Singer-songwriter Debbie on her remarkable career, grief, finding her voice and her journey through music and healing and how pain inspired creativity

In this episode, Jean sits down with the incredibly resilient singer-songwriter Debbie. Debbie opens up about her experiences growing up in a household where she and her sister were often left alone and had to become independent at an early age. She shares haunting memories of emotional and physical abuse, both at home and in school, and how these experiences shaped her worldview and identity.

Debbie discusses how her early life of isolation and trauma led to her diagnosis of Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) and the impact it had on her journey into adulthood. We explore what C-PTSD is, its symptoms, and how it differs from PTSD. Complex PTSD develops in response to prolonged, repeated trauma—often starting in childhood—and can manifest in emotional dysregulation, difficulty trusting others, and feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. According to studies, approximately 13% of people who experience trauma develop PTSD, and for many who experience long-term trauma, C-PTSD is the more accurate diagnosis.

Debbie candidly talks about how music became both an escape and a healing tool for her. She touches on her journey to accept herself, including navigating her identity and relationships in the aftermath of her parents’ death, all while pursuing her passion for music. Throughout the conversation, Debbie’s strength and vulnerability shine through as she shares the ways she has found support in therapy, spirituality, and self-compassion.

Key Takeaways:

1. Debbie’s Early Life: The challenges she faced growing up, including neglect and abuse, which led to early independence.
2. Complex PTSD: Definition, symptoms, and statistics surrounding the condition.
3. Music as Healing: How Debbie’s connection to music has been a source of empowerment and healing.
4. Finding Support: Therapy, spirituality, and self-care practices that helped Debbie navigate her grief and trauma.

You can follow Debbie on Instagram @debbie_

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Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Debbie

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Hailey Rovner Malach, Wicked Child Studio

Composer: Eduardo Vella