Sufferer Hi! New(ish) Diagnosis, Dealing With Varying Childhood Abuses

[Kawaii_]

I suppose now is as good a time as any to finally make this introduction. I've been lurking on the site for about two weeks, and since I have some time to myself tonight, decided that "tonight's the night to break the ice". I tend to be a bit wordy, so I'll do my best to be brief.

I'm currently in therapy and have been given a diagnosis of PTSD. Still kinda shaking my head and trying to wrap my brain around that because to some extent I don't believe it (people that have *my* kind of life don't have reason to have PTSD.. it's not like I'm a war vet or anything).

That being said, I recognize that people of all walks of life can have PTSD, I just tend to negate my own reality..

In any event, I'm new to the diagnosis, and this is the first time that I've reached out to others that are dealing with PTSD as well.

Hoping that I can learn some new coping skills and use this site in conjunction with my therapy to really move forward and start living my life.

Cheers,

Kawaii_

 

[KP the nut]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Be proud of yourself for introducing yourself, I know it is a big step.

 

[Pietro]

Hi Kawaii_,

...people that have *my* kind of life don't have reason to have PTSD.. it's not like I'm a war vet or anything).

That's exactly what I think sometimes! In fact, I think that "chronic PTSD" has only been recognized fairly recently; maybe they didn't know what else to call it. ;)

Just joined this forum myself, so cheers to the newbies!

 

[NIKI]

Hi Kawaii. :)

 

[safenow]

Hi Kawaii,

Welcome to the PTSD Forum. Congrats on introducing yourself. Not an easy thing to do for sure. You are going to find lots of good people here. They are very caring and supportive. There is a lot of good information here. Take your time and make yourself at home.

Nice to meet you.

 

[Kawaii_]

Having read quite a few introductions of other people, it's been quite evident to me that the caliber of people on this forum truly are top notch. Thank you ALL for the warm welcome. It makes something so daunting and scary, maybe not quite so scary after all..

 

[Pietro]

For me, posting here wasn't scary; instead, my issue is that I have a hard time trusting anyone. So, for the moment, I'm a little wary. Interesting the difference in our reactions; however, I think they are really just two sides of the same coin. :)

 

[Kawaii_]

For me it was somewhat scary because I have trouble believing in myself.. and I've been struggling lately with trying to ascertain whether or not something I'm remembering is real, or if it's make believe (what I was told when I was a kid). I definitely know that I tend to believe other's opinions rather than my own, so it is something I struggle with. I'm quite the opposite.. I trust people too much, even now.. Thankfully, I've gotten much better about the choices I've made with regards to WHOM I trust. Which in my opinion, is a huge step in the right direction.

 

[Pietro]

...and I've been struggling lately with trying to ascertain whether or not something I'm remembering is real, or if it's make believe (what I was told when I was a kid)...

Ditto. I just posted something very similar to what you said in another thread (wasn't allowed to link to it, here, because I'm new).

I've only been on this site since yesterday, but, for the first time since I started with this ordeal, I'm reading about others who are going through the same issues as me. Very emotional.

 

[Don't trip]

Welcome to the forum, Kawaii,

For me it is about pride. A lot of things have happened the last two years since leaving a lifetime of chronic abuse behind. PTSD, for me, doesn't leave a lot of room for pride, as it's been a total barrier to my healing.

I wonder if much of this is not tied into stigmas with regards to mental health. OMG, I have THAT? UGH!

That's why I write about it. I think God (or whatever is your higher power if you have one), uses the gifts I have to help others derive meaning from what feels like such insanity at times.

I think there are a lot of gifts on this forum, from every background. PTSD doesn't discriminate.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Welcome to the forum. :)

 

[intothelight]

Hi Kawaii,

Welcome to the PTSD Forum! :)

Getting the diagnosis can really leave a person feeling a little confused and lost. You made a great first step in helping with your own recovery by joining this site and posting.

This site is full of information about PTSD and various tools for coping. The support of the members is invaluable as you work on healing.

Wishing you the best.

Debbie