For the last two years I’d been struggling with occupational burnout and depression. Climbing out now, feeling better. Doing better at work thanks to a lot of self-care and the daily practice. When you can call out your resentment and fear, it’s easier to approach your issues.

I told someone one time that the irony of growing up way fast was not being able to grow up.

I have been stuck in minimum wage jobs for over 20 years in customer service. I absolutely hate it, yet I am trapped. I am currently depressed and angry at going in tomorrow. 40 hours a week of demands and in return, I don’t earn enough to live. I am tired. This channel is very helpful. Thank you.

Very recognizable that childhood traumas still effect me in my adulthood.

It’s 10:30 at night and without going into the story of the reason why …I just wanted to tell you Anna , you have no idea how especially profound the timing of this video is. I don’t know if it’s too late or how much the world needs a 54 year old - but Thank You for stepping into what the world needs from you , Anna K. 🙂👍🏻

CPTSD SYMPTOMS 13:08 #1 crap fitting 17:09 #2 getting into family dynamics at work 20:15 #3 parentifying people you work with and behaving like the child you were 28:20 #4 spending your energy convincing your boss that you are good instead spending it on your development 32:27 #5 your line of work is full of traumatized people 35:35 #6 delivering too strong trauma responses at work : flight, fight, freeze, fun/accommodating, f* 38:02 #7 controlling your trauma symptoms by keeping things small 39:09 #8 emotional dysregulation showing at work with, for example, shaky productivity WHAT THINGS TO HEAL 44:06 #1 heal wearing your past (or your present) on your sleeve 48:35 #2 under- or overfunctioning (learn to set boundaries) 51:02 being overwhelmed 57:02 keeping things small as sign of underfuntioning 58:04 not asking for what we want as sign of underfunctioning 58:57 doing too much /overfunctioning (but not getting recognition) 59:45 #3 getting dysregulated at work: too emotional, sick too often, with productivity crashes and coming across as angry and conflictual, not able to take criticism, being vague about money, and about sexual boundaries - meditate/do the daily practice and learn to take lucid and unemotional decisions about every situation 1:12:14 #4 drama brought into your life by other people (partner, kids, boss, friends) who cause you emotional hangover and so derail your career 1:16:15 #5 choosing bosses, co-workers, projects, clients, and work environments who mimic your family and invalidate you: step forward, step up, step out 1:21:48 link to the exercise One Year to Heal 1:22:25 VIDEO "HEAL TRAUMA AND FIND WORK YOU ARE MEANT FOR" 1:40:30 From VIDEO "STOP CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAUMA AS WORKER OR CUSTOMER" ! bad customer service is the biggest CPTSD trigger and a cause for dysregulation: how to create a positive experience and path to CPTSD healing 5 tips for cs workers: 1:52:37 make a welcoming statement 1:53:23 use friendly words and tone of voice, 1:53:53 demonstrate empathy by acknowledging their problem 1:54:41 put things into positive by saying what's possible instead of what is not possible 1:55:35 offer options 5 tips for customers 1:56:47 great, make eye contact 1:57:10 use friendly words and tone of voice 1:57:30 explain the problem quickly and without blame or long stories 1:57:53 if needed, demonstrate empathy to the worker and assume they handle your request in good faith 1:58:51 treat the agent with patience and kindness even if the solution is not fully to your liking

68 years old and this lady knows my entire life story.

I never leave youtube comments because I feel like a lot of the times they are like shouting into the void and I also kind of assume most content creators don't read them often because they can (understandably) be really toxic. But I really felt compelled to leave a comment because I've been silently watching for years and really found a lot of help, encouragement, and symptom relief from your advice that even years of therapy and medication never quite seemed to stick (both important tools but it just felt like something else was missing). Today I was REALLY struggling with career troubles, and having really defeatist and dark thoughts like maybe a dignified, well paying job is something I will just never deserve or have, and I'm so stuck in the exhaustion and chaos of never having enough money that I got to thinking maybe its just not really worth living a life that will never get better. But the fact that this video was uploaded TODAY, talking about almost my exact situation, and your advice really gives me a lot of hope. The timing is so coincidental I just cannot express how grateful I am that you make this content and put it out there for free and that it somehow seems to come at exactly the right time. I guess there's nothing new under the sun and it makes sense we're all going through different flavors of the same thing a lot of the times, but when you're in a dark place it's so easy to forget that and feel hopeless. Hearing that it can be overcome, and that it's not impossible, really genuinely means so much, so thank you so much for what you do!

