I Need Your Opinion On Outing Myself On Facebook.

[RussH]

@Hashi

What do you think the negatives might be?

Hashi, the negatives I can think of are several:
Worst case scenerio It could open the door to more bullying; although I would not allow it to happen.
It could / would change how people think about me in a negative way.
It could cause friends to unfriend me.
And my biggest concern with all of this, regardless of whether I post it or not; it could affect my second amendment rights here in my state.

 

[RussH]

@bell I did get your PM: thank you. It was an excellent article. I am considering starting a post on facebook taking about PTSD, or even starting a facebook page about it. I will let you know, and please feel free to look me up on facebook and send a friend request if you would like.

 

[bell]

Thanks, @RussH, and definitely let me know!

Also, I know I'm probably in the minority about speaking out. However, I'm tired of being ashamed about something that I did nothing to obtain. I'm tired of hating myself and speaking out and finding others like me has helped me combat my own feelings of self-worth. Not just because I'm learning that there are others like me, but because I am helping them feel less alone. And since feeling alone is something I've felt my whole life, it feels really good helping others alleviate that same pain.

 

[RussH]

@bell Thank you, and like you I refuse to be ashamed of my PTSD. I did not ask for the abuse, I did not ask for the PTSD, and a part of me feels that sharing this with others is a way of winning my war against PTSD.

Thank you for your friendship; you are a diamond in my eyes:)

 

[Abstract]

. I think the prime motivator for me in considering this is the other people out there that might be suffering silently.

I think this is what I was concerned about so I am glad to see you list some possible negatives. It is wonderful to want to help others but I think it is very important for that to only be one possible factor in decision making. What is really important in my opinion is to not have expectations of what you are going to get back as that is often when disappointments happen. Expecting to help others is a big expectation.

I hugely support anyone who wants to out themselves in an informed way and for the right reasons.

Another example of possible negatives would be expecting others with PTSD to be accepting, having expectations people will respond as if it is important, expecting others to say understanding things, not being prepared for judgements or trolling.

Are you generally good at balancing your needs and what you think you should be doing for others? Do you have any codependency tendencies?

 

[Hashi]

And my biggest concern with all of this, regardless of whether I post it or not; it could affect my second amendment rights here in my state.

I had no idea what that means, so I googled it. It seems it's the right to bear arms?

So, is you're main concern about "outing" yourself on Facebook to do with whether or not you're allowed to have a gun? Not clear at all, I'm not American, just trying to clarify.

 

[RussH]

@Hashi, I am a target shooter as a hobbiest. In my home state we can get a permit to conceal carry. If you have this permit it makes it easier to purchase a weapon. One of the questions you have to answer is have you been diagnosed with mental illness?

I don't know if my recent dagnosis will affect my ability to maintain my license. I don't think it will affect it, but with government you never know.

 

[JarHed]

I don't know if my recent diagnosis will affect my ability to maintain my license.

Hey Russ

It would depend on what the diagnosis was, type, seriousness or your condition, ect. You need to talk to your doctor or therapist to get an idea of there concerns in regard to your permit to carry. If they don't think you would be putting others in danger or yourself as well they should be agreeable to writing something if you need to submit that with your paperwork.

I too have a permit to carry and have PTSD. I've already talked with my doctor and she will gladly submit something in my regard. Don't be afraid to ask. Also, consider your need in applying for that permit. I'm an ex-Marine, have been shooting for years as well. You know the responsibility of doing such and I wouldn't think you'd take it lightly. Even if you only need a doctors note to help in a gun purchase, inquire what their position is in your regard. Best of luck.

JarHed

 

[RussH]

@JarHed thanks. I can assure you the only danger I present is to paper targets, or a deer that is dumb enough to show up when I am hunting (I am not a very good hunter:) ) Thank you for the information, fortunately I renewed my license shortly before my diagnosis, so I have at least four years before I have to worry about it.

 

[LittleSparrow12]

I hesitate to let people know after I told my boss about my PTSD and a few months later found myself without a job. He bullied me and teased me and would test my triggers in the office for some fun for him and the two ladies that also worked for him. So, my advice from personal experience is be very slective with who you tell. It just opens you up to abuse by people who don't get what you are going through.

 

[RussH]

@LittleSparrow12 Your boss, former boss, is an idiot. I am sorry that happened to you. Fortunately, my boss knows and is very supportative.

 

[JellyB]

Everyone is different, but for me, there is no way I would "out myself on Facebook". In fact, since the onset of my PTSD, I deleted my FB account. I found personally that FB was more destructive than constructive and it did nothing to assist my self-esteem. Once you post something on the internet, it is there forever.

I am sure you will make the decision that is right for you but don't make the decision in the heat of the moment and consider the possible outcome before posting.