My Complex Trauma &

Mental Health Journey

Come for the sass, stay for the story—

Stick around for life updates: job hunting, therapy, self-reflection, and all the messy, colorful parts of recovery.

Live in color with me.


P.S. I may have a degree in Psychology, but I’m not a doctor. These are just my real-life experiences navigating C-PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Identity Intersections: Hispanic Heritage Month, Identity Crisis, & Imposter Syndrome

Identity Intersections: Hispanic Heritage Month, Identity Crisis, & Imposter Syndrome

Just una chavala con C-PTSD...I won't call myself a jester but I have been juggling the beautifully messy intersection of complex trauma (C-PTSD), my Latina identity, and the ups and downs of my mental health journey with the identity crisis of imposter syndrome. From growing up as a first-gen Nicaraguan-American to breaking cycles of trauma, I share how I’ve reclaimed my Latina identity through the start of my mental health healing—just in time for National Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s all about embracing the journey, flaws and all.

Read More
Lessons with Lola
Leticia V. Garay Leticia V. Garay

Lessons with Lola

Turning another year older can bring up the “Sunday scaries,” especially when you're managing C-PTSD and mental health struggles. But taking time to reflect, like I do on walks with my dog, can help ground you and bring some much-needed perspective. How do you support your mental health while navigating C-PTSD recovery?

Read More
Complex Trauma (C-PTSD): The Gift that Keeps on Triggering

Complex Trauma (C-PTSD): The Gift that Keeps on Triggering

Welcome to the rollercoaster that is Complex PTSD. Imagine juggling anxiety, flashbacks, and the emotional mess that makes every day feel like a new episode of "What Now?" In this post, I spill the tea on my mental health journey, from EMDR therapy to those “Can I not?” moments. Ready to thrive, not just survive? Let’s do this, one step (or panic attack) at a time.

Read More
Emerging from the Fear of the Unknown Between Mental Health, Motherhood, & Professionalism

Emerging from the Fear of the Unknown Between Mental Health, Motherhood, & Professionalism

Emerging from wallflower shadows to stage center limelight: As a recovering wallflower and perfectionism pro, I’ve had to ditch the sidelines and dive headfirst into my own mental health journey—hello, chronic trauma (C-PTSD) blogger life! Figuring out who I am, while juggling thoughts of my future via motherhood and career moves, has taught me one thing: change isn’t just necessary to live, it’s necessary to thrive.

Read More
Resigning to a New Reality: Burnout, C-PTSD, and Quitting
cptsd, burnout, trauma response, complex trauma Leticia V. Garay cptsd, burnout, trauma response, complex trauma Leticia V. Garay

Resigning to a New Reality: Burnout, C-PTSD, and Quitting

Leaving a job without a backup plan may seem reckless, but after years of perfectionism, burnout, and chronic stress from managing C-PTSD, it's become clear that prioritizing mental health is worth the risk. Graduation came and went, but the lessons from my MBA—and my mental health journey—are still unfolding, helping me embrace imperfection, self-care, and the freedom to breathe.

Read More
What I Lost With My MBA: Perfectionism, Imposter Syndrome, & Insecurities
cptsd recovery, imposter syndrome, perfectionism Leticia V. Garay cptsd recovery, imposter syndrome, perfectionism Leticia V. Garay

What I Lost With My MBA: Perfectionism, Imposter Syndrome, & Insecurities

Graduation came and went but the lessons lingered like the stats homework I never wanted to do. My MBA confronted my perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and chronic fear (because who doesn’t love a good story arc?). I’m finally embracing authenticity and am kicking those limiting beliefs to the curb. My C-PTSD mental health journey and perfectionism is totally (ahem, is in the process of) transforming me, unlocking some shiny new possibilities for a brighter, more vibrant future.

Read More