I always thought that I would hate therapy, so I never went. Then I found this channel and a few other channels, and I realize how smart compassionate and experienced you are in many of the same things I went through. Today I’m going to my first appointment I wanna say thank you for opening up my eyes to the fact that there is help out there.

Thank you for this. I’ve always wondered why I haven’t held down a steady job since 1974. Except for when I was a stripper, that worked out pretty well. But the work was soul-killing. 😢

I've been with my organization for 5 years now, and it's like being in an abusive relationship. I wanted to quit shortly after starting, but none of the other jobs I was eligible for provided any sort of benefits besides health insurance (if that) and I was 35 and needed to start saving for retirement. This job has taken my time, energy and sanity, and I recently became a supervisor because I need to pay off my debt, but I'm so ready to walk away. I've wanted to quit so many times, and so many of my coworkers are just in this death march. I'm so tired of working jobs that take over my life. I shouldn't tolerate being treated terribly, working horrible hours just to make a living.

My last job truly gave me workplace PTSD. Especially now that I’m in a career field and was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis I fear the unknown because I have a new supervisor who don’t necessarily understand my situation because it is a invisible disability and I don’t want to lose my job but I should not be spending my whole weekend with anxiety going to work tomorrow. I feel like life has really passed me bye, although I have accomplished a lot of things in my 44 years but I’ve been working through childhood trauma and brokenness

I was ignored my entire career as a teacher unless I did something "bad" then it was magnified by administrators. I stayed in that district because my spouse didn’t want to leave the town. Once I left I knew I'd find better and I did.

Thanks for telling us What To Do (like the being late example) after the Don't Do This. These things were never modeled for us.

This is a gold mine Anna, I wish you could do more of these, about money/business/career. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.

I feel frozen. I can't even clean my room. But I try everyday I m stressed and cry

Wow... I hope more people watch this video! Almost all of this hits quite a lot of my issues. I had realized I was being held back by childhood trauma but wasn't sure how it was really affecting me. I almost always blame it on my bipolar, so it's interesting to hear that it's also the PTSD from childhood. I am in the middle of a job transition due to a high tech layoff of that "easy" drone like job to going back to my old skillset. I just got a new job where I have to go back into the office 5 days a week and it's really triggering a lot of my anxieties, after working from home for 3.5 years. This video has really helped me re-focus and not be so freaked out about starting this whole new routine. Also, not currently having insurance or when I had insurance that didn't really cover mental health, these Crappy Childhood videos have been my therapist. You are fabulous in how you speak out these issues and letting us into your shared experiences of childhood PTSD. Please keep up the great work... thank you!

I'm not afraid of opportunities. My issue is that everyone sucks. My trauma is in not getting enough support with my work despite asking for help and staying my boundaries. I move to something else and have the same issue.

I am a new teacher and in my 2nd month of teaching. Honestly, it's incredibly stressful. Though I don't like the idea of quitting, I'm already getting strongly repulsed to go to work. I started the school year hopeful and full of spirits, but I'm already feeling burnt out, numb, dissociated. I've tried to stay calm but the students have triggered me a good number of times. I just don't even have the motivation or want to plan for the next day at this point. Sure, plenty of people will tell you you won't feel motivated to do your job just do it, but this is really hard when you're already struggling with depression and anxiety. I'm just not getting any enjoyment out of it. I'm just so tired.

My work life has consisted of unchallenging but relatively un-stressful jobs that fall far short of testing my capabilities. I'm finally starting to understand why.

