hi @Nonexistent_croissant, thank you for sharing that, it really highlights how deeply triggers can affect someone with post-traumatic stress. It sounds like your friend was trying to regain control in a moment of intense distress, reliving past experiences. It’s great that you’re noticing and understanding what she’s going through; empathy, when possible, makes a big difference in situations like these. ✌
I doubt anyone will see this, but these little videos really help me remember to keep taking my meds.
Much love, thanks for everything.
Hey @utopia9639, I see you! 😊 I’m so glad the videos are helping you-it means a lot to hear that. Taking care of yourself is so important, and if these can be a little reminder, then that’s amazing. Sending much love back to you, and thanks for your support! ☘😺💖
hi
I wouldnt say its CPTSD, but I have a fear of stairs. I have to walk down them sideways or pigeon toed one firm step at a time. As a kid I lived in an older styled house with a narrow staircase, I fell down it a lot. I still have that lingering fear of falling down the stairs whenever I have to walk up or down them as an adult.
Hi @ClownBARF, it sounds like that fear of falling has really stuck with you after all those falls as a kid. It's not exactly CPTSD, but it’s a genuine fear based on those past experiences. The way you cope, like walking sideways or one step at a time, is a smart way to manage it. I hope you continue to find ways to feel safe and at ease! Thanks so much for sharing your story. 💖
Not really related to PTSD, but these cats are relatable. I can’t be in a 20 foot radius of a bee/wasp without freaking out 😭
Funny enough, bees are actually apart of my ptsd. When I was a toddler, a bee managed to fly right between my glasses and stung me in the EYEBALL. Been terrified of them since and will refuse to go outside when it's their season. I've been working with myself on managing it, logic over fear. Gotta leave the house if I want to survive with food, bills, etc.
Hi @lottafandoms,
That sounds like such a scary experience! I really admire your effort to manage it and use logic over fear. It takes a lot of strength to face fears, especially ones tied to past trauma. Thank you for sharing, and sending you my support! 💖
THANK YOU SO MUCH I suffer from c-ptsd from being abused as a kid and seeing this actually made my day so much better :3
Dear @LuciferzLittleHelper, thank you so much for sharing! I can relate to that, and I appreciate that my animation could make you feel better. Unfortunately, when certain things are denied to us in childhood, it can leave an empty void that may never be fully filled. However, developing a strong sense of self can help guide us through those feelings and find our own way to heal. It’s not an easy journey, but with time and self-compassion, it’s possible to create a fulfilling life. Thank you for your support, and I’m sending you all my best wishes. ❤☘
Am still suffering from CPTSD, also having Asperger (remember unnecessary things too good), and deeply feels my ADHD get damaged real bad by CPTSD too, can’t remember what to do (even I do memo it, I forgot where it went) and getting more anxious of trying myself very hard to remember the things I can’t remember, than I will get in arguments with people to be more emotional, and later on drinking and smoking strong stuffs all over.
Petey gets stabbed 20 times by 3 bees
I love these animations way too much, they're so nice! And seeing new characters added to the cast is always great to see!
Just for fun, here's the names of the ND cast i've collected thus far from reading the commends of the previous episodes and from the community posts. Hopefully they're all accurate!:
autism - Aspy
adhd - Pixi
tourette - Little Tourettes
ocd - Ossie
dyslexia - Syd
schizophrenia - Skit
bipolar-1 (yellow cat) - Bipo
bipolar-2 (orange cat) - Mania
borderline personality disorder - Bidi
Bidi's dog - Bo
ptsd (blue cat) - Pete
cptsd (orange cat) -Cippi
dyscalculia - Amy Mc Wise
Hey @Plasmawario, thank you so much! I’m really glad you’re enjoying the animations and the growing cast of characters. It’s awesome that you’ve been paying such close attention and collecting all their names-I truly appreciate it, and it means a lot. Thanks again for your support and for being such a great part of the community! 😺❤️
I legit have a phobia of bees after an event in my childhood of getting stung twice, falling onto the ground and crawling uphill towards my house.
I have either CPTSD or PSTD (I don't remember, I was diagnosed a long time ago)
It was from my dad dying in a car accident when I was 4. It makes it like really fuckn hard for me to drive on my own. Or even being in cars.
My personal favorite things in this video:
A solid blue Cat! I've never seen one in this series before, nor did I think I would! (Plus, their walking animation reminds me of Little Tourette which I also find adorable)
A cat with stripes too! The cats in this series are really starting to evolve, aren't they?
