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Finding Strength in Numbers: Why community support is crucial for cptsd healing.

Writer's picture: Heather ChapplainHeather Chapplain

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Like me maybe you are a combination of the two.


If you are an introvert you may find solitude and a quite the best environment for rejuvenating yourself. You most likely need time to reflect and recharge, I know from my own experience this to beis true. Especially if I have been out socializing, going to events or even partaking in the things I really enjoy, I need to allow downtown afterwards to regroup and reenergize myself to go forward. You also may find that you have trouble participating in small talk and much more prefer to talk about more meaningful and deeper things. Personally I was never one to join in on big group activities, some of it stemmed from fear and a lack of confidence, but as while growing older grown I find that it is a protective mechanism for me, because of my personal experience with CPTSD.



You also may find that you are creative and enjoy doing and creating things on your own. Most likely you are a very deep thinker and prefer to avoid overstimulation. All of this is totally okay, it is by discovering and uncovering what works specifically for you that you can build in times of social interaction that suit what is best for your own mental and spiritual healing. We are all individual and have different percentage of both in our make up.


I remember the first time someone told me I was an introvert, I took it has an insult because the social atmosphere at that time with where I was in life was all about being super active in the church. I did not understand the whole scope of things. Now with all the research and understanding I have done I am able to create a very personalized approach to this topic with myself and more importantly in helping others.


On the other hand you may be more of an extrovert. If you find that you thrive on being around lots of people and activities. You are talkative and expressive, love new experiences and have a wide range of interests, especially those involving lots of people. You most likely lean towards the extrovert point on the scale.


Community is not just about connecting with others, but about finding a place where you truly belong and can be your authentic self.


If you are an introvert/extrovert you may find that once you are more comfortable with certain people and places you are more able to come out of yourself and let your personality shine.


The same holds true for an extrovert/introvert, you just have to flip the coin, meaning that you need to feel really comfortable with people before going into deeper conversations ect. So that you fell safe. It is the same type of feeling that both types are after, feeling safe and free from fear.






This is why uncovering and understanding your personal make up on the introvert extrovert scale can help and guide you when making dicisions around how active you will be in your community and the type of activities you sign up for.


If you are a combination of the two or lean more in one direction than the other it is important for you to understand how to build in a sense of community for yourself. Here is an example for you, I can go days without interacting with others and sometimes that is okay, however it is important that we know the signs that can lead to a downward spiral if we isolate ourselves to much. On the otherhand if you relate more to the extrovert you also need to be careful to not be involved in so many things that it leads you to burn out. The more you get to know and understand your own make up concerning introvert and extrovert balance the easier it will be for you when creating w day to day, weekly and monthly plan for your life.


To the other extreme you can sometimes go completely in the opposite direction, doing to much, over burdening yourself and nt finding the right balance specifically for you. During my own healing journey it has been and continues to be very important to remember where I am on this introvert/extrovert scale.


Here is another example for you, once I have gotten to know people or have become comfortable with certain situations or places I can totally embrace my extrovert side. This was made very clear to me only yesterday while doing a collaboration with a group of photographers.

We were shooting at the Halifax water front by the harbour. It is a beautiful place full of activities, restaurants, play grounds, venders and many things to do. This is a situation I am comfortable in. I know what to do and what is expected of me and I tend to feel very comfortable with myself. During yesterdays shoot a couple of people stopped and chatted and I invited them in to be part of the experience, not something I would normally do, but like I said it was a situation I am comfortable in.


It is the same when I am invited to speak or be on a podcast, I must make sure to allow enough down time before and after to recharge, regroup and get the self care I need before moving forward.


So where do you feel you fall on the introvert/extrovert scale? I will leave you with a few journal prompts to help you uncover some traits to help you move forward in your healing journey.



  1. How do you recharge? Are you more energized after having time alone or socializing with others?

  2. Do you enjoy small gatherings or thrive in group settings?

  3. How do you feel about spending time alone, do you find it to be enjoyable or uncomfortable?


These are just a few questions you can ask yourself to discover more about yourself and in creating your own support system for your healing journey. I would like to invite you to become a part of our Sacred Healing Circle private community, you can check it out here. Thank you for your time and know that no matter where you fall on the introvert/extrovert scale you are beautiful just the way you are.


About the author:


Heather Chapplain, is a passionate and highly skilled Master Life Coach dedicated to helping individuals towards a holistic approach to healing. With deep empathy and understanding, I draw from my own personal experience with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) to guide others in their own healing journeys.


My unique methodology focuses on integrating thefive essential pillars of healing: mind, body, spirit, environment and style. Together, we will dive into the depths of your being as we address past traumas and nurturing your mental well-being. We'll explore how physical health plays an integral role in wellness and incorporate practices that nourish your body, mind and spirit. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter"The Life Edit" and start yourholistic approach to healing now.



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