I Wrote Something Publicly About My Ptsd

[Britt.f7]

Awesome. I did something similar in my blog but with depression and mental health. It's scary and, at the same time, exhilarating. More power to you! Fabulous.

 

[bell]

Thanks for the quote @arfie!

And thanks for the kind words, @Britt.f7 and well done you, too, for speaking out about things! That's so great!

Along with positive comments here and on the post itself, I've been getting emails from readers sharing their stories and wanting to participate in my upcoming art/craft project on PTSD (if you'd like more info, please PM me, I haven't written about it here, because I don't want to look like a spammer... but I'm collecting statements from people with diagnosed PTSD and embroidering them on a quilt), which has been so so great and has made me feel much less alone with all of this... thank you. x

 

[DharmaGirl]

This is a great video on coming out. A gay woman talks about everyone having closets.
http://www.upworthy.com/a-4-year-ol...-boy-she-responded-the-awesomest-way-possible

 

[bell]

Thanks so much, @monster1977 for sharing this! It brought me to tears, especially these thoughts: "all a closet is is a hard conversation." "it is scary, and we hate it, and it needs to be done." "hard is not relevant, hard is hard." All so true!

And it's so important to remember that we all have closets. And that some people are still in theirs and scared to death, causing their negative/less-than-ideal-reactions towards us.

 

[bell]

1 week later: It's strange to think that if people were to Google me, this article comes up pretty quick. My first thought was: "Now I *really* will never get a date again!" But, a few days later, my second thought is: "I'd rather them know what they were getting into and choose what they think is best for them." And, in that way, maybe I'll be able to actually start something off from a good place. Not that I've found anyone yet, but fingers crossed for when/if I do!

 

[RussH]

Bell: Bravo! In the for what it's worth department, being basically a stranger, I am proud of you for making this huge step. I think, for me, realizing I had PTSD, and then determining I would not be ashamed of having this disorder was a huge step forward. My decision to not be ashamed of my PTSD has allowed me to seek help, and not from a therapsit only, but some supervisors at work that I am close to.

I think it is great that you were able to write about you PTSD, and I am very hopeful that your family will read it, and rally around you with tons of support. You go girl!

 

[bell]

Many thanks for the kind words and the support, @RussH!

 

[RussH]

Bell, we are in your corner.

 

[RussH]

Bell, I don't know if your family has read your article yet, or not. If they haven't, then when they do picture yourself linking arms with all the rest of use here on the forum, and realize you are not facing your family alone.

Let us know how it goes.