Poll How Do You Classify Your PTSD?

[cyndi]

Funny (or not), I was just trying to describe a few days ago that my mind feels "broken". Wish none of us felt that, but I'm glad to know I'm not alone in this healing.

 

[Mercy]

I think of PTSD as injury, for me from many many seriously harmful events. I'm not so sure about whether I will be able to recover some sense of normalcy in my life or whether I am maimed for life, emotionally, psychologically and partly physically. I have been lonely for people who can even begin to understand PTSD and who might be able to witness with me by their words and thoughts.

 

[sirsir]

I must said my PTSD is more of an injury than anything else. I have shrapnel in my leg from the war. I have my good days and bad days with the pain. With PTSD I have my good days and bad. I take pain meds and now PTSD meds. Neither will stop me from doing a job but both affect how I get the job done. I have to talk to a Dr. about both. I believe both are treatable however not cureable.

 

[Gravastorm]

The only one?

I voted other.

To me it is an unwelcome visitor. An unruly guest that has depleted valuable resources, rearranged the terrain and generally trashed the place. A demon to be exorcised. Of course I am new to this so my opinion my change with greater understanding.

 

[stephanie]

I said disorder. I like the idea of it being an injury, but you can heal from an injury...such as a broken arm. This is something we have to learn to cope with and manage. It is always with us.

 

[silkworm]

injury for me i guess if i have to classify it. i don't view it as a main part of who i am; i feel any of the other classifications listed do suggest it being a main compenent of who you are.

 

[OhSoLittleMouse]

I've learned over the years that my PTSD is a private matter. My friends and family know, of course, but I don't say to people in conversation that I have PTSD. It just opens up a can of worms. It is far more draining to have to explain to strangers what PTSD is, and then you always end up on the defensive side. Defensive side = no good (lol).

When people congratulate me and tell me how strong I am, I will often throw in (in a very lighthearted manner) - well thank you, but trust me I'm the Poster Child for Post Traumatic Stress. No one really seems to comment on this as I am saying it in jest.

I will also say that "even though it was a while ago, it's still pretty traumatizing for me still".

If I am talking with family/friends I would say "my PTSD is kicking in right now".

Sorry for rambling! lol

 

[Ruth]

Good question. I think of my PTSD as a sort of soul sickness. The actual physical manifestations are always going to be there, but a large part of my anguish is remembering how things were before my trauma and wishing they could be like that again. I suspect that once I come to terms with my PTSD that I will be able to live more fully in the moment and although I will never be who I was, I may become something better. I like the saying "forgiveness is finally giving up the dream that you can change the past.." My hope is that I will be able to fully accept my part in this life and in that process be able to "let go of the dream"...

I do believe that PTSD is a illness. Because I have little or no control of my physical responses during a flashback or night terror. However, through treatment I have learned how to identify my triggers and avoid them or work through them thus lessening the chance of a flashback or night terror.

 

[Gamereign555]

I find it fits the definition of a syndrome the best, the definition of a disorder is so vague really. But I guess syndrome and disorder are kind of synonymous with eachother in a way. At least based on these definitions.

Syndrome:
Syndrome can be described as a group of symptoms that together are characteristic of a specific disorder, disease, or the like.

Disease:
Disease is any harmful, depraved, or morbid condition (a state of not well-being), as of the mind or considered by the society.

Disorder:
Disorder is nothing but a disturbance in physical or mental health or functions; malady or dysfunction

Definitions are from Answers.com WikiAnswers

 

[Srain]

Geez, I put Illness though I know it says Disorder, I have had several head traumas as a child and adult, I also have generic illnesses such as Manic Depression as well Alcoholism. Both, which my maternal Grandmother had so the possibility of my having it as opposed to my symptoms being just PTSD are unlikely but difficult to determine as I have had all these symptoms since an early age. It's anyone's guess and I just take care of it all at this point. So confusing.

I guess as long as I get treatment it doesn't matter, huh??? I'll call it "cake" if I need to :tup:.

Rain

 

[Lionheart]

I view it as a psychological and spiritual injury.

 

[Kb3]

I agree w/linasmom, I was injured by my trauma. If I hadn't been traumatized I would not have ptsd.