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Out Of The Abyss

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LotusRoot

New Here
Hi All,
This is my first time posting. I feel like I’m coming out of a long stretch of the worst of it, kind of re-entering the realm of normal again, but it still takes me a lot of energy to stay there (in normal). I sought out the ptsd forum now because I’m afraid of dissociating it all away again, as I had done for ten years. I’m hoping I can check into the forum in a way that will help me keep it as part of my world-map in a safe way, so it won’t come out of the blue again and knock me over.

The ptsd is from about 10 bad years as a kid. My dad started knocking the kids around when I was about ten, so watching my brother and sister get beat, then me for a few years. I was pulled out into foster care, which was another few years of bad, no abuse but bounced around, displaced, and forgotten. I lost a baby during that time, so that’s part of the constellation too. Bad grief to that. I had heavy dissociation until about thirty (numbing, isolation, some nightmares), then it hit like a hurricane, and many years grappling with hell.

Many deep thanks to Anthony for this website, and to all of you for your bravery and courage in living with this, continuing to breathe, trying, and speaking. It’s the only way, I think, to move this from our heads into help, is to make sure that as much information as possible is available, and to connect with people who know.

(A p.s. that my forum name comes from an incident a few years ago when my brother and sister got into a fight. I was able to step back for the first time – big accomplishment for me – and it was like I could follow the roots of the behaviour and rage right down through the years to the childhood source, plain as day. The image of a lotus root has become a strong image to hold on to during flashbacks and when I’m well, to counter dissociation.)

Thanks, All.
Take care.
 
Hello LotusRoot

Welcome to the forum! :hello:

You have an absolutely beautiful name - and it's even more beautiful because of the reason you chose it.

This is a wonderful community of support and encouragement - you will find healing and connection if you put the time and energy into it. I'm so sorry about your childhood, but you have taken a brave step forward by being here.

I look forward to getting to know you better.
BC
 
Hi LotusRoot,

Glad you're hear. I'm somewhat new here too and just coming out of 18 years of dissociative hell. I am finding a lot of good
resources and people on this forum. I'm finally seeing that maybe I can get healed from the Trauma(s) and uncontrolled dissociation
and hurdles of grief and maybe have a life with myself. Feel free to ask questions.

seaworthy
 
Thanks for the hello.

Cheers to the 18 years, Seaworthy -- it's been 20 years since my ice-block started melting, and I'm still stunned at just how deep and pervasive these injuries are. But slowly appreciating more and more that it's good that there is healing -- not the kind of healing I expected, but it is something maybe more. Having to take care of my own fragility helps me remember other people's fragility too. A better way to be in the world.

xo lr
 
Hi LotusRoot,

welcome! I loved your thaw metaphor - I was severely dissociated for 36 years; the thaw began and memories started to come back 3 1/2 years ago. The name is fantastic and very grounding!
I hope you enjoy the forum, I totally get what you are saying about your own fragility and being able to empathise with other peoples pain. Well put!

Best,

dust
 
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