Hello - First Ever Forum

[liv now]

Hi, I am new to this forum. In fact this is my first forum ever. I am not very computer literate so I hope this is how I send a post!?
I have complex ptsd and am really needing to connect with others who understand. I feel a bit isolated at times as the majority of people in my life don't understand the daily struggles ptsd can cause. I do have a good therapist, but it would be nice to connect with others. Cheers all!:smile:

 

[Nicolette]

Welcome to the forum Liv Now. Good luck with learning how all this works...I am sure you will do well.

 

[Blues in NYC]

Welcome Liv.

Yeah, PTSD seems to make a lot of us feel like we are alone in the wilderness called mankind. But your instincts are good about this forum. It's been a very valuable place for me to come and connect with other sufferers, get advice and management tips, vent and kvetch about symptoms, occasionally lean on for some more serious grounding and even at times practice laughing a little at myself and this thing we got called life.

I hope this space proves as helpful to you in your recovery and management as well!

~ Blues

 

[igasho]

Hi, Liv now,

welcome here. I also do have complex ptsd. I am also still a new member and I find it very helpful to have this site here.

Friendly greetings
Igasho

 

[Leda]

Welcome to the forum, Liv. I´m also one of those with cptsd - unfortunately.
:) Leda

 

[liv now]

Hi all thanks for all your welcomes. would love to talk but at moment none of my posts are coming up as I am moderated member. talk sometime soon.

 

[liv now]

Feeling A Bit Disheartened

Hi. I have had ptsd for many years and have done a lot of hard work managing my triggers and owning my traumas rather than avoiding or dismissing or dissociating. I thought I was doing so well as I have even managed to not be triggered by things that would normally trigger me. I have been functioning so well for so long that I almost forgot I dissociated. About a month ago I became stressed after a therapy appt. I had decided to be brave and talk about the topic of sexuality. (very difficult topic to talk about as sexual abuse in childhood) it has taken me fifteen years to find the courage to talk about this topic. I left my session feeling very fearful that i had done something wrong. not sure why. maybe because I have suppressed this topic for so long. my therapist has done her best to support me and reassure me but I have not been able to talk about this topic with her since. everytime I do I become highly distressed and dissociate or I find something else to talk about to avoid it. does anyone have any ideas on how to break this avoidant rut I feel I am in? I know I need to stop avoiding just not sure how to do it without dissociating. the tools I have used in the past are not working. I have also tried writing it down and have even sent it to therapist via e mail but in session can't stay present to hear her talk about what I have written. I just switch off. Very frustrating!!!!!:wall:

 

[Big Shirley]

Welcome! I am new here too. Just trying to get support for a very lonely dissorder my self. I am here if you need to chat

 

[liv now]

Hi and welcome! thanks for your welcome. It is nice to feel I am not alone. not really sure how to instigate chat but would like to. also still having trouble figuring out how to post properly - I am not very computer literate. also not sure whether I reply under "quick reply" if I chat or if I go somewhere else. I'll figure it out soon

 

[JillyB]

Hey liv,
I also disassociate. I have actually ended up places I have no recollection of getting to. I also am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. I don't know what to tell you about how to make it stop, only that you are not alone. Hang in there with the therapy. It's about feeling safe, our brains do it to protect us. My wish for you is that you begin to feel safe enough to talk about it with your therapist. You did nothing wrong.
Jilly B

 

[liv now]

Thanks Jilly B. it really is a nice feeling knowing you are not alone. i have a therapy session today. I am thinking optimistically.

 

[pandora]

welcome..i have learned from the forum for over two years!!! It has been a wonderful healing tool.