Hi, my name is Shalanda, and I was diagnosed with Complex PTSD about 7 years ago. I also started my journey of recovery around that same time, and have always felt inherently alone in my feelings, and never felt understood or felt as though anyone could relate to me… Almost like I was some kind of alien that did not belong on earth. I come from a past of childhood sexual, physical, verbal and emotional abuse/violence. I have also had multiple near death experiences, intergenerational trauma, unexpected loss of a loved one, traumatic experiences with child birth and miscarriage, and addictions. I have decided to use these experiences to help me work through my recovery, and use my experience to help others who don’t know where to start, or even how to start their mental health journeys . My belief is that together we can find that validation from each other, and finally feel that level of understanding from others so we know we are not alone.