Why Join OOTS?

As Dr. Judith Herman proposes in the following excerpt from her book “Trauma and Recovery” there is power and healing in community:

Traumatic events destroy the sustaining bonds between individual and community. Those who have survived learn that their sense of self, of worth, of humanity, depends upon a feeling of connection with others. The solidarity of a group provides the strongest protection against terror and despair, and the strongest antidote to traumatic experience. Trauma isolates; the group re-creates a sense of belonging. Trauma shames and stigmatizes; the group bears witness and affirms. Trauma degrades the victim; the group exalts her. Trauma dehumanizes the victim; the group restores her humanity.

Repeatedly in the testimony of survivors there comes a moment when a sense of connection is restored by another person’s unaffected display of generosity. Something in herself that the victim believes to be irretrievably destroyed---faith, decency, courage---is reawakened by an example of common altruism. Mirrored in the actions of others, the survivor recognizes and reclaims a lost part of herself.

Herman, J. (1997). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence from domestic abuse to political terror. New York: Basic Books

About Out of the Storm (OOTS)

Out of the Storm (OOTS) is a free and anonymous community of English speaking adults suffering from the symptoms of Complex PTSD due to repeated/prolonged relational trauma (i.e., sexual/physical/emotional abuse or neglect). While most members here endured abuse/neglect in their childhoods, survivors of relational trauma from abuse in adulthood are also welcome in this community.  A formal diagnosis of Complex PTSD is not required to join, anyone is welcome who has a history of ongoing abuse/neglect. Non-survivors are welcome to read, but may not join or participate at OOTS.

OOTS was created in August 2014 by Canadian survivor Kizzie to provide an online community where survivors of relational trauma could connect with others and find/share information and resources relating to Complex PTSD. Unlike most other sites, there is no cost to join or participate at OOTS. OOTS has a sister site Out of the FOG (Fear, Obligation and Guilt) which was founded in 2007 and is dedicated to helping people dealing with the personality disorder of someone in their lives. OOTS is supported financially and with our IT by OOTF. Donations to help with the running of both sites are welcomed and may be made here https://outofthefog.website/support/.

The OOTS forum was designed according to adult learning theory by the founder Kizzie who holds a doctorate in Education. She and her colleague, Dr. Rita Kop of the Adult Education program at Yorkville University conducted a research study to determine if the forum promotes self-directed learning, the construction of knowledge about the lived experience of Complex PTSD, and an increased sense of belonging and agency and the data confirm that the design does as was intended. For more information please see their article  It’s Not Just About Support: Self-Directed Learning in an Online Self-Help Group. Readers/members will also note there are many academic research articles included throughout the site to ensure the information/resources provided are evidence based.

It is worthwhile noting here that the terms “Complex PTSD” (CPTSD) and “Complex Relational Trauma Response” (CRTR) are used interchangeably throughout the site. CRTR is considered less stigmatizing because it emphasizes that our symptoms are responses to trauma inflicted by others rather than suggesting we are disordered. Also, it also does not place trauma in the past (i.e., “post”) because for many of us this is not the case; our trauma is ongoing.  

In addition to offering support and information, OOTS is also involved in raising awareness about relational trauma and advocating for more and better treatment, services, and support worldwide.