Friends Not Understanding Ptsd Is Really Difficult

[AzureMind]

I usually don't even bother talking about my problems. Nothing worse than being the topic of conversation/debate at a family 'get-together'. People talking about you, around you, instead of to you. I just handle it on my own. Sometimes the nature of the condition just flies over some people's heads anyway. Some people have told me that PTSD is for soldiers, not regular people! :laugh:

 

[Shellbell]

Yes there are lots of misconceptions by people about PTSD.

I told a friend the other day about my 30 year insomnia problem being caused by trauma and anxiety issues making it very difficult to get to sleep and then also my brain processing memories and anxiety etc while I'm alseep and processing this as danger and waking me up regularly at 3am and the impact this has on the brain's functioning. It's very debilitating.

She then tried to liken this to her 'sleep deprivation' (not insomnia) for a few years caused by her child waking her up several times a night. She also bristled (as she often does) as if to say - yes you're not the only one who has had sleep issues :rolleyes:

It's laughable really that she would try to equally compare them.

It's easier not to talk about it sometimes.

 

[pangy]

I have been reading over the forums here and had to join. I appreciate all the info shared, as I have felt so alone in this life after life. I have 2 very close sister friends that when they don't understand, ask questions. Genuine questions that draw us closer to real support. Unfortunately, my mother who has been there through all my stumbling psychs trying to figure me out has been stuck on a misdiagnosed bipolar treatment given twelve years ago when I was coming off drug abuse. She tries to be supportive, but when I isolate she believes its bipolar behavior and its hard to get her to understand my diagnosis of cptsd. I understand her feeling of guilt that somehow she's failed me as a parent to protect me and I try to reassure her that it's not her fault, but as a mother, I understand. Its hard, especially when I need reassuring myself but I treasure the relationship that we now have. I know now that there are people who really understand. Thank you all for your posts!