My name is Isobel! I am 22 years old and currently a Junior in college studying Elementary Education to become a teacher. 

I have struggled with anxiety my whole life. I've been deep-diving into CPTSD and childhood traumas. I believe much of my triggers and anxiety come from having a distant and non-communicative family. My family only consists of my Mom, Dad, and Brother. I don't have any other relatives and my brother was recently admitted to the hospital. My parents like to tell us that everything is okay. They have always told us everything is fine. However, I know that we are not. My mom gets drunk and tells me how we are suffering financially and how deeply lonely she is. Now that I am older she complains to me about my father. 

I find it challenging to make deep connections and to open up. I don't really keep friends. Deep down I have a feeling that everyone is lying to me about how they feel. I feel like this connects to my family telling me "Everything is okay," but as a child, I KNEW it was not.

I am wondering if anyone out there comes from a similar childhood. I want to find a space to openly talk about childhood traumas that aren't as common or understood. Such as a family that you could say, puts on an image to the world that everything is okay and great! When in reality we just don't talk. I felt like I had to walk on eggshells. 

Anyway, I can't wait to have open conversations about unknown childhood traumas that could be affecting us as adults and how we build deeper relationships.