Whirlwind
Gold Member
Be careful. I wish it wasn't true but Scout's example rang all too familiar!
I have only shared with my husband and one former friend. Note - former ;)
We were close for about 4 yrs, she was aware I had a "bad childhood" (no details) and I shared my PTSD diagnosis at year 3.5 ;). I had reason to believe she could "handle" knowing and had some experience as well.
Basically, I wasn't feeling very social during a bad flashback period and I didn't want her to think it was our friendship. I didn't tell her much, just that it stemmed from my childhood, I was working somethings out with a "pro" to help me and experiencing some sleep problems.
She was asked if she could do something to help. I said no but thanked her and really downplayed the whole thing and we went on as normal (I thought). Or at least I tried to, the moment I opened my mouth I wish I could have taken it back. She was nice, said the right "thing" but she reacted strangely, sort of glazed or checked out, suddenly somewhat "formal" with me. This from a gal who was rather blunt and tended to wear her emotions and life on her sleeve!
Anyway, that was the end of us. She distanced herself steadily, never mentioned it again/asked how I was doing and finally just did the disappearing act.
I've been asking myself a similar question, I would like to be more open but my experiences tell me otherwise.
Whirlwind
I have only shared with my husband and one former friend. Note - former ;)
We were close for about 4 yrs, she was aware I had a "bad childhood" (no details) and I shared my PTSD diagnosis at year 3.5 ;). I had reason to believe she could "handle" knowing and had some experience as well.
Basically, I wasn't feeling very social during a bad flashback period and I didn't want her to think it was our friendship. I didn't tell her much, just that it stemmed from my childhood, I was working somethings out with a "pro" to help me and experiencing some sleep problems.
She was asked if she could do something to help. I said no but thanked her and really downplayed the whole thing and we went on as normal (I thought). Or at least I tried to, the moment I opened my mouth I wish I could have taken it back. She was nice, said the right "thing" but she reacted strangely, sort of glazed or checked out, suddenly somewhat "formal" with me. This from a gal who was rather blunt and tended to wear her emotions and life on her sleeve!
Anyway, that was the end of us. She distanced herself steadily, never mentioned it again/asked how I was doing and finally just did the disappearing act.
I've been asking myself a similar question, I would like to be more open but my experiences tell me otherwise.
Whirlwind
