Sufferer Hi, I'm New :)

[Shumsky]

Hi, I'm new here :)

I'm Kaska (you can call me this or by my username, either or is fine). I was diagnosed with PTSD very recently, in November of 2013. From February of 2008 to June of 2012, I was in many different treatment programs, including psychiatric hospitals, Outward Bound programs, and a therapeutic school, all in hopes of treating my anxiety disorders, depression, and eating disorder. The school I attended was a residential program and unfortunately it did much more harm than good. The abuse I endured there from staff and other students, the things I was exposed to every day, and the environment I lived in were all factors that have caused my PTSD. Needless to say, nowadays I'm trying my best to recover and to take control of my life and to have the life that I want. I'm pursuing my dreams as a club DJ and I am studying Communication for Business in college. I'm a sophomore now.

My life is full of setbacks, phobias, and triggers but I do my best to keep my head above water. I'm hoping I can find some support and feedback on this site! :)
Thanks!

 

[Aching65]

welcome shumsky. I am trying to support my GF who has PTSD and who is really challenging and questioning everything i do, But I discovered this site a couple of weeks ago, and indeed it does give me a lot of information and support. I just wish I had discovered this site earlier, It might have prevented me making quite a few mistakes in the helping process.

Good luck, join us on the chat sometimes)))

 

[Seasounds]

Welcome! So many people, even professionals, don't know how to demonstrate respect, let alone protect vulnerable people, teach other residents to be respectful, of other residents. In such cases, people's dysfunctional background tends to re-enact itself.

Arg, it has happened to me, too, both in groups and with therapists. Eventually, I learned to eliminate people who had disrespectful behavior, and choose healthier therapist.
Also, I limited my therapy to individual therapists, not groups.

What did I see as disrespectful, that I use to tolerate?

1. Therapists teasing me, or joking about problems of mine.
2. Therapists who asked me to doubt my feelings and perceptions, or they'd change the subject if I started to feel feelings.
3. Therapists who dominated conversations, or interrupted me, frequently..
4. Therapists who were immature; they were unable to take constructive feedback, and as a result , would be passive aggressive-argumentative, snide, sarcastic, smug, etc.
5. Therapists who would take calls, emails, or texts, during my sessions.
6. Therapists who would put down interests of mine.

Good luck!

 

[intothelight]

@Shumsky Welcome to the forum! :)

The wrong treatment can definitely cause further harm and it is really good to read that you are taking charge. Keep seeking the help that you need and I hope the information and support here are beneficial.