There's even a reminder that Halloween is coming pretty soon too :3
As for my questions for you, @Pixi-Gags they are:
What are the names and genders of the two new cats?
What disorder or disorders do you plan on doing for the next animation?
When do you plan on using the remaining cats on you channel banner?
The animation of the orange guy scratching his side felt so fluid like adjusting a fuzzy sock hugging your leg
Thanks a lot, @Rice_Wolf! I am glad you like the animation of Cippi scratching himself. All the best! ☘✌
CUTIESS🎉🎉
Thanks Nicka, I am glad you like them!
@@PixiGags OMG
This is a perfect way to describe the difference between PTSD and CPTSD
Thank you so much, @mariemays4087! I am glad that you find this way of describing the difference between PTSD and CPTSD helpful. Thanks so much for sharing! 💖
I've never received a diagnosis, but as someone who has experienced multiple repeated traumas throughout my childhood, I have been able to resonate with C-PTSD as a condition a lot. This is possibly the Neurodiverse Friends video that resonates with me the most. Exposure to repeated traumatic events, and developing seemingly unrelated triggers from them is such a real thing for me. One of my biggest traumas stems from being in a toxic friend group with a neglective, emotionally and verbally abusive partner, and friends who didn't care enough to help me, for many years. So now I can't handle being in big groups. I feel really anxious, uncomfortable, and out of place when I'm in them. I honestly prefer having one or two close friends and a LOT more alone time than before, to recharge. Even just being ignored by someone when I'm speaking to them, regardless of if it was intentional or not, or certain words people say (even when intended with love), can cause an internal spiral, reminding me of what they did. Random things just suddenly become so personal and I hate it. I'm getting better at managing my symptoms and not outwardly reacting, as logically I know a lot of it isn't personal. But it's tough, I still feel the pain inside. It also makes connecting with people so much harder than it used to be, when you hardly have the social battery to deal with so many people, let alone even wanting to let them into your life. it's become so draining and stress-inducing to get too close to more than just a few people, and sometimes I feel like a monster for it. The most I can do is keep a lot of people at arms length, being well acquainted with them, but I literally can't handle letting too many into my life, even though I have a big heart and care about others and want to connect. I feel like a monster in a lot of ways, a lot of my trauma has left me feeling like one.
But your videos humanise these conditions, and remind me that I'm just a person who is hurting. And that brings me comfort, and takes the pressure off a lot. It's healing in a way.
So thank you for making this video, and making me and so many others feel seen. I absolutely adore this series, and I look forward to seeing more of it. Know that you are doing something amazing with your animating gift 🙏(also, the animals in these videos are so cute 😭).
Hi @Em-ig1ri, thank you so much for sharing this-your message is deeply moving. The experiences you describe, from struggling with trust in groups to facing painful triggers from the past, feel so real. It’s completely understandable that navigating relationships would feel complicated, especially with those past dynamics lingering so strongly in your memory. The natural desire to connect and build close relationships is something so many can relate to, yet letting people in can feel overwhelming and even risky.
Holding people at arm’s length is a valid, protective response shaped by what you've been through. We live in a world where people are often driven by unconscious needs, and sometimes, they end up hurting others without even realizing it (and sometimes knowingly)-including those closest to us. Thank you for opening up about your experiences and for enjoying my characters; it truly means a lot! ❤️
0:32 i paused at the wrong time oh god-
CPTSD one is relatable, my brain likes to keep things interesting so it rolls the dice on what panic response it chooses each time. Sometimes I'll get really hostile out of nowhere, other times ill start eyeballing the nearest exit, and my favorite where I just disassociate. The last one is really fun where I just lose half an hour or so of my day that I'll never be able to get back or remember.
Hi @jeremyfisher8512! Thank you for sharing your experience. It sounds really challenging, and I can relate to what you’re going through. It’s important to note that these reactions are often triggered by something specific, like an image, certain words, or music connected to past events. When that happens, your brain starts to remember, and the amygdala-the part of the brain that processes emotions, especially fear-kicks in. It sends you into panic mode to protect you, which can bring back negative memories and reactivate that cycle.
I know from personal experience that these ruminating loops can last a long time. One strategy you might try is developing an internal observer-a part of yourself that watches those memories without engaging with them. Think of it like a music conductor who stays at a distance, guiding without playing the instruments. It’s definitely easier said than done, but if you keep at it, there’s hope. Wishing you all the best! ❤️
@@PixiGags Wow I wasn't expecting a response, that's very thoughtful. The main way I've been able to deal with it is meditation, trying to feel some of those emotions again a little bit at a time and sometimes that de-sensitizes me. CPTSD is difficult because its not just one event or trigger to work at but over time it helps a lot.
