Dear Junebug,
Your family members are absolutely correct - PTSD does not exist - it's all in people's head - literally!
Ya right!
First, I would suggest that they read the stories on our forum. If they still think it doesn't exist, perhaps they should volunteer to go to Iraq, since it is soooo safe their. Or, perhaps they could spend a few weeks in prison, sort of like a nice family holiday- if ya get my drift.
Can't hurt right? Tee'ya right!
Family members and friends who don't understand another person's suffering, especially if they can't see anything physically wrong with them, is major thorn in the side of many of my patients.
In my professional opinion, people who seek, are seeking, or have sought help for mental health issues ARE actually the SANEST people on the planet. They deal with their..err.."stuff" head on and courageously at that. Whereas others are often in deep denial about what is happening in the real world.
As to family members who refuse to admit that PTSD exists, perhaps buy them the DSM manual for Christmas, ask them to read it, and to let you know if they think that book is simply another wonderful little fairy tale.
Yes, my services are free, but you will be doing Anthony and Nicolette's dishes until the day you leave the Forum.