Dysfunctional Parent Modes

Punitive Parent

The critical voice that puts us down, berates us, and tells us we are worthless, unloveable or a failure. It is based on previous experiences of being criticised, abused, bullied or neglected. We hear it so often that it feels true even when there is evidence to the contrary.

Demanding Parent

The voice in our head that is pushing us to do better, try harder, be perfect and never fail. It has a whip and a megaphone and it can be relentless in flogging us.

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PTSD: take back control of anger and terror

By Al Griskaitis • January 5, 2025

Using the Mammalian Dive Reflex to as a tactic to stop anger and overwhelm in it's tracks

DVA mental health claims must be clearly linked to service

By Al Griskaitis • November 23, 2024

Getting properly squared away with DVA

We explain the biology of rage, panic and distress: the fight/flight response

The Biology of Distress

By Al Griskaitis • November 8, 2024

We can lose our senses when we are distressed. When overwhelmed with rage, terror or distress we enter a state whereby rational thinking is sometimes not possible. This is a biological process. We explain how it works and what you can do to prevent to damage of unmitigated states of distress.

The Five Dials: A Practical Guide to Medication and Mental Health

By Al Griskaitis • October 30, 2024

Crutches help you get to the surgeon. Meds can help you get to a point were you can address the root causes.

Erectile Dysfunction in military and veterans: A practical guide

By Al Griskaitis • October 10, 2024

Erectile Dysfunction is common in PTSD

Stubbornness may prolong suffering in PTSD

By Al Griskaitis • August 28, 2024

Stubbornness can keep traumatised people stuck

Anger: the Family-Destroying Demon of PTSD

By Al Griskaitis • August 17, 2024

PTSD causes emotional fatigue so anger can easily come out. It's like being possessed by a family-wrecking demon. Marriages often can bear the anger from a spouse with PTSD. Whether it's the husband or the wife that is affected by PTSD, they both suffer.

Moral injury and the gnashing of teeth
PTSD and Bruxism

Bruxism and PTSD: The Teeth Keep the Score

By Al Griskaitis • June 29, 2024

How PTSD Can Lead to Bruxism and Dental Issues: The Teeth Keep the Score By Dr Al Griskaitis, Psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk noted in PTSD that "The body keeps the score". Bruxism is a literal example of that. What is Bruxism? Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth. It can occur during waking hours (awake bruxism) or during sleep (sleep bruxism). Common signs include worn-down biting surfaces of teeth, erosion of teeth at the gumline (abfraction), jaw pain, headaches, and increased tooth sensitivity. While bruxism is often associated with transient stress, its common connection to PTSD highlights a bodily impact of feeling endangered. Bruxism likely relates to this chronic state of increased arousal from PTSD which can be further exacerbated by alcohol and some medications. What is PTSD? I posit that it is more than a reaction to trauma with a syndrome of symptoms, that's too low resolution. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) occurs when a very serious adversity leads to a "alarm

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