News How Did They Do It

[Nighthawk]

I'm really baffeled at the progress that Michelle Night and the others have made from that house of horrors. How did the survive over a decade of torture and sexual abuse and come out on the other side beinghopeful and positive and all the things I am not.

 

[anonymous]

Media slant?

People still want a feel good story. I don't doubt their progress but the truth probably isn't quite so rosy.

 

[NarcSis]

I had thought the same thing about how quickly they seem to have recovered and moved back into seemingly comfortable lives, but then I caught myself and said, "What I see may not be what is real. I cannot see what goes on behind the scenes."

I think what you're doing is comparison shopping and in PTSD there is no room for comparison shopping, you are where you are and no amount of comparing your progress with others will change where you are, in fact, it will just give rise to the self deprecation that we always succumb to.

I also had to remind myself that not everyone necessarily develops PTSD - just because someone endured a severe trauma does not mean they will automatically come out the other side with PTSD; I had a partner with me in my trauma and he's fine. Many people live through natural disasters and trauma each day and do not HAVE TO get PTSD as a result, they can suffer some amount of post traumatic stress but can recover and resume their lives.

We are "the chosen", LOL and we get through our lives as we get through them, day by day. Hugs to you.

 

[Ronin]

Nighthawk, positive isn't the only strength there is. You have all of those other kinds.

 

[Fadeaway]

How? Well, I am guessing, and hopeful, that they have a team of some of the best therapists with far more intensive therapy than you or I would receive due to how famous this case is.

Out of all 3 of them my heart goes out to Michelle the most. The other two have each other to lean on for support. Someone who gets it. Michelle on the other had is treated more of an outcast, even by the media.

 

[anonymous]

High profile case hopefully equals access to the best care and therapy available to them?

Plus, not everyone who experiences trauma suffers PTSD as a result.

Plus, PTSD isn't always apparent straight away - sometimes people seem to be coping quite well for a bit and then something gives.

Plus, you're only seeing what the media wants you to see, and possibly what they themselves want the outside world to see of them. You have no idea what home alone, behind closed doors looks like for them. Brave face. Saying the things you want to believe often enough in the hope that one day you might.

Comparing trauma or responses to trauma is never helpful, and especially in this case when you're seeing no more than a snapshot of things.

 

[ms spock]

The media is reinforcing a powerful messages from the abusers on a subconscious level, some of which are "When are you going to get over it?" "Why are you making such a fuss?"

So painting those people as recovered and doing well - well it silences the rest of us, and it serves to make the some of us doubt ourselves.

It is a regular societal message that serves to enable intergenerational child abuse to occur.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Nh I struggle with you as well. I have good days and I have bad days but the social message just get over it is screwed in my opinion.

 

[Friday]

For all we know she's here.

My best wishes to all though, wherever they may be.

 

[The Albatross]

This case didn't affect me much at all. I do though subscribe to the "high profile case/best therapy available" category. They were, too, safely ensconced and protected after being liberated. Most of us, eh... nope. Two of the three have been in the public eye and have written a book... the third has chosen to keep herself out of the lime/spotlight.

I know too... not everyone will get PTSD. So... I chalk the whole thing up to an "unknowable".

I don't subscribe particularly to the idea that this case creates a "why don't you just get over it" attitude.

 

[Nighthawk]

I was just posing the question and appreciate all the responses.

 

[Neverthesame]

All I can think for this, really is. Good for her. She is her own person. If she makes a miraculous recovery great. If not, then that's ok too.

I know that some people here have had this for less time than I have, and are more "recovered" than I am. I try not to let it bother me, as I am what I am. I can't rush this, I will only recover as quickly as I can recover.

I have read things on this forum from people who have suffered things I didn't know were possible. Things that have made me feel ill after reading. I mention this because I look at these people and how they are coping with what surely would have driven me to suicide, but they are still here trying to get better. From these people I draw immense inspiration.

I also know that the only person who's recovery I am responsible for is my own. There is no right or wrong in it. If I never recover, that's unfortunate, but it is what it is. It doesn't mean I didn't try, or that I gave up. Just that life is not fair.

That's my opinion on that anyway.