So many people who don't have PTSD don't unde... - Heal My PTSD
So many people who don't have PTSD don't understand what it means to live with it daily. How do you explain PTSD symptoms to others?
PTSD is a wound, to our psyche or mind. Not unlike a crack, or a break in one of our bones. Unfortunately, bones can also be shattered. Our minds develop just like all of our bones. When a strong enough wind comes along and bends the branch beyond its limits, the branch will snap. Will the tree die? I hope not. It will look and be different. Just like the clay pot that is repaired with gold. One issue with PTSD is that many times you cannot see the cast. Most of us do not go around talking about what caused the break or shattering. Families and friends can easily see the effects of the cracks in the behavior or lack of, in their loved ones. Its easy to fall into anger, frustration, and blame when we see someone we care about not doing what we can easily see would be in their best interest. Just like it takes a doctor to skillfully set a broken bone. In healing PTSD, experts are mostly needed. However, the cast needs much attention and signatures. That's what this community is for!! So please be part of a supportive community to anyone you understand to have PTSD. It is the simple things in life that we all need. (Talking about the trauma can be damaging.) So focusing on sharing walks, looking at the wonder of nature, simple healthy meals, an uplifting movie or game show, and a simple phone call to say hi. Give the benefit of doubt to anyone that has PTSD. Follow their lead. Each person's healing is like art. Namaste~
@agape4us -- I love these sentiments: "Give the benefit of doubt to anyone that has PTSD. Follow their lead. Each person's healing is like art." High five, right on and thumbs up! Very happy to have you here as part of our brand new community. Your positive and compassionate attitude is exactly what I hope we will develop into a movement. Namaste...
Simple English - I find some things... difficult because this happened to me in the past and sometimes things remind me. Then I find it difficult to remember it is past and re-experience the emotions again. But they are past so all I need is someone to tolerate them, to understand and stay with me.
I personally think it's beneficial to speak of what happened. It's tearing people up keeping it inside..get it out and speak about it when your comfortable only..that's my opinion and everyone handles things different. Have a great day. Happy healing
I find that it's not worth talking to some people about it... I've never kept quite about it, unless i feel it's necessary. Not everyone needs to know about it, others do need to know, and it's a person by person choice I make. Talking about it allowed me to learn to do it in such a way that I don't trigger doing that. Of course if I miss important parts of it the story looses it's continunity! It does tend to be told in chunks.
I know my story is huge! Several years ago, I started writing it down, so if I really need to tell about it, I can without triggering myself. That helps.
"How do you explain PTSD symptoms to others?" I dont'.
I keep it to myself in most cases. Many of my symptoms are not visible to others, some symptoms get misinterpreted by others, acquaintances or colleagues, and I just shrug my shoulders and pretend I don't get it when they are condescending, impatient or judgmental. I know the reason I appear as I do, I know my trauma has not affected my IQ. That is good enough for me, I do not need to seek acceptance from the Less Tolerant. There are other people around me who don't need to justify me to be around me.
I love where you feel others trying to heal need to treat themselves as if they were their very best friend. Awesome - we aren't our diagnoses per say - so lets prove it - Be yourself - BUT your HAPPY self - fake it till you make it - heck it will be fun on the way to a better you thus, a better life. Just do it! I like the Nike saying! It's empowering I think.
