How Has Having Ptsd/complex Trauma Changed You For The Better?

[Kim]

Ok, this is a strange thread I know but it has just been brought to my attention that maybe there are some things we should be thankful for when it comes to having PTSD. Maybe it's made us better people in some way. Maybe we have people in our lives that we wouldn't have had if we didn't have PTSD. Given us the ability to do something that we wouldn't ordinarily have done if we didn't have PTSD.

I'll start:

I'm independent.
I'm open minded.
I have the ability to overcome.

 

[Heather]

I can pretty much find humor in any situation -- which has been my salvation.
I am independent.
I have a will to live.
I am determined.
I am strong.

 

[shell]

I'm indepedent.
I'm a good listener.
I am compassionate.

 

[Teller]

Extremely good evaluational analysis skills
Able to find/make a physical exit in case of emergency, anytime, anywhere
Good empathizer
Can keep others sensitive information private
And finally, appreciation of what should be the decent standard of living.

 

[yomama]

I'm a critical thinker.
I don't take people who put up with me for granted.
I feel at home with intensity.

 

[Srain]

I really have to rethink this one again, oddly enough.

I am able to experience "real" emotion and am not afraid of other people's emotions
I really appreciate the time and care people give not just to me but to other people and causes, people are amazing and I never cease to be impress and amazed :)
I am able to care and do my best to give what has been given to me despite what I may be going through
I am never boring to be around ;)
I say what I mean
I'm not afraid to stand up for I believe to be right
I see the world in different dimensions- this is where I can honestly say floating around in Derealization gives you a different view!
I know I am a survivor

 

[Deaf Global Nomad]

I have met people I would never have met without the PTSD and medical leave.
I have figured out what is really important in my life; similar to figuring out my values and priorities.
It is always worth getting to know the core of a person is important, not just what the person represents, but their life story, where they come from, how they view the world.
I don't have much time, patience, or desire to engage in conversation with extremely shallow people.
Everybody is an important human being and can teach me something.

 

[AngelaMarie]

I am extremely sensitive to other peoples emotions.
I do not have the ability to lie to people about who I am because I have been so devastated by peoples lies to me.
I am a great mother because I know what "not" to do.
I really feel called to help other people who have problems like mine, and I love doing it.
I really enjoy the good moments when they come.

 

[ruffdeal]

I have a more open mind.
I don't judge others on rumors or hearsay.
I don't value things I value people.

 

[Lucy456]

Appreciating this thread.

- I am caring and compassionate.
- I am a good listener.
- I know I am strong.
- I am mature for my age.
- I am not judgemental.
- And Heather - I hope you don't mind but I am going to use one of yours -
" I have the will to live"

 

[Anna]

- I have a lot of empathy for others
- I can see and read between the lines in a situation
- I have learned to control and master my emotions
- Can be the diplomat in difficult emotional situations
- Have an incredible amount of tolerance and patience
- Have learned to let go of the anger and forgive

 

[The Albatross]

I had to come back to this thread after a few days. I didn't want to put anything up here that I didn't entirely believe... and was tempted to put things I half believe, want to believe... you get the drift.

-I have keen intuition that has helped me to avoid disaster and castastophes, even though I have put myself in some bad situations that were life threatening.

-I have learned that the best remedy for adversity is proactivity, goal setting, and stress/anxiety management.

-I have learned that contrary to what my psyche sometimes tells me, I am not "unique in suffering" and that I can benefit from the experiences of others who have learned or are learning how to deal with PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

- I have learned how to set boundaries and enforce them when necessary to provide care and compassion for my self.

- I have learned to stay in or return to the present moment much more quickly than my or my inlaws family when adversity, grief, or traumas happen.