Research Ptsd research for student book

[lauren12345]

Hi everyone,

I am a Graphic Design student studying at University and I am currently doing a project based on PTSD. The aim of the project is to raise understanding of the condition, I am creating a book that is meant to be helpful to not just sufferers but also (and mainly aimed towards) non-sufferers that are trying to understand the condition if a friend or family member is suffering from it. I would like to include stories in the book that really explain to the reader how it feels to experience the symptoms of the condition. The main questions I am looking for be answered are-

If someone asked you to explain how PTSD (as a whole) feels to suffer with on a day to day basis, how would you best explain it to them in the hope of them gaining an understanding?

If there are any specific symptoms that you suffer with especially, an additional description of those individually would be very useful as I am also doing chapters on specific symptoms e.g. flashbacks so need stories for those too.

I am very grateful for any responses

 

[somerandomguy]

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[Friday]

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[Marinna]

I think you should include a rollercoaster theme. Like have you ever been on a rollercoaster? Its pretty fun for the few minutes it lasts.
Imagine being stuck on the rollercoaster with no way off. You have the adrenaline and you start to get sick from it. The rollercoaster slows down and you begin to feel more stable. Then the twists and turns (life) lead to unbearable spikes of arousal. Good news is you can adjust and get used to the rollercoaster ride. But it sure ain't fun. Hope this analogy helps.

 

[Gs172003]

I think you should include a rollercoaster theme. Like have you ever been on a rollercoaster? Its prett...

That's pretty freaking good

 

[Marinna]

That's pretty freaking good

Thanks. As a graphic designer i think she can do a lot with it as well

 

[Freida]

life with ptsd....

Once upon a time I was on a cruise ship. It was great. Everything I needed was there, I was safe, I was happy, I was unafraid
Then one day someone threw me overboard. Luckily I had a life jacket on so I didn't immediately drown. But the boat went on without me.
Now I am dog paddling around in the middle of the ocean looking for safety
I know there is land out there, someplace where I can be safe, where I won't drown. But I can't see it.
So I paddle to keep my head above water.
I paddle past the jellyfish that want to sting me and the seaweed that wants to tangle me and the sharks that want to eat me.
I paddle in the water when it is calm, when it is choppy, when there are huge storms and waves so high I can't see over them
I paddle because not paddling is not an option. If I do that the ocean will just carry me under
I paddle because some day I hope...hope...I will see land.
But it's a big ass ocean.
So I can't be sure
In the meantime..I paddle

 

[lauren12345]

I think you should include a rollercoaster theme. Like have you ever been on a rollercoaster? Its prett...

Thank you very much for this, that's a great analogy for me to visualise!

life with ptsd....

Once upon a time I was on a cruise ship. It was great. Everything I needed was there...

Thank you so much for your response, this is great!

 

[Fadeaway]

FEAR. My brain can't tell the difference when it is appropriate to be afraid and when it isn't. Logically, I know when I shouldn't be afraid, but my brain still sends the signals to my body as if there is always something dangerous lurking in the shadows. I just want a break from the fear.

 

[shatter eyes]

When you are dying to drop your guard and be hugged by someone...anyone... but instead anyone that comes near you freaks you out and if they dont distant themselves you end up bitching them out or hitting them.

It is a lonely. Dying for a hug and feeling ambushed.
I feel alienated and misunderstood, yet it is often me that misunderstands others because of my ptsd.

Exhausted and tired yet scared to sleep because of the nightmares or anxiety of the next "rollercoaster" after waking up.

 

[lauren12345]

FEAR. My brain can't tell the difference when it is appropriate to be afraid and when it isn't. Logica...

Thank you so much for your response!

When you are dying to drop your guard and be hugged by someone...anyone... but instead anyone that...

Thank you so much for your response, very helpful!

 

[Swift]

Mate. Thanks for actually asking people instead of making stuff up.
I'm a graphic designer with PTSD with over five years experience in the industry if you'd like to have a chat about it?