How Do You Describe Ptsd To Others

[Nam]

It's inappropriate for them to ask you about your past. I stopped saying it's ptsd as 99.9% of people ask "what happened to you?" as if it's perfectly permissible to ask someone you dint know about the details of the very worst moment of your life!

Yep. It's right up there with "Why did your mom give you up for adoption?" I can't count how many times complete strangers have asked me this.

 

[RussH]

Does Canada have anything like the Americans with disabilities act?
If they do, then I am not sure they can prevent you from bringing your service dog.

I think the better idea is to find a church that will allow you to bring your service dog with you.

 

[munkinmama]

I am working with a trainer to take the "backdoor" method which means a lot of documenting thing like the hours of training, support letters from family and friends who see me with her in public, taking videos of when i am out in public and training. It is a lot of work. Here where I live churches are considered public property unless the church has a special membership. I did contact another church today of another faith and wow what a difference the Pastor was so nice and was eager to see if the church was a good fit for not just me but my Service Dog as well. He was eager to learn about my situation and about Service Dogs. I will be meeting him and his associates in a couple weeks. My bishop at my current church is not the issue but his supervisor who is so hard headed. I also called the human rights commission to start a compliant.

Thank you everyone for your kind words and support.

 

[Justmehere]

Way to go @munkinmama! Good work! I hope things go a lot better at the other church.

 

[falling_wave]

The way I explain it is that if something even very small causes me stress that feeling reminds me of so many other times I had it before I even realize it and then I react as if I were reacting to all those times. That usually makes sense to most people.

 

[munkinmama]

Education is key

*UPDATE*
I finally got a chance to speak to my bishop alone. He called me today and we had awesome talk. I now understand things a bit better. He agreed the first meeting with his supervisor was brutal and the one we just had was a lot better. He understands the value my Service Dog has for me and is grateful I have her. He now understands better about my PTSD and what she does for me.He informed me this is a new situation for everyone involved/ Jellybean is my first Service Dog and my branch of my church has never had a Service Dog attend before so the church is trying to sort things out. My bishop is thankful I have taken the time to educate him. He understands how frustrating it is and the frustration of this whole process has been. He asked for me to be patient. He is not saying I can never bring my Service Dog just not right now. This situation made me realize it is so easy to react to things but in a case like this education is key.

 

[Sammyiam]

You will get there hopefully and as you say you are breaking down barriers and hopefully making it better for other people wo come along with service dogs as well.

Good luck

Sammy

 

[Deleted member 28403]

I'm glad to hear the bishop understands! Good luck with the matter and hugs if you accept :hug:

 

[jaccat]

Glad to hear you've got some clarification on this. I hope things go your way.

 

[intothelight]

Education is a great first step as people tend to fear or misconstrue what they do not understand. I hope it all goes well for you.

 

[katz]

As I read this thread, I kept thinking the same thing.. this is God's house. Everyone should be welcome. I can't believe the church wouldn't work with you to find a solution that fits you both. Like the idea mentioned about sitting in the back.

If I were in your shoes, I would look for another church. One that would welcome me, so matter what my unique condition is. I would probably also ask to meet with the main pastor, one on one, first. Just to see how they would handle it, or if they even would welcome you.