Sufferer Introduction

[brittris]

Hello! My name is Brittany. I was recently diagnosed with PTSD after being married to a sociopath and suffering both emotional and physical abuse from him. I am a USAF Veteran and proud of my service, but my PTSD is not linked to my service at all. I am only recently learning how to handle and manage my emotions and anxiety that are caused by my triggers, so I think being here and having others to talk to will really help me in my recovery!

 

[hodge]

Welcome, Brittany, and thank you for your service :-)! I'm sorry you were also married to a sociopath. Glad you're learning and we will be here to support you.

 

[brittris]

Welcome, Brittany, and thank you for your service :)! I'm sorry you were also married to a sociopath. Gla...

Thank you! I've found in the past few months that talking about it does seem to help at times, and my therapist agrees.So while there is still a lot I'm not ready to talk about, I know just talking makes a difference! And having people who can relate will be so much better. I have SO many friends who just do not understand and have no idea how to handle it.

 

[hodge]

Yeah, "normal" people just don't get it, and bless them for not having this. I have a lot of friends, but I don't go here with them usually. I reserve it all for here and therapy.

 

[brittris]

My biggest problem is when I have an anxiety attack or a meltdown and their response is to tell me to "just get over it, it's not that serious". That's the part that makes recovery harder for me. I'm glad they didn't experience what I did and have to live with these problems,but compassion and trying to understand makes all the difference!

 

[hodge]

Grrr. There's a thread on here called something like "when you have PTSD" or "what to not say to a person with PTSD" "Just get over it" is one of the worst ones in my opinion. Like, yeah, if we could, we would!!! Hang on, I'll look for the link.

 

[hodge]

Here's one: You Know You Have PTSD When...

 

[brittris]

Grrr. There's a thread on here called something like "when you have PTSD" or "what to not say to a person...

Sounds great! I have a card posted up at my desk at work that is two-sided and has "DO Say" and "DO NOT say" written on one side, in case my coworkers ever need a reference :)

 

[hodge]

I think a lot of the things unwitting people say to us are on that thread I posted. I've been looking, but cannot find the thread about what not to say. If you're up for it, you may find it by doing a search here.

Definitely, though, "just get over it" is one of my major pet peeves. For reasons I already explained. Not that you need an explanation :-).

That is cool that you have that card, lol.

 

[EveHarrington]

Welcome.