Mine is feeling overwhelmed and calling in sick ( I wake CVup full of anxiety ) to regulate myself and go to bed - I’m working hard on it. I’m also the late person then I’m full of shame and set myself up that feeds into my I’m not good enough when I am very intelligent- every manager told me you’re an amazing worker smashing your targets but your sick days are becoming a problem. My mam snd brother passed this year and I’m interviewing so this is stuff I really need to work on and putting plans in place when I feel in regulated I’m like this years and was never fired - I’d set myself to feel not good enough - not good with people in power then I’d resign - that’s been my pattern and I’m in my 40’s I really want to change in my new job when I get one. I want to make mum snd CV my brother proud

This so describes me in my whole career. I wish I had 'met' you 40 years ago.

Could you share /make a video about how you managed to build your own enterprise with C-PTSD? I have always had the desire to work self employed and I do have ideas but somehow feel paralysed to start implementing them. I think that this is related to growing up with a narcissistic mother who punished me whenever I was myself (I have come a long way since then /made progress but am still dealing with anxiety /self-sabotage, in particular with respect to visibility to others) and who demanded nothing but perfectionism.

I really needed this!!-- thanks Anna. Actually needed it so long ago too. Lol

This is me. So much. Pretty much ruined my career when I unloaded on a bully of a boss. The company nearly went under, but was saved by an innovation of mine. Yet I was one of the many let go, and a few of my former coworkers are now being extremely handsomely rewarded building on the effort and hard work and ideas that I put forward. Unfair, and I am still resentful from it, especially when I see bystanders and investors praising them for my discovery. I wish I had seen this clip, and your channel 18 months ago.......

I got a promotion and I realized how it negatively affected my mental health. I stepped back and my life returned to normal. Got to agree wih Anna that fixing my past trauma should be my priority before taking on the next step.

My last attempt at a job actually hurt me. But, I wanted to share that one of the chiropractors loves watching you program 😄

"Change the thing that's right in front of you," is good advice. And to pick something that feels simple and easy enough to tackle, then do the next thing. Important to make it manageable. I've found I tend to get overwhelmed by two things: 1) having too many choices, and 2) fear of making an irrevocable "wrong" choice because I was taught at an early age that my decisions were right or wrong, succeed or fail, with no alternatives available. Both lead to overwhelm, decision paralysis and ultimately not making any decision at all. I've dealt with the former situation very effectively, but am still coming to terms with the latter.

Holy moly!!! These videos are opening my eyes at the places where I am stuck as an adult, I’ve settled in my career space, and I know I am worth so much more! You hit the nail on the head when it comes to working in teams, I got so used to self isolating And being a Lonewolf, even in my work that now it’s hard to work in teams, which is not a good thing since my main experience is in marketing. You’ve inspired me to break my old habits and to reach higher ….

I can only handle a very limited amount of stress due to complex PTSD,Anxiety and Depression...

Again Anna has this AMAZING way of simplifying the difficulty of dealing w under earning, self esteem issues. Anna! Thank you 😊

Thank you for this video. In the last 2 years, I've pushed myself to do the challenging jobs, but I didn't have the skills or the emotional regulation to cope. I'm between jobs right now and working on healing. It was nice to hear that I'm not alone in my work struggles and that positive change can occur.

O.M.G the description. I always question if I can blame the trauma for the way I felt blocked in finding my purpose. I do feel like I could've connected to it sooner if I hadn't had to go through trauma and lose myself first, but I always worry that maybe I'm just playing the victim and it was just all me. I always feel I lacked guidance, but also question if I can really truly blame them. In any case that description was so spot on and validating. That feeling of being outside of your life, waiting to jump in, for it to begin. I remember that WELL and it is so validating and crazy to hear someone describe the exact same experience

I never been able to keep a job. I end ip crying in the lunch room or bathroom uncontrollably. All my life. I’m 59. I gave up having any kind of career. It happens everywhere I go. It’s not others it’s me. I’m very jaded. When I’m not at a job I’m happy and live in peace but the workplace has been like my home life growing up.

I STOPPED complaining about my job, getting mixed up with the other lins staff, and looking for what I could take from it while giving my bare minimum and I was promoted 3 wks. my current boss told me that he realises nothing bothers and I was so proud. I am not suppressing im just not onboarding in the 1st place. Now I can silently pray for ppl instead of resenting them.

