From Isolation to Alignment: How Therapeutic Ketosis Opened the Door to Connection
For most of my life, interacting with others has felt like walking barefoot on broken glass—every sensation too intense, every encounter too sharp. I lived in a constant state of hypersensitivity and hypervigilance, navigating the world through a survival-based lens that left little room for meaningful connection. Over the years, I tried everything: therapy, SSRIs, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, psychedelics and even numbing agents like cannabis and alcohol. Nothing helped the way I needed it to—at least, not without devastating side effects.
Then I found therapeutic ketosis.
Unlike anything else I’d tried, ketosis didn't blunt my emotions or disconnect me from reality. Instead, it soothed my nervous system. It turned down the volume on everything. My senses stopped screaming. I could rest. I could breathe. And for the first time in since I could remember, I could be around people without needing to put in the Herculean effort of masking on the outside while falling apart on the inside.
That shift—the ability to sit in stillness without constant panicked anxiety—has changed everything. It became the foundation I needed to start reemerging from withdrawal and rebuilding a life outside of isolation.
Why Reaching Out Matters: The "R" in THINK+SMART
For many recovering from mental and other chronic illnesses, healing doesn't conclude when symptoms subside. For those of us who've been entrenched in survival mode for years, what follows relief is equally crucial. This is where the "R" in Metabolic Mind's THINK+SMART protocol deeply resonates with me.
Rebuilding transcends nutrition and neurotransmitters; it's about reclaiming what was lost—relationships, identity, hope. When you've lived behind walls constructed from fear and pain, rebuilding becomes a sacred, deliberate process. It's not merely physical recovery; it's social, emotional, and spiritual regeneration.
In the Metabolic Mind’s video titled "Why 'Rebuilding' Is the Missing Piece in Mental Health Recovery," metabolic psychiatrist Dr. Matthew Bernstein and host Hannah Warren delve into the significance of the 'Rebuild' component. They discuss how rebuilding involves restoring purpose, reconnecting with community, and reconstructing identity—especially vital for those recovering from trauma or prolonged isolation. The video offers practical insights into integrating metabolic strategies with social and emotional healing.
You can watch the full video here:
How I’m Reaching Back Out
Coming out of isolation isn’t as simple as “just go talk to people.” My nervous system still needs care. I still need a sense of safety. But I’m beginning to reach back out, carefully, intentionally:
I started this website and blog as a way to share my voice without the pressure of face-to-face interaction. It’s a place where I can tell my story, on my terms.
I’m taking online courses to rebuild both skills and confidence—preparing myself to support others through content creation, design, and wellness education.
I’m joining online communities that feel genuinely safe—where I can connect with others who understand trauma, healing, and the long road back to self.
One of the most impactful discoveries I stumbled upon in my healing journey has been the Crappy Childhood Fairy (CCF) community. Founded by Anna Runkle, a survivor of childhood trauma herself, CCF offers a lifeline for those of us navigating adult life under the weight of early adversity. Anna's approach is grounded in her personal experience and focuses on practical tools for healing, emphasizing that recovery doesn't necessarily require years of traditional therapy. Instead, it involves consistent practice, self-awareness, and a supportive community that truly understands the complexities of trauma.
I first found CCF on YouTube. The Crappy Childhood Fairy YouTube channel is a treasure trove of free content, featuring over 800 videos that delve into topics like emotional dysregulation, relationship challenges, and strategies for healing from childhood PTSD. These videos have been instrumental in helping me understand my experiences and learn practical tools for managing them.
For those seeking a more structured approach, the CCF membership at https://crappychildhoodfairy.com/ offers access to all of Anna's online courses, including "Healing Childhood PTSD," "Dysregulation Bootcamp," and "Connection Bootcamp." Membership also includes twice-monthly group coaching calls, monthly webinars, and a supportive community of over 900 members in a private Facebook group. This comprehensive support system has been invaluable in my journey toward healing and reconnection.
If a full membership isn't the right fit, CCF also offers individual courses and resources available for purchase on the website. Additionally, the free "Daily Practice" course provides foundational tools for self-regulation and emotional healing. These accessible options ensure that individuals can find the support that best suits their needs and circumstances.
Stay tuned for a deeper dive into the CCF Community and Daily Practice, how it's supporting my recovery, and a special feature on its founder, Anna Runkle.
