Outing Myself On Fb And Letting People Know I Have Ptsd

[Tinyflame]

It occurred to me after trying to disclose ptsd privately, 'we' (as people with ptsd) seem to feel we have to have disclosure to be honest people. Except for the obvious 'hopefulness' of beingable to be one's self, others don't seem to feel that is required. They might have a million things they hide, but they wouldn't think of revealing them, to them there is no need.

Although I'm sure acceptance or understanding can be very validating. Not necessarily through a public forum such as FB, though.

But I think even good people can't understand. And then it leaves them burdened, also.
And ourselves with the consequence of that knowledge.

Just like sometimes here 'we' don't know what to respond to a post. It's either out of our scope or there are no words (for me to give).
Or, when you hear a detail about a celebrity, and that's all you can recall. If it's positive- great, if it's negative though.. :(

I have always felt like Helen Keller, I thought it was just because I was a horrible communicator, but now I think it is (also for me) because of the silence, my own, 'God's', others'. There is no bridge between worlds.

My deepest admiration goes out to those not constrained by that, but it would never be within my scope or calling. But that should never deter others, if that's true to them.

 

[Philippa]

I don't hide it there, but I don't speak about it either. I have made posts to raise awareness of mental illness in general, and if the subject comes up in a discussion there with friends, then I will drop the letters. Most of my good friends, who live int he states, already know, and they still respect me.

Anyone else who has a problem with it, I'd expect not to hear from them again...which is fine. I only want people who accept me as I am, in my circle of friends.

I don't see the need to speak about it usually. If I am having troubles related to PTSD then I come here. I have in the past tried to talk about it with people I knew on a forum, and got accused of using it as an excuse for my bad behavior at times. That was a lesson for me to be aware who I speak about it to.

The thing with fb is...no one really cares! Most of them are just there to distract themselves from work, or procrastinate and be superficial. Most people there are obsessed with how they look. I think fb breeds narcissism actually...and insecurity.

If you post that you have PTSD, it may be the equivalent of committing social suicide if you have lots of superficial friendships there...but that might be a good thing in the long run...

 

[Chincho]

I don't have a problem sharing, but in my country (Argentina) mental illness is something people sweep under the rug. A Fbk contact told me I shouldn't expose myself so much. It makes me mad because as nobody talks about it, there's no real knowledge of PTSD or any other illness. People just asume you're crazy.

I'm on a personal crusade to educate anyone who will listen.

 

[Philippa]

I think that's a good use of social media Chincho. Spreading the word for anyone willing to listen can only be a good thing. If you lose 'friends' for it, then they were never really friends in the first place.

 

[Tinyflame]

Yes, I believe Bloom and Philippa are right, if there is no respect, or kindness, or dignity left, between people, etc, it's better one knows, even if it feels sad or disappointing.

 

[PepperAnne]

I have outted myself as having PTSD, and when people ask from what, I give them the short answer and a partical truth. I tell them from 9/11/2001. I am not lying, that is one of the many traumas in my life, and it is one that people understand. Working in NYC, currently across from the new freedom tower being built, and 1/2 block from my previous employment on 9/11/2001. It is easier to get people to understand. I also don't give them anymore information than is needed, and I allow them to do their own research.

 

[Spiderallis]

There's a niche-interest site I'm on that's kind of like facebook- I outted myself there and got nothing but acceptance and support. It's a place I feel at ease enough to be myself. Facebook isn't a comfortable place for me. I'm well aware that some of the folks on my friends list are gossips. I won't give my relatives anything to talk about. The people I knew in school already know some of what I've been through, a few even said they're really happy that I'm doing so well now. Huh? Oh, right, I mostly post silly things and it looks like I'm happy.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

A major factor would be who is on your friend list. That is what I keep hearing with these answers people are giving.

Facebook is a very personal place, people will post about there daily lives on there. You should already be careful with who is your friend, as there is lots of personal information floating around on Facebook.

Like I said...think it through. You are getting lots of good feedback, all with different ways of looking at it!

I should mention that I did not suddenly post on Facebook " I have PTSD!", I just started posting links about PTSD and bipolar disorder. Things I found interesting, note worthy, things from newspapers etc. People put two and two together. It really helps my mother, who reads them and gains knowledge and then she is able to understand more.

Take care. :)