I can relate to this. It surprises me that others here have brought it up. I have had moments where people around me laughed at me, because I had no clue what they were talking about only a moments earlier. They insisted I was lying or playing a joke. That only made me feel worse. Or when my...
I was attending counseling sessions twice a week since about February 2008. This week my counselor told me that I only need to attend once a week. I am leading our children's ministry now, I will be applying as a teacher's assistant at the elementary school also. I also am taking dance class and...
I am originally from the U.P of Michigan. Just south of you. What beautiful country Canada and the upper north midwest of The U.S is. Welcome to the forum and peace to you.
This whole thing got me analyzing myself a bit too much. I'm going through a difficult time (triggered last night) and I can't tell if this is healthy to do or not. I'm quite confused about all of this now. I feel like an emotional yo-yo. I see my own growth and yet feel like such a freak. I can...
You all are absolutely hilarious! I'm reading these messages all the way through (although backwards) and it is wonderful. It's like reading a book or watching a movie. This is really good stuff everyone. Really cool.
Hello my name is Holly. I am originally from Northern Michigan, U.S.A. I was diagnosed with PTSD shortly after I gave birth to my first child. I didn't believe the counselor and didn't want to speak to my family face to face with the counselor about my abuse and how I felt unwanted by my family...
LostInTheFog, I too have had a fear of the neighbors looking at me (or were you kidding?). It has taken me a few years to go out in my front yard and do gardening or mow the lawn. I have called lazy by friends and irresponsible because I have not had a "clean" yard. It is something they are...
This too is late, but your husband is (was) right on the money. Our lives are one step at a time and every step is different (as is the path). Everyday has acomplishments for each of us. Some we see now and some we see later looking back. Sometimes it takes others to point them out to us. What a...
Roo, Wow. Thanks for the definitions and breaking down of the words. Cool. I understand everything you went through from beginning to end. I'm happy things worked out better for you both.
Anthony, that was a great way of stating that. I appreciate that. You are all so helpful to EVERYONE who reads this stuff. I'm happy to be able to read your messages and receive insights and encouragements from all of you. Holly (my name is Holly also), this message comes quite late, but I am...
I have been doing "A-B-C" sheets in counselling. While I have been reading these posts my biological father called and I have been thinking about him more than I usually do. This is progress. I used to focus only on him and my rage towards him and take it out on myself and others around me...
Marilyn, your statement in 1) about regression and the age of abuse brought some new insights to my mind. Thnk you so much for sharing that progress and for the words you chose to use.
chabrye, the little guy poking with the stick is hilarious! I've been on both sides. Sometimes that is what it feels like in counselling. Funny. The other day I just felt sick and disconnected to people. My counselor said I was "dissociating". I am still having difficulty understanding this...
I empathize with Monarch, Cactus Jack, and Lisa. I am amazed that you all seem to be saying everrything I have felt and thought myself throughout the years. I am amazed most that people like me exist and are sharing so openly about it. It does take a lot to stop harming yourself and it seemed...
Spirit, I have similar troubles. I shut myself off from people when I'm hurt and don't socialize. Then I get along with one or two people and take them in too quickly. Well, since moving to Germany I have learned to cool it and just hang back a bit more and get to know people and let them know...
This is really inspiring and encouraging to me. I have been trying to get my degree in Early childhood education and psychology for years now. We move so often (military family) that i never seem to finish, get side-tracked by the next move and figure "what's the point? I'll just wait until he...
I understand what you are saying "Trapped". It's amazing how cold and dismissive doctors can be. They must have gone to med school for the money, not for helping others. Where's the compassion and understanding? It wasn't until my husband got into the military that I discovered some Dr's...
Wow. I also have childhood abuse issues and I finally came to the realization that it was/IS OK to distance myself from my biological father. Each time I'd talk to him on the phone or have a visit with him others would say I was "different" (cold, distant, jumpy, etc.). It has only been in the...
Great stuff. I enjoy weight training, but have not been very active in it since we moved here to Germany. Exercise sure helps kick in those endorphines and gives us those "happy feelings". I encourage all of us on our attempts to get back to moving. It clears the mind, builds self-esteem and...
This is really great for you. My best friend from school and I both have PTSD and didn't get diagnosed until we were adults. It's good to have someone who will listen and understand what we are experiencing. Blessings to your new friendships and future friendships that will be made.
It's good to hear another state that "I am not a freak!", "I am not alone!" My whole life I have felt like this. I'm a woman and have finally found out "what is wrong with me" and that there are others who have the same thoughts, feelings, and struggles as I do. It's amazing. I am so relieved...
I never knew that others reacted this way. I'm so excited to know that others experience the same things I do and that they also improve. I wasn't sure what I'd find on this site, but I am happy to see that it is REAL people who go through the same experiences as me.