Anna, you are a Godsend 🙏 The way that you describe various coping mechanisms and how they manifest in our lives is so eye opening. Your videos help me pin down my issues that I couldn't understand before. Your insights are brilliant and the best part is that your viwers can truly feel how passionate and heartfelt your advice is. Also, thank you for being vulnerable with us and sharing your own traumas and family history. Not many professionals are able or willing to admit to their own weaknesses and faults. Your stories help us relate and not stigmatize some of the dysfunctional behaviors we have. We're all a work in progress and we just want to be better. God bless you and your family and thank you for your amazing work ❤

Whats really bad is having no idea what you want to do Hating every line of work and spending most of your time doing work you hate and feeling drained and it goes on well into your forties

Omg I'm shouting YES every 3 seconds!!!!!!! THANKS FOR SHOWING ME HOW TO CREATE JOY FOR MYSELF

I fully agree!! Along with healing my childhood trauma, I’m dealing with very real physical problems. At 66 almost 67, it’s extremely difficult to find a good job to fit.

Wow Anna!! You really hit it out of the park with this one…. The whole work acknowledgment and trying to find a balance? SPOT ON!! I have struggled with this for years…. I am so happy you came up in my feed today. This is one of your newer episodes, I had been listening to a lot of your previous work and I have to tell you, I needed to hear this specific one today! I am starting a new season in my life after surrounding myself with narcissists for years!!! Ready to take responsibility for all my choices so I can live the life I deserve!! Thanks A!

Yay! As someone who *almost* became homeless a year ago I'm opened for all sorts of financial advice that take C-PTSD into account with arms opened up wide.

OMG. My husband constantly watches violent dramatic shows and as I’m embarking on healing from CPTSD, I can’t handle it!

I work for my parents 🤧 im just now getting ready for a career shift and SO much (jarring) emotion stuff has come up for me and about 2 days into my training I figured that I was living out my toxic and traumatic experiences. And the mental chatter and self-hate thatd bubbled to the top is really pushing me to continue working to heal. Thank youuuu so much for this video! 💌💌

I’m in that place now where they want to promote me and that’s when my self doubt and noticing cptsd is having to be healed. I don’t lash out, I cry and I try to hide it. Not often but that is what lead me to this channel. I am on my 2nd day of the daily practice.

I’m slowly but surely consuming all your content. It’s saving me. Really, it’s saving my life. The “experts” Don’t know what they’re doing most of the time, but you do. Thank you. You’re as close to an expert as I’ve found in this arena.

So true, Everyone has struggles, NO.matter how tough they may seem.

Dear Anna I want you to know that I Thank God for you and everything you have helped me with! I had cptsd and then it went into ptsd again from a abusive Marrage. I just want you to know I have started taking my life back. After not working for more than 10 years. I stepped out of my comfort zone and went after a Job I thought I would NEVER HAVE AGAIN! God Bless you for all of your help and love for those of us who didn't know how to love ourselves. ❤️ IM SO EXCITED FOR THE NEXT PART OF MY LIFE. I never would have had the strength to stand up for myself .

Great topic Anna🪐 thank you! 🧚‍♂️

Yup! I stayed an RN when I could have gone on to NP. It was both VERY healing working in this field, felt fulfilled, doing God's work, etc. HOWEVER, I also 'settled' for wicked management, and narcissistic bosses and I overstayed these places. I would stay, and fight to defend myself..... and it took me literally dying....to have to stop and regroup. This is SO dead on. Now I'm paralyzed. Getting there, but wowzer.

Thank you the videos, this is just what I needed to hear today. Watching your content gives me hope that I can start functioning in the world without having so much trouble getting along and being a part of a team. I appreciate you.

I truly believe the best strategy is to isolate. Isolation isolation isolation. No people, no problem. Anything that comes out is what comes out. Isolation, no people absolutely no people, no living breathing people around you, especially family. That is possible. All it requires is patience. I dislike people, I dislike looking at people

I am so happy that I found you. I am currently making a career move. For the first time, I am being very decisive about what I choose. So, having these realizations and shedding light on the trauma driven decisions I have made in the past is huge! Thank you so much for what you do! I just sit here listen and like the good gospel, I keep talking to my phone with a "Yes! Yes!"

