I'd Like To Get Opinions

[CEsings]

I'd like to introduce myself, I have been diagnosed with PTSD, just out of the closet so to speak. I'd like to know if you all think you are as dangerous to society as the stigma PTSD?

For example if you work say in an Hospital emergency room. Would not the trauma skills be useful? Who can almost fly across the room to do their job to save someone. When we are faced with a crisis time slows way down and we can think very clearly without hysteria. That worker would not at that time have a flashback right? It is during isolation that we are dangerous to ourselves and loved ones for example alcohol and guns are are enemies.

If given back our pride and self esteem I can't believe we'd be dangerous. I think the problem is that the professionals think they can treat us or fix us, the broken victim. I think we can use coping skills to live as a better human being.

What do you all think?

 

[Lucycat]

wow!
Am I a danger to society ? No, I don't think so!!
I have been diagnosed with CPTSD. I work in the field of health care and do my job well. Have I told my employer about my diagnosis - er- well - no. Because I fear the stigma!

My diagnosis has nothing to do with my work, so I guess flashbacks would not be expected at work. Nonetheless there are times at work when life becomes 'difficult' due to the nature of my trauma. I have had to walk out of the room, and isolate myself to calm down, but nobody has ever noticed. I am discrete and safe.

Coping skills - well yes, that is what therapy has given me. I always have a contingency plan for every situation, and then rarely need it.

 

[CraftyCath]

Hi CEsings and welcome to the forum.

I have CPTSD and I'm not a danger to anyone, including myself. However, one of my traumas happened when I was a Staff Nurse and was wrongly accused of the death of one of my patients. I was am excellent Nurse. I saved so many lives, including children and in the inquest for this patient it proved I had nothing to do with his death, that I did everything I could and it was just his time to go. He died in a terrible way.

So as you can see, I would never go back to nursing. I have dealt with emergencies when out and about and someone has collapsed or there has been a car accident and I have done well but the triggers and dissociation I get following this leave me shaking, sick and falling apart for weeks.

I think it also depends on the character of the person. My sister had a serious car accident for which she was responsible. After her injuries healed she just got in the car and drove like nothing had happened, I would have been in pieces. But then she does not have my past traumas to deal with.

I'm having therapy at the moment but I feel it is time to move on and not grieve any longer for the loss of my career.

 

[CEsings]

Thank you for your welcome and insight. You are right that after helping someone in a crisis the event becomes exaggerated in my memory and I definitely feel it, if not fall apart.

I don't do therapy with a professional but my own called Theophostics. Where I go to where God sends me to remember something in my past then I go through it with Him. I don't know if I explained it right. What I am trying to say is that my relationship with God is #1. The Bible says God is a counselor that won't screw up, no appointment, no cost etc.

I feel I need to connect with others like you all. Yes I feel I need to be safe and discrete, coping is real. I can no longer tolerate the feelings of being broken, I'd like to have pride in the facts and and feel unique in a positive way.

I'd like to see the other side of the coin or the silver lining? Do you think it is possible to have PTSD pride and change the stigma or do you all think it is only a detriment? The world is changing.

 

[jo may]

Hi CEsings and welcome:)

I have severe PTSD and morbid depression and I feel I am not coping out here in the real world. Sat down with the hubby last night and we talked for ages about my disorder.I'm very honest and upfront with my friends and family about how I feel, but they're getting so use to it they can tell by my voice if on phone or by looking at me if it's going to be a bad day.

Right now I feel a real mess and I look back at the person I used to be and we are poles apart. I used to phone my best friend if I was down or had things on my mind, but I feel I have gone back a few years (child/teen) as if I'm having a bad day or need to talk I call my mum now and she is amazing.

I do feel my PTSD holds me back from working as I can't leave my house most days and I've had to call in sick a lot lately. So much so that I told them what was wrong and we decided it was best I quit. I honestly don't mind I hated my job as it made me uncomfortable.

My husband say's I'm not a bad person, I'm a sad person!

He also thinks I'm of no danger to anyone but myself as I have tried to kill myself. I do not feel proud to have PTSD I hate it and all that it does and all that it means.

And I will also admit to losing my faith now, I was a strong believer but that has all changed now.
JM

 

[CEsings]

Hi Jo may,

What else besides feeling overwhelmed is going on. Do you have children, what do you plan to do now that you've stopped working? Do you go to church? I find exercising is great, Zumba is fun, so is running and bicycling. Make a fun list and create some goals.

Cheer up!
CE