Ethnographer Matt, a Longitudinal Case Study inC-PTSD Recovery
In 2020, my life was destroyed. Frequent panic attacks and migraines separated me from gainful employment. Depression and anxiety sent me to a psychiatrist, and I let a diagnosis become my identity. I lost car, my house, my family. I lost my independence, my identity, and my confidence. For all of that, this isn’t a story of despondency and failure, but one of recovery and hope.
My name is Matt and I’ve been diagnosed with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or CPTSD for short. I’m in recovery now and putting together a new life, with new goals and a new me. This includes going back to school where I’m majoring in Sociology and Psychology. This includes a new marriage, living abroad, and realizing that I get to define the kind of person I want to be… and I’m responsible for getting myself there.
This channel - Ethnographer Matt - is my way of documenting my journey through the lens of digital auto-ethnography - a form of qualitative research that allows me to chart my ups and downs, tie it all into social science theory and practice, and build the body of knowledge around Complex PTSD and how it interacts with diverse cultures around the world. Consider this a longitudinal case study in Psychology, Sociology, and Disability Studies.
As a member of the American Psychological Association, American Sociological Association, and the Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology, I will be holding myself to the ethical standards prescribed by my profession. Informed consent will be used for any interviews and any graphics of public places will be taken with all care to follow cultural norms of the place in question.
When I post videos, I’ll attach them to playlists by research cluster, and I invite you to explore them at your leisure. You can also find my blog with additional content, such as a project journal and relevant quantitive data, at mwstephens.com. If you, or someone you care for, is going through a CPTSD recovery, or if you’re a researcher interested in the topic, feel free to reach out either through the comments or the email address in my profile.