I Do Not Feel That I Am The Only One Anymore.

[Deleted member 12723]

Being on the forum has taught me so many different things and my own recovery has speeded up for which I am so grateful.

The theme I keep seeing is that I fit in here and I am no longer stuck in PTSD all by myself anymore. I have found so much comfort and validation here and when I look back on my own journey from the beginning to now, I am beginning to understand that when I felt all alone in it, I was not alone because we all have so many issues in common.

I look back on me with so much compassion these days and understand so many things that I did not understand while in the black hole of despair that stole so many years of my life.

I have grown so much since I signed up here.

I feel safe here and it is a source of great comfort to me.

Do any of you feel and think along similar lines? Comments welcome.

 

[NarcSis]

When I initially found the forum I felt alone, alien and lost. I actually came here looking for a cure, hoping desperately that one of you had the answer for me.

It's been a long time but I've learned that people here still go through what I go through and in that way, I'm not alien. In that way, I am "cured". I learned to accept that I will have to manage my symptoms all of my life but I'm never alone in that.

I have a community I can turn to here. You all get it. You all know. When the "normals" start making me feel bad for being me, I know someone here will understand.

I'm never lost when I'm in this forum. I know it was never designed to be a "crutch" but I can't imagine not having this community available to me.

Thanks.

 

[Truthful_Whispers]

There are many people in the world who suffer from one or more MI's. Usually, though, because of the social stigma attached to having a mental (or even physical) affliction, many people try to hide their personal demons. I finally came to accept myself, issues and all, and rarely hide them anymore. I am who I am, and I see the world a certain way that is never going to change. People can either accept me, or get out of my life. My openness about my issues has made me a lonelier person, but I am not going to pretend to be someone else, just to please human society.

 

[Deleted member 29961]

Prior to this site, the only place I felt accepted and understood was on the Psych ward. I had more to say but I don't remember it anymore.

 

[Truthful_Whispers]

Prior to this site, the only place I felt accepted and understood was on the Psych ward. I had mor...

I have felt the same way. In regular society, I feel like a puzzle piece that never fits. But, when I was hospitalized, I felt a kindred to the other mental illness sufferers that were there, both male and female. I felt like I was amongst "my kind", I suppose.

 

[Sammy]

I have been away from this site for a while and I guess since it has gotten pretty bad again, I find myself wandering back to the place where I know there are people who "get it." I like the puzzle piece analogy - that is how I feel all the time. Most of the time I feel a lot like a puzzle piece to a long ago lost puzzle and there is no place I will ever "fit." I guess this forum is the place where perhaps there are other lost puzzle pieces and I don't feel quite so alone.

 

[Deleted member 29920]

Only been here for 10 weeks and definitely agree, I don't feel alone anymore. I have learned more here and gotten more support than from any therapist in the "real world". I am truly grateful that the forum exists. Hugs to all :hug:

 

[Deleted member 29961]

I guess this forum is the place where perhaps there are other lost puzzle pieces...

The land of misfit toys:). Hence the reason my avatar is an incomplete jigsaw puzzle.

 

[Fadeaway]

There is something that is so amazing, when you feel like you are the only one struggling with an issue for so long, and then you meet others who do. Knowing you aren't alone, hearing how others deal with it and gaining insight into why you feel like you do.
It makes you feel more empowered in dealing with those issues.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Thank you so much for all of your replies. I also think that this site has helped me far more than any therapist. It is a place so full of people that get it and understand and I do fit in here and learn so much and receive so much comfort and support and wise advise. I especially like having people around me who can see the red flags in my life and steer me back onto the healing and recovery path. I have received more support here than anywhere else in my life. You are all so awesome to be here and I am so grateful to Anthony and Nicolette for making this supportive community possible. It has to be the safest support group I have ever belonged to in my life.

It is also helping me with my poor communication skills. I am using what I learn here in my own life with such good results.

A very special thank you to all who responded, thank you for being you.