Quiet Confessions: Episode 5 - Triggers, Glimmers, and One Big Win

Quiet Connection - Postpartum Mental Health

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In this solo episode of Quiet Confessions, Chelsea opens up about navigating the landmines of medical trauma, postpartum PTSD, and chronic illness while celebrating a huge personal win: completing a sleep study without a full-blown panic attack.

They share how triggers, like hospitals, ambulances, and even the act of being sick, continue to impact daily life, and how DBT skills, comfort objects, and inner resilience play a role in managing them.

This episode isn't just about trauma, it's also about glimmers—those those tiny moments of peace, humor, or joy that help light the way forward. Chelsea reminds us that our reactions are valid, healing isn’t linear, and even the smallest accomplishments are worth celebrating.

Whether you’re navigating postpartum, medical trauma, or just trying to survive a hard day—you’re not alone.

🔊 SOUNDBITES

1. "Triggers are real. But so are glimmers. And both deserve space."
2. "The smallest wins are still huge wins."
3. "I have to remind myself—I’m going to survive this. I’m going to survive these uncomfortable feelings."
4. "DBT isn’t just therapy talk. It’s how I get through the hard stuff."
5. "I did the whole thing—checked in, went through it, and got myself home. Alone. That’s a win."

✅ KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Triggers aren’t always loud or obvious—Chelsea explains how even the sound of an ambulance or the act of needing care can send the nervous system into overdrive when trauma is present.
• DBT tools are central to Chelsea's coping strategy, especially distraction, preparation, and emotional validation.
• Medical trauma isn’t just about what happened—it's also about what was lost, like early motherhood experiences.
• Celebrating small wins matters, especially when you're living with chronic illness or PTSD.
• Glimmers are the intentional moments of calm, joy, and humor that help re-center in the middle of dysregulation.
• Solo victories are still victories. Chelsea emphasizes the power of doing hard things independently and recognizing growth.

This episode discusses topics that may be triggering for some individuals. Please check the show notes for more information and be mindful of your own mental health and comfort levels.

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Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection
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