Hello Everyone, Bitterblue

[Bitterblue]

Hello everybody, I'm not really sure how to kick this off.

I signed up because I was recently diagnosed with PTSD from varied experiences, and am finding it difficult to get a handle on things (even though I'm better than I was)...
Hopefully there are some people here who don't find my experiences so strange, and can offer me some insight into what's happening.

I'm unfamiliar with this board so please pardon any confusion while I bumble around and learn the ropes.

 

[BigBear]

Hi BitterBlue,

We'll be glad to let you ease in. We all know that for you, it probably won't be so easy.

Build your confidence. Don't feel you have to write things until you are ready. And when you do, know that we'll understand. If you can't get it out right or it sounds stupid, it really won't sound stupid to us. You'll just think it sounds stupid. Expressing yourself (in a non-abusive way) is always in order.

Bear

 

[Bitterblue]

Thank you for your welcome Bear, it probably will though!

It's a bit sparse up there, so I'll add a bit more.

What I've been told by the doctor is complex PTSD, and from Googling frantically for a few months I'm aware that there's disagreement over it... When I was diagnosed I just asked what it meant and how it was different from PTSD (which I'd heard of), and was told it was PTSD caused by repeated traumatic experiences over a long time.

Fair enough I guess? Just PTSD with the tacked on addendum that it's all a bit convoluted (as is Bitterblue, really)?

Nevermind, it doesn't really matter what it's called. It's more important to learn how it's affecting me and most of all how to live well with it.

I don't feel like I've got the right to complain as I've been much luckier than a lot of people, but I can't deny that I have problems sleeping, stomach cramps and a lot of difficulty getting out and about. Also socialising with people is a challenge, I actually stumbled on here after trying to figure out what other people did when something a male friend says accidentally sets off a lot of difficult emotions and fears.

All this stuff about triggers and flashbacks confuses me, I find it hard to know objectively if that's what's happening or not. All I know is that I find certain specific things make me flip out and it's frigging awful.

I'm slowly making my way back to my version of health, and have being going a fair bit better (after seeing someone professionally for a few years and then being told what the heck was going on last year) but there's still bumps along the way.

 

[BigBear]

It's more important to learn how it's affecting me and most of all how to live well with it.

It's an enemy and as with every enemy, it can be defeated. Please don't lower your standards to just "living with it". I don't believe that's the limit of what can be done for a second. And you are too valuable to just give up on.

Bear

 

[intothelight]

Hi Bitterblue,

Really, the majority of us here find nothing related to PTSD strange. As you read and post, I believe you will find yourself gaining a better understanding. But one of the biggest benefits is knowing that you are not alone in this. That there are other people who understand and can provide support.

Wishing you the best.
Debbie

 

[Bitterblue]

Thanks intothelight,

Everything's feeling a bit irrational at the moment.

 

[AngelaMarie]

Welcome to the forum!! Even though you may feel luckier than other doesn't mean your pain is not real or important. You have a right to reach out and a right to feel what you may feel. This forum is a perfect place to get support and to move forward in your life.

 

[Bitterblue]

Thanks AngelaMarie, everyone is being so welcoming :)