Explain Ptsd In One Sentence

[Meghan87]

for me most times its like being forced to watch/be inside of a horror movie with no ability to press stop or turn it off and no ability to shut my eyes or turn away.....

 

[rightkindofme]

no ability to shut my eyes or turn away.....

I've never been able to sit through The Clockwork Orange for this reason. *shiver*

 

[Definitely..maybe]

@Junebug I think it's definitely impossible to be explained in one sentence, just looking for a little bit of everyone's thoughts. Ptsd feels different to me every day, ha!

Sometimes the exact definition and research just can't convey how much of a struggle it is. Personally I would really appreciate my immediate family 'getting it' as much as possible so they could help me, and sharing the information with a SO in the future. But I understand some don't need/want to share too much. For me I think I just really need a little more help than I can give myself right now.

I really appreciate all that everyone's come up with, thank you:)

 

[Changing4Best]

It's like having your mind turned inside out and being dumped on the floor from one story up a building.

 

[JustBe]

My brain being hijaked by my nervous system...stealing my possibilities one by one.

 

[Tinyflame]

@Junebug Ptsd feels different to me every day, ha!

.. I would really appreciate my immediate family 'getting it' as much as possible so they could help me, and sharing the information with a SO in the future.. I think I just really need a little more help than I can give myself right now.

Dear @Definitely..maybe , I don't want to discourage you or mean to sound harsh, I hope I didn't! That is what is great about here, we can ask questions and get all types of feedback. :)

I do truly hear you. I guess what I mean is, the ptsd remains with us, whereas those around us, and accompanying triggers unfortunately, will always be there. I have simply found it easier and more productive to learn and practise ways to manage the ptsd, since I will never be able to control others or my environment (unless I isolate myself).

I think it's wonderful if your family wants to help. You mentioned you want them to realize how much you suffer, in that what a struggle it is. That is true, it sure is! But, if the situation were reversed, would you want them to 'get you to understand' how much they are struggling? Probably you would realize they are struggling. But worse yet, not know how to help, or cannot help. That causes awful suffering when you care about someone. :( . Or you would end up walking on eggshells (not good). The real truth is though, there are ways that make it easier, but we do have to be the ones to help ourselves (to learn how, independent what other people know about ptsd or not, or are supportive or not).

In terms of a future SO, I hope you won't worry too much what to say or not. It will depend also where you are in life at that time, you will have different answers and revelations as you grow. And the relationship to your SO will be unique (as every relationship is). That will help guide you. :)

As you said, it's different every day and you are learning everyday! :tup: Maybe you should explain and describe to your loved ones how YOU feel, your words as your experience is unique. :) You have ptsd, therefore you have the knowledge and just have to speak your truth (which you know and have a right to say). :)

Best wishes! :hug:

 

[Definitely..maybe]

@Junebug I understand, we need to be able to take care of ourselves and not rely on others. However I'm realizing I need to let the people who want to help me actually help- I need to trust again.

So for me, explaining my illness and reaching out is part of my healing process:) I just don't seem to be so great with words sadly and always worry I come across as dramatic. All the responses are very validating and reassuring to me.

I appreciate your feedback- it wasn't harsh at all. I like different opinions, so thankyou:)

Thank you again everyone:)

 

[Changing4Best]

Definitely..maybe, I love that name! It makes me laugh every time I read it (or at least smile, which I am doing right now).

I can so relate to that in my life, one day I am certain of something, a few hours or days later, I see the holes in it! Or then I just start to doubt it. Thanks for the humor, and my smiles about it. I needed that!

 

[Definitely..maybe]

Thanks @SheilaKathy :p Maybe that's how I describe ptsd..definitely!

 

[BlackbirdSinging]

PTSD is a waking nightmare caused by trauma that makes my brain re experience traumatic experiences and be scared to death while trying to protect myself from perceived dangers in everyday average circumstances.

 

[Tinyflame]

Dear @Definitely..maybe , I am glad you are determining your healing path. I certainly don't mean to infer not to rely on others, or to minimize the issue of trusting, not so much black-or-white as in corporating all of these things with managing what (only we) can.

(And I probably have a different perspective on how ptsd has impacted me or those who loved me after so many years!)

You will do just fine with what you choose. :) :hug:

 

[intothelight]

Emotions without volume control....:confused:

 

[Stanley Shi-Yume]

When "Let me be my best" dissolves to "let me just survive", the struggle to connect with others or take care of ourselves loses impact to the huge amount of effort just to participate in real life

This is the practical explanation I've arrived at... to portray the general experience of being heavy, encumbered, by neglect, fear, and damage of the past...... which, to the Trauma-Unfamiliar, just ends up sounding like a stupid excuse why I can't just try harder. So I like my personal definitions better.


I would cite the captain in Wall-e:
I DONT WANT TO SURVIVE-
I WANT TO LIVE!