Hello

[Suzy]

Hi my name is Suzy,

I joined this forum because last year I watched a friend fly into powerlines in a skydiving accident and developed post traumatic stress.

With psychotherapy and then going back to the accident site I no longer have flasbacks. I do have panic attacks, interrupted sleep patterns, and am being treated for anxiety, and I still have partial memory loss from the accident.

My friend who had the accident is writing a book about her recovery, and has asked me to write a chapter from my perspective and to fill in the parts she doesn't remember.

Reliving the accident through writing is cathartic and very difficult at the same time.

I really feel the need to connect with people at the moment who understand my experiences, even though I find that through what I've read so far, my symptoms are very mild.

I look forward to speaking with all of you.

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Suzy.

 

[Lucycat]

Hi Suzy and welcome to the forum.

You say your symptoms are very mild - but that is irrelevent - they are still your symptoms. I am sure you have found them difficult or you would not be here.

Everyone here has a different story to tell, but we are all in the same boat - affected one way or another by trauma.

Well done with the book writing. I am pleased to hear that it is helping you
Best Wishes
Lucy x

 

[KP the nut]

Hi Suzy, welcome to the forum.

I am so sorry you had to witness your friends accident. I find it amazing she has the strength and courage to write of her experiences and also of you to have input. I also find writing helps although sometimes I struggle to find the words.

Our traumas are all different, some are similar, but whatever the trauma either as a sufferer or supporter our lives have been impacted by PTSD symproms.

There is a lot of information both in articles and threads. The forum is also an amazing place for support and understanding. I have made some good friends and I hope you will find the same.

Looking forward to meeting you again
Take care
KP

 

[Froggie]

Welcome to the forum Suzy. I find you and your friend amazing for writing this experience. Lucycat well put it :

Everyone here has a different story to tell, but we are all in the same boat - affected one way or another by trauma.

We all feel that way and we all have our up / down days, this is were the peer support so greatly helps. We can relate to what you are going through.

 

[Suzy]

Thank you all, your words are appreciated.

From the day of the accident I've felt isolated in one way or another, which is bizarre because my close relationships have been strengthened by this experience, but to find a place where I don't have to explain and already feel at home is a breath of fresh air.

My friend is one of the most inspirational people I know and to have survived and come through nearly 20 surgeries, a loss of a great deal of tissue and being told she'll never be the same again, she's walking, close to running again, has travelled overseas with me and on her own, is back at work, and I can honestly say I wouldn't cope as well as I do if she hadn't done as well as she has.

Lucycat thank you, I wouldn't be here if I wasn't finding it as difficult as I am.

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