I fear I may be stirring the pot slightly, however I did want to point out that, in my estimation of things, the term "severe PTSD" is not a label in the same sense as military PTSD or PTSD from rape, an MVA and so on. Rather it is a measurement of how severe an individual's symptoms are, and how disabled one is as far as coping with day to day living. PTSD is on a spectrum, not unlike autism or bipolar disorder. Some have it more severely than others. And, one may have severe PTSD from any trauma, military, rape or otherwise, regardless of cause or circumstance.
I mention this because I have noticed a trend here upon the forum, in that certain individuals appear to be judging others based on their abilities to control symptoms and quality of daily living. Several members have confided in me privately that they feel hurt by this. Some who are, for example, capable of working and interacting with the public on a regular basis assume that they are further along in their recovery than those who are incapable of such activities. The truth of the matter is however, some people will never be capable of certain activities, due to the severity of their diagnosis.
Take for example two individuals, both suffering PTSD. One individual has it from a single incident, has a rather narrow portion of their life in which they are ultimately effected, and otherwise has had a decent life and good support from family and friends. The other has PTSD from 20 years of constant torture, is triggered in many areas of life, and has little support. Let's be honest here, whilst both sufffer PTSD, their levels of functioning and abilities to manage their symptoms will be far different. That is simply common sense.
I had breast cancer 11 years ago. It was of course a horrible scare for me; I had a breast removed and required radiation treatments for 6 weeks. However, shortly afterwards I went into remission, the cancer never resurfaced and now I am considered cured. My daughter Evie on the other hand, who also has cancer, has endured a year of painful treatments, chemotherapy and radiation as well as several surgeries, and she still may need more treatments in future. Do I understand how frightening it is to have cancer? Of course, I had it myself, and I can empathize with Evie to a certain extent. However, it would quite arrogant of me to assume my level of emotional and physical suffering is anywhere near hers, or that her ability to "bounce back" emotionally after the cancer is in remission will be the same as mine. No one would dispute that she has had the harder time of things, and so will have to work harder to achieve the same levels of emotional management.
My point is not to divide, but to encourage everyone here to think beyond themselves and their personal experience of PTSD. You all have PTSD, you all share the same the feelings and symptoms and so on. However, you are not clones of one another, each person's situation is unique. Rather than judging others based on your own unique experience of PTSD, trying "thinking outside of the box" so to speak. Some people will have more difficulties than you, through no fault of their own. Do not assume that because you are able to engage in certain activities that you are somehow superior. Others who cannot achieve the same levels of "success" are working just as diligently upon themselves as you are. Conversely, do not assume you are "less than" or lazy simply if others seem to be achieving more than you. Better yet, do not compare yourself to others at all.
When posting, do not make sweeping statements and generalizations regarding recovery. However well intentioned, these statements can be hurtful. Refer your own experiences, and identify them as your own. Never judge others by your own experience nor assume they are capable of what you are capable. Every member is unique.
I mention this because I have noticed a trend here upon the forum, in that certain individuals appear to be judging others based on their abilities to control symptoms and quality of daily living. Several members have confided in me privately that they feel hurt by this. Some who are, for example, capable of working and interacting with the public on a regular basis assume that they are further along in their recovery than those who are incapable of such activities. The truth of the matter is however, some people will never be capable of certain activities, due to the severity of their diagnosis.
Take for example two individuals, both suffering PTSD. One individual has it from a single incident, has a rather narrow portion of their life in which they are ultimately effected, and otherwise has had a decent life and good support from family and friends. The other has PTSD from 20 years of constant torture, is triggered in many areas of life, and has little support. Let's be honest here, whilst both sufffer PTSD, their levels of functioning and abilities to manage their symptoms will be far different. That is simply common sense.
I had breast cancer 11 years ago. It was of course a horrible scare for me; I had a breast removed and required radiation treatments for 6 weeks. However, shortly afterwards I went into remission, the cancer never resurfaced and now I am considered cured. My daughter Evie on the other hand, who also has cancer, has endured a year of painful treatments, chemotherapy and radiation as well as several surgeries, and she still may need more treatments in future. Do I understand how frightening it is to have cancer? Of course, I had it myself, and I can empathize with Evie to a certain extent. However, it would quite arrogant of me to assume my level of emotional and physical suffering is anywhere near hers, or that her ability to "bounce back" emotionally after the cancer is in remission will be the same as mine. No one would dispute that she has had the harder time of things, and so will have to work harder to achieve the same levels of emotional management.
My point is not to divide, but to encourage everyone here to think beyond themselves and their personal experience of PTSD. You all have PTSD, you all share the same the feelings and symptoms and so on. However, you are not clones of one another, each person's situation is unique. Rather than judging others based on your own unique experience of PTSD, trying "thinking outside of the box" so to speak. Some people will have more difficulties than you, through no fault of their own. Do not assume that because you are able to engage in certain activities that you are somehow superior. Others who cannot achieve the same levels of "success" are working just as diligently upon themselves as you are. Conversely, do not assume you are "less than" or lazy simply if others seem to be achieving more than you. Better yet, do not compare yourself to others at all.
When posting, do not make sweeping statements and generalizations regarding recovery. However well intentioned, these statements can be hurtful. Refer your own experiences, and identify them as your own. Never judge others by your own experience nor assume they are capable of what you are capable. Every member is unique.
