Not Sure Where I Fit Anymore

[popeye]

I was reading a post from a new member and I noticed something. I don't really have a group of PTSDers that I fit into. I am not a combat vet yet my trauma is close to it. I just had this feeling that I don't fit into anything. I mean my work blew up. End of story. I wasn't raped or really abused as a child I wasn't in a car wreck and I never saw combat. I am not in a relationship with anyone who has PTSD.

I just kind of feel like I am a loner. I realize that I am not alone in my symptoms or anything I just feel like I am on the outside. Not many people understand where I am coming from. It's frustrating in a way kind of like being a ford owner in a chevy club. Doesn't make alot of sense but there is still the love of the cars.

Sorry for rambling I am just feeling a bit out of it. :wall:

 

[Pixie]

Popeye

I can understand how you are feeling but there are many people who don't fit into those particular categories either. I know it is frustrating though. I am guessing that there are many people out there who have work related PTSD from accidents etc. I work for the OHS Regulator where I am and I know they are out there, they are just maybe not here in numbers...

But the main thing to remember is that each and every trauma is different too. I don't fit in nicely with any particular group as my upbringing was somewhat "different" to the norm and while I fit into two of the three categories you mentioned in your post, there is much more to my trauma than those two things alone. Things that most people don't ever even think about so in a way... yeah, I hear you.

The thing to focus on I think when you feel like this is symptoms and not the trauma itself. It is the symptoms that make PTSD what it is and that is what brings us all together here.

Hang in there.

Rell

 

[Tiger Kitten]

I don't feel like I fit in and I can tick off most of the causes of ptsd that you listed. It honestly doesn't matter how we got ptsd. It's how to cope with it that matters right now. I can relate to everyone about the common ground on that. I have felt like I could never fit in anywhere most of my life. I think that is one of the ptsd symptoms. The "no one understands me because I am so different than everyone else" symptom. I really think that everyone gets that. My trauma is really not like anyone else's trauma. Not every car wreck or rape or child abuse or combat or natural disaster or work blowing up is the same as anyone else's. Just the same as if someone went through a trauma with you wouldn't be effected the exact same way as you would be.

I tend to think I don't belong anywhere at all. That's a big reason why I isolate. I get the "no one can understand me so I should just stay away from them" thoughts going on. If I don't step back and realize it's a symptom, it tends to start making me feel really alone.

Just my thoughts on it.

Tiger

 

[Jimmy]

Popeye,

My belief is that some people get the wrong impression about what PTSD is. I don't think there are any groups. PTSD is PTSD.
Veterans from warlike services still have PTSD, but they are programmed differently and have been conditioned to think and behave differently to certain situations. That is why they are calling it Combat PTSD.
That is why this forum is so great in a way. Because you have so many people from all different countries and all different walks of life and the one thing they have in common is that they have been diagnosed with PTSD.

You do fit in mate, and I would gladly be your friend any day.

Jimmy

 

[cherryblossom]

I think that is what is great about this forum - it doesn't matter what the cause, we all encounter PTSD, either as a sufferer or a carer. Like Tiger says, no two trauma's will ever be the same, but we all recognise similar symptoms and can help each other along this difficult journey.

 

[Tinyflame]

Hi popeye

I like your name.-

If it's any consolation, I feel that way too.
But I have come to realize after 27 years and a slew of "stuff", sometimes some of my (somewhat) "should-be-less-traumatic" incidences were more harmful to me, or at least have caused me more problems and aggravations and after-effects, than some real doozy experiences.

It's not 'all' about the exact trauma as it is about how you have been affected, and that is real, and requires effective understanding and management. And it has pretty specific potential consequences left untreated or unmanaged.

I'm hazarding a guess that you can understand and relate to many people here better than a person without ptsd, which makes you 'uniquely experienced' and definitely 'fitting in'.

And I think that even the feeling of 'not fitting in' (can be) both a ptsd-related one and a 'human' one.

I (for one) am glad for your posts.

 

[MizzASG]

Just how each snow flake is unique, so are people and their individual experiences. But I can totally relate to that "no one really understands" feeling. I was in a car wreck but "it seemed very minor" but it changed my life drastically. No one really gets it...even people here might not, but they can understand and relate, and thats how we all fit in, at least in this community.

 

[reallydown]

Just to add to the chorus here...Popeye, I've had a really tough time with this myself...still do on occasion...as my particular trauma is different from pretty much everyone else's. So, on some level, especially when I'm not doing well, it seems like nobody understands because nobody has been through it. However, that's just one component. PTSD is PTSD and we all share symptoms and effects thereof.

 

[Grama-Herc]

I remember when I first found this forum. I did not think I deserved to even be here..

I don't think any of us think we fit in anywhere. I think is our own ways we all feel like outsiders. So, we may as well be outsiders TOGETHER!!!!!! :rofl:

 

[suzie q]

Hey there popeye!

Just wanted to add...whenever my symptoms start to flare, I find myself comparing details. When I do this, I start to believe I'm unique. That's the disease telling me I'm unique. When I listen to that untrue thought, I isolate. Reason being, I'm getting to close to understanding a new trauma or feeling I don't want to feel. It is an unconscious thought pattern that I have learned to recognize. Remember, just my experience..

I have to keep things in a "general light" or I obsess to much on the things that make me different. My PTSD (not the cause of the PTSD) symptoms are the same. To me it's like having cancer. Doesn't matter where it is, it's all the same pain and treatment.

If you've been diagnosed with PTSD, believe me, you belong here. Your experiences and strengths belong here. You belong here!

See ya around....suzie q

 

[Jestadud]

Chin up Popeye I know exactly what you're feeling. You are different in that you're a one percenter!

I guess you've read something along the lines of somebody being told they can't have ptsd because their experience doesn't meet the criteria ie Combat or Abuse etc.
What they usually leave out is the little bit that should be at the end "One percent get ptsd from other means"!

Now you can get back to enjoying your ptsd because you are in the right club.(joke)

Jesta

 

[popeye]

Jesta, I don't wanna be part of this club. Can I quit the club? If so I would like my money back and you guys can keep my jacket. I'll even turn in my discount card.

I wrote this thread trying to explain that I just feel alone in my experience. I know my symptoms are the same. Many of my triggers are the same as combat vets and cops. I hate loud noises and I actually get freaked out when I hear and see an ambulance or firetruck. Certain smells like lighting a stove or gas grill. I even freak out if a light bulb flashes. Sometimes I even get scared when I hear someone yell. There are lots of things that are similar. I think I was just having a day of "no one understands" Those kinds of things happen a lot around here.