I'm surprised this worked without saying a word and honestly a little impressed it did
Thanks a lot for sharing, @superiris05! I am so glad you feel that way. 💖
i'm obsessed with your art style and feel so seen within your work. a lot of people do. i have cPTSD [plus more] and feeling the urge to flee when something vaguely represents a "bee" happens daily, but it's comforting to know i'm not the only one & that there's a whole neurodiverse community now to lean on during my healing journey! thank you for sharing this 🧡
Thank you so much, @khaosinc2015! It means the world to hear that my work resonates with you and helps you feel seen. That urge to flee is so relatable, and it can feel isolating at times, but you're definitely not alone-many share this experience. I’m truly honored to be part of your healing journey and send you all my support! 🧡
Like always, I love the research and care that goes into these animations, how it handles a lot of touchy topics with a lot of good rep rather than marginalizing people with disorders even further, keep it up!!
I like how you tried to be descriptive yet not gatekeeping. Far too often people say you can only have PTSD / C-PTSD if you were hit or sexually abused (even some professionals :P).
How can those bees be so adorable yet so mean at the same time? :(
Then again, cats can be the same.
Yay!! I’m so glad PTSD + CPTSD is getting noticed :D
i feel like i have c-ptsd but i haven't been diagnosed
i wish people could just understand sometimes :( glad it's represented here!
Hi @spectralkitty25! I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling with feelings of CPTSD without a formal diagnosis. It’s definitely challenging when people don’t understand what you’re going through. I’m glad the representation in the video helps. Everyone, to some extent, can react to past experiences when triggered, not just those with CPTSD. Schools and society could definitely benefit from more education on this topic. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! ❤
I deal with CPTSD and im glad something like this can really be used to represent how sometimes irrational CPTSD triggers can feel. I sometimes feel like im stupid for being scared of certain things despite knowing its part of an issue/trauma i cant control. Thank you for spreading awateness!
Hi @graciedavis7266, thank you so much for sharing your experience. I’m really glad to hear that you found the representation helpful. You’re absolutely not stupid for feeling that way-CPTSD triggers can seem irrational, but they’re deeply tied to past trauma, even if it’s not always obvious in the moment. It’s great that you’re recognizing it as something beyond your control. I’m grateful to help raise awareness, and I wish you all the best on your journey! ❤
WAIT SO IM NOT BEING EXTRA??? THATS AN ACTUAL SYMPTOM???
Thank you so much for helping me Pixi
I love this! Sorry this is late btw. I really appreciate the way you represented the differences of PTSD and CPSD. I actually have PTSD myself, so I really appreciate the repersentation!
Dear @Angler_of_the_Seas11875,
I’m so glad you liked this representation, and it means a lot that you found the differences between PTSD and CPTSD clear! Thank you so much for your kind words. 💖✌
I have PTSD. I definitely resonated with the way Petey was portrayed-- the absolute panic at even the suggestion of something similar or a memory can be debilitating.
Hi @aynDRAWS, I’m really sorry to hear about your experience with PTSD, but I’m glad that Petey’s portrayal resonated with you. The panic and anxiety that can come with even a small reminder are truly overwhelming. Thank you for sharing, and I hope the episode also brought some comfort. ❤
@@PixiGags If Petey is the name of the blue cat, does the orange one have a name too? They're really relatable and cute, I (and likely others) want to know what to call both of them... The orange cat is my favorite character of yours so far, I feel seen. Such a good video
@@bdura2021 i thought the orange cat was petey,
@@FranklinBell-jt4il I have no idea anymore
I really do like that the orange cat is able to tolerant and eventually thrive being around a possible trigger. I know its such a short moment of it, but it really makes me happy! Im working on dealing with my triggers too, and I hope I can thrive just like that orange cat. - The blue one is also really interesting! I didnt figure that a small event could be such a horrible trigger later on for people, but these comments are really amazing to learn from. We all got this!!❤ - and last bit, I love these shorts alot, as always amazing work Pixi-gags :)
everytime when i see a bee,wasp,hornet or a yellow jacket i always have the urge to run away from it whenever i'm with my class or family or walking outside alone because i don't want to be stinged
AAAAA i cant anymore Autism cat is too nice.
Hi @JoyTaylor-10! I’m glad you like Aspy’s bee costume. Thanks for your feedback! 😺🐝
I have CPTSD, and this is such a well done simplified depiction of it. CPTSD needs to be talked about more.