I just want to say that your videos are so empowering. I’m 31 and I’ve fulfilled my childhood dream of becoming a healthcare professional, but it’s draining the life out of me. The daily interactions in the retail setting is not my favorite thing to do…on a long term basis. Working in this field had brought up so many of my unhealed childhood traumas, for which I’m grateful. But I want to change careers to something more entrepreneurial and where I can have and pick my clients. I love how you’ve spoken about this aspect of work… you have no idea how enlightening this is to me! Thanks so much for all your work.

I grew up in a poor divorced dysfunctional house. I didn’t feel loved from either of my parents. I was the assistant mother. My young adult life was shattered by an horrific accident. I was a doer most of my life. I divorced and became a single mom of three young traumatized kids. I am now in my 70’s. I have lost dear family and friends. I had several helpful therapists. My husband is a decade older than me and has health issues. I have survived it all but feel sad often. I had to react and get things done during the traumas and losses. I have become a loner. I have autoimmune diseases. I have tried 3-4 therapists but I cannot connect. My life is physically comfortable but lonely. Do you have any suggestions?

I am really glad I found these podcasts. I think it's amazing you put healing our financial trauma front and center. I have been really anxious around money all my life. Thank you for digging in so incisively.

This came at the right time. It has inspired me to take all my creative skills and energy that I’m giving to an employer that doesn’t value it and my out-of-the-box thinking and apply use the skills to build my own business 🙏🏾

Thank you for this video; I had an aha moment whilst listening. Your work is touching lives. ❤

Anna- I’ve only been watching your videos a few months, but they have truly changed my life. Your coaching and optimism have put me on the path to healing. Thank you for all you do.

I understand what you are saying about getting into college. My family was highly educated too. My mother, grandmother and great grandmother all had 4 year college degrees, but my mother was an alcoholic. My childhood was extremely dysfunctional. Once I got into college, I had no idea what to do on any level!

You are wonderful. Watching this brilliant video is a joyful experience. Congratulations on your great success and thank you so much for helping us achieve ours.

I knew some who used my ADHD diagnoses against me, to advance themselves. But, that was decades ago. As I aged, I learned to enjoy my life a whole lot more. What bugs me about my "trauma" is not being able to convey the hell I went through without sounding pathetic.

The book "Quantum Glory" talks about how we are all connected. It's interesting.

This video was so incredibly healing to watch. To be honest, I almost didn’t because it is so long. But it opened me up to so many questions and opportunities for self-expression and self-reflection. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world, Anna. I credit your content and wisdom to my own personal and professional success. ❤I’m grateful to share this lifetime with you, even if we have not met.

I'm an artist too and I feel stuck too. But I definitely see myself teaching teens, or adults or even small kids. I remember how important and beautiful scape my art lessons were during all my life, how I could fly and distract from my family's disfunction and in the same time expres myself and connect to myself. This video has been an eye opener for me, I hope I will have the courage to do what I need to do. I'm 32, I do have a degree in industrial design but never in my life have had a job, now I'm a mom and my husband is who takes care of providing for us...thinking to change careers or do something, oh gosh... Thanks

Wow what a series of messages straight to my heart. Very inspiring and practical too. I found comedy and film a path of growth as well. Degrees don’t help you if you are limiting yourself. Thanks for sharing this.

I so needed to hear this. I'm so glad this channel exists.

The art part resonated with me beautifully, I adore your work 💖

I go for higher paying jobs but people do trigger me and I always feel inadequate. I feel broken and I don’t know what should I do most of the time.

I don't think my past trauma blocks my career advancement as much as the fact that I just stopped investing in the world and started investing in my spirituality and the next life. Investing in the world to me at this point is like building a house in the grocery line. I'm only gonna be there for a few minutes

Thank you. I am teaching myself to make & edit You Tube videos so I can work for myself. Everything you said resonates as regards employers, especially parentifying bosses.. YES!!! working with traumatised people.

This was so good. I hope you do more videos on career related issues.

I’m 27 and just took a team leader role for the first time. I am really trying; I want to heal ❤

Wow, you just released so much (without knowing how to phrase this more appropriately) emotional constipation in me. I love you for providing this content on your channel. Thank you.

