Has Anyone Publicly Spoken About Their Trauma(s)?

[Panda Bear]

Just curious, and if you have....how did it go? Did you feel okay?

Ive been asked to share my life experiences with my churches high school youth. About 40 youth and 8-10 adults. Some are my very special friends, who are coming to specifically watch my presentation.

I've been working on this presentation for 7 wks. It's consumed me! I eat, sleep and breathe this work. And next week, I'll be presenting it all....all the ugly...bad and good, too.

Today, my psychiatrist was baffled as to why I'm doing this. Surely, Im not the only one who has chosen to publicly speak about their past?

It's my hope that it'll be very freeing.

 

[Sideways]

I haven't, but one day I would like to.

Just wanted to say I think it's awesome that you're doing that (and incredibly brave). Each generation benefits greatly from victims who have spoken out. And every time someone breaks the silence, I have one less reason to feel ashamed.

Best of luck:)

 

[ladee]

Freeing for you and incredibly brave.
We hear and read tons of stuff about PTSD..but not the reasons why so many of us have it.
And like @Ragdoll Circus shared..the more the silence is broken..it helps each of us to stand a little taller.
I have spoken publicly about my drug addiction..and hit lightly on the abuse.
It was very well received. It helped others to see that they were not alone and that there is hope.
Please let us know what happens.
And respect for you speaking up.

 

[Deleted member 541]

After my last suicide attempt a few yrs ago and after I had calmed down a bit. My old therapist from 20 years ago, asked if I would be willing to do a video with him so that he could use it as a teaching tool for his students. He is a psychologist and he also teaches at a college.

It wasn't too long after my attempt so this was scary, and I wasn't quite sure how or if I could do it. But, I did. It was done at our local hospital, with a camera guy, lights, mics, and all of the the hoopla. After I was wired with a mic, and everything was hooked up, we started.

I was scared shitless at first, but Don has a calming nature and voice. Plus I had known him for over 20 yrs. at one point, my mic pack fell on the floor, and he just told me it was ok, and that they would edit that part out.

The whole thing, was sooooooooo. Cathartic. I think it was the beginning of the turning point for me. The only thing..... I have a copy of that CD, and I've never been able to view it. I don't know if I could.....

 

[Deleted member 541]

Can't get this to come out straight... LOL. This is the CD.

Rotate option is cool...

 

[Joan]

I think it is awesome and I hope to have the courage one day. I think it is beneficial on so many levels....of course personally it allows you to take back power, for others let's them know they are not alone, educational, inspiring, helps decrease stigma and raise awareness....and on and on....so Kudos! I wonder about your psychiatrist....I think he/she should attend and witness. Best wishes...will be eager to hear how it goes. Take sweet care of yourself in the process.

 

[Tornadic Thoughts]

I haven't, yet, but am trying to figure out healthy ways to do so. Thank you (and all who have done it) for being willing to share your story. So many hearts touched, so many seeds planted.

 

[Panda Bear]

@Tornadic Thoughts, I will be happy to share how it goes after I'm done. It's exciting and scary all at the same time. To believe that I've been able to come to this point is beyond me!! Who knew my life would come to the point of speaking about my traumas and specifically, non the less.

I don't feel brave, I feel very INADEQUATE!! My T has been reminding me that things in life don't need to be perfect, people will still love me even if they aren't.

@Joan my psychiatrist is new and we are just getting to know each other. She was blown away by my ability to speak, especially since she is just getting to know me. She knows my major traumas and was worried that it could be hard considering the story. I wish T could come and see, he is actually trying. But had a class he's teaching that night. He asked if they could make him an audio recording. Which we will of curse. T supports me speaking!! Hands down, he thinks it's a great idea and would to see it happen more than once.

@She Cat watch that video!!!! How amazing and cool! I'm so proud of you for doing that!

Thank you everyone, I'm glad to not be alone and can't wait to be done and have this behind me. But really, I hope to make an impact for these kids.

 

[Dergrosse]

I did it once years ago and it really felt good to let it out. I didn't get into all of the details. I kept it detailed enough and vague enough to ensure it was appropriate for everyone. It really was an awesome experience kids that normally ran rampant paid attention and the adults that listened were shocked at how the kids reacted. You never know who in the room can relate and how encouraging they will find it. Good luck to you.

 

[ladee]

Speaking to kids is so powerful.
No telling how many of thier stories you are telling. I have to wonder, for all of us here, what would life had been like if we had known we were not alone.

 

[Missycat]

Wow @Panda Bear , it is so brave of you and its great that you are doing it to help others.
I havent done anything like this , i hope it goes well and i wish you all the best x

 

[Panda Bear]

Indeed, @ladee. I wonder the same thing too.

I hope to experience the same feelings @Dergrosse