Yup. That's how it feels. Thanks for all the cute animations!
I really love this series! You do a good job conveying certain nuances in such a short span of time. I do have one point to make on this video, I thought the blue cat was an example of coping with danger in a healthy way while the orange represented ptsd. I think the two disorders would lend better to having their own video because cptsd isn’t a milder form of ptsd it’s a separate disorder. The blue cat reacted to the danger appropriately, learning from its past and feeling stress when the danger was around again. Someone with cptsd would feel that anxiety with no bee around or often nothing to remind them of the bee while someone with ptsd might feel the actual stings of the bee again when he sees his friend in the costume.
Dear @taryn5330,
Thank you so much for loving the series and for sharing your thoughtful feedback! Yes, CPTSD and PTSD are distinct disorders, and I completely agree that each could benefit from their own video to fully explore their nuances. I really appreciate your insight into how Pete and Cippi's behaviors could be interpreted differently-it’s such a valuable perspective. Wishing you all the best! 🌈
I also wanted to point out that CPTSD doesn’t mean your injuries are worse than people with ptsd, cptsd just means we have repeated encounters with said bees
wasn't expecting to cry at this of all things... especially when the orange one scratched right before it was stung again. it's so simple but so many things can have bee stripes.
I’ve never been Stung but the thought terrifies me
Same! Even if I wasn't allergic (I sincerely hope I'm not) it would still hurt!
@@tkf15 I’m not sure if I’m allergic either but I don’t want to find out
You know its a problem when i relate to a watered down PG cartoon version of what i went through
I was recently doing research on ptsd and c-ptsd so seeing this was a great coincidence! :]
Hi @blapii! Yes, it is. I really hope this episode will be helpful. While there's comedy involved, I've made sure to portray PTSD and CPTSD accurately. All the best!
the biggest thing I hate about dealing with CPTSD is the paradoxical feeling of having traumatic memories of dealing with trauma.
I was very aware of these things when I was a kid and I was able to recognize that I was being traumatized while it was happening to me but I did not have the confidence or courage to force my way out of it. by the time I was a teen I could not ask for help and the few people I ever attempted to be vulnerable to, (mostly in relationships) were not nice to me. I was aware that things weren't right and that I needed help and that I would end up just like I am now if I didn't find a way out, but I simply could not do it on my own. I hid myself from everyone since I feared that people would end up upset with me and tell me it actually is my fault, but if I truly was being wronged then someone would notice and help me out. this unhealthy perspective of being aware yet still critical of myself in the most basic way lead to the nesting of my trauma.
To this day I still feel panic attacks and get bad flashback memories of having to deal with panic attacks and flashbacks when I was younger and had absolutely no help. let alone trying to tackle the major long term events that lead to the start of all this trauma in the first place since I before I could speak.
I always describe the difference of PTSD and CPTSD as a tangled knot of string/rope/wire. PTSD looks like a tangle you can understand how to undo. It's still not simple and never is quick, its going to take a lot of patience but when you look at it, it seems possible to untangle if you just focus on one part at a time and take your time. CPTSD looks like a bird's nest or woven ball of several individual strings. you still have to be patient and focus on one thing at a time but often times the tangled mass is so complicated and messy that you'll reach dead ends and have to work on other parts and other strings. None of them ever really coming undone and sometimes it feels like you're making stuff worse as parts of the knots tighten while you loosen something, eventually you have this exploded ball off strings, with a tightly bound core you're still working on but eventually it will happen, it just takes A LOT of patience and the will to try to understand every bit of this tangled knot as best as you can
Cats that aren't yellow!What a surprise!
I have CPTSD and PTSD (meaning I have ptsd triggered by long term traumas where i take a long time to feel calm after the initial trigger, and i have some trauma that gets triggered thats from a single event with a lesser response and i'm fine right after after)
and I feel like this 1min vid explains what it looks like having either one quite well
New headcanon, Petey is afraid of bees
Is Petey the name of the blue cat?
@@bdura2021 In the book series Dogman, there is a cat character named Petey who bears a striking resemblance to the orange cat.
@@aidenl.6702 Ahh ok. Thank you
It's so nice to have a way to explain this without having to dump so much actual explanation into all of it. Not that my previous ones were lacking, but explaining how things become instinct is... Hard, especially with painful stuff.
Hi @Suicutie, I’m so glad this helps explain things in a simpler way! I know it can be really hard to put those instinctive and painful feelings into words. It’s great that this lets you express it without needing to explain everything in detail. Thanks so much for sharing! ✌