Anna, I love your origin story - it's so relatable ❤ My hope is that the artist who wrote you will re- watch the entire video. I was so resistant to changing careers - until a good friend helped me re-imagine my skill set. Now work is hardly work, yet so rewarding. 85% doesn't feel like work. This is my hope for everyone.

Lost my tenth job, and its been mostly just bad luck I end up working with a terrible unstable employer. Im just so tired of working for others, I have the ideas and talents to do it, but the delayed emotion of losing my job catched up to me and now I just randomly cry, feeling overwhelmed. Im attacked by thoughts of losing my apartment. Thoughts of giving up, running away. Living on my own, unemployed, with cptsd... It sucks

'Standing amidst heaven and earth Connected to all things with Ki (center) My mind is set On the path of echoing All things' That's something i learned along the path of recovering from a TBI for over a decade. Life is difficult. But life is not bad. It's a challenge to be won. Or lost.

Dear Anna! Thank you so much for the work you do and your wonderful channel. There is something about your personality that is so balanced and calming. From the way you look and present yourself to the valuable things you teach people. You are my hero and as hard as it seems now I hope that one day I will achieve enough progress in my healing journey to be the best version of myself. ❤️

Every day was like the first day at every job I had. I was in total panic inside . I retreated inward . It was horrible.

Yaaaaas!! 100% you help people move past trauma AND FREE oneself. So very grateful, please know you've changed my life for the better. Ah ha moments every 3 seconds. Miss Anna THANK U!

I got into the third interview of a job and ended up shooting myself in the foot because of trauma, and I lost the opportunity. Now I am back doing what I hate because I need to pay the bills. It's so disheartening and I feel so trapped. Trying to stay hopeful.

I love this video so much! I have been watching you for years and I am a young comedian :) That's so cool you used to do that too!

Oh my goodness!! This is hitting the spot and completely Divine timing to have your talk come in my feed tonight. I literally posted my first podcast interview in 4 years, 2 hours ago. I started to get scared after it began playing as I got super critical that I was way too vulnerable and shared way too much. I am extremely grateful for your message tonight as I know I am stepping into my Destiny and calling…and it is extremely scary, exhilarating, exciting, beautiful, and I can’t hold back any more. It hurts and is so destructive when I hold back from my gifts, talents and abilities. Thank you for being an amazing resource for me tonight. Wishing you many blessings!!!

Thank you so much for this video. ❤

In this video you described my career life in a nutshell. I just got a job at John Hopkins, and I’m was static. At the same time I was having panic attacks as my starting day was getting closer. I was/ am terrified to fail, to not being liked by my coworkers, and so on and so on… I am working on it though….

I love you videos Anna. I can identify closely with mostly all of them. With me you’ve been a life saver, even though I’m well and truly down the road of life. Thank you very much for your work and May God bless you greatly for your compassion towards others. Kindest of regards, Bill

I love that “exercise choice”

Some women believe that they don’t have ADHD because they can focus while using tools. There is a lot more to adhd than the stereotype of focus, especially in women.

This was soooo helpful! I didn’t even think I needed this and decided to listen anyway. So glad I did! Thank you! 🙏

I can relate.. I live this every day..

Every single day my head my whole body feels pain and I get suddenly angry whenever I remember my past memories. It’s painful

Love your videos darling ❤❤

I found using to do lists with a timer to be most effective!

I am so grateful for your videos. It is really difficult to watch them, but what I can watch is very helpful.

Thank you

Thank you Anna for putting out your wisdom❤

You are such a blessing, your approach and this work is helping me so much. Thank you.

Anna! You have helped heal my dating life with your programs and now I’m finding your content about under earning! Thank you so much!

wondered if I had a stamp on my forehead that states - kick me here ... many jobs in Massachusetts with similar response to black women on fast track in their careers. The toxic actions are totally wild. Then I hear - 'YOU SHOULD SMILE MORE'. Amazing right . These coaching sessions are the best. Thanks for doing what you do.

Finding your videos is such a blessing for me. Thank you.

Money is what give you choice Without money you might be stuck Work lets you shine Childhood ptsd symptoms - Working for abusive people manipulative people. Begin to have some standards.