Sexual Assault Sexual Abuse V's Ptsd

[Nicolette]

I'm not sure if I should say this but I am finding, from my personal interpretation, that the lines between PTSD symptoms and sexual abuse become blurred.

While I have PTSD it is only mild in comparison to others' experiences I have read. However I have found it difficult to respond to some posts on here already as, to me, they are more PTSD symptom related. I get that Sexual Abuse can result in PTSD but not in all cases.

To be honest, while being raped and sexually assaulted on multiple occasions I feel that I currently 'don't fit in here' from a discussion point of view. Perhaps that is due to the majority of members coming across from the PTSD site.

I hope my feeling improves as I think the site has great potential however I feel it important to be aware that not all others ,may have the symptoms of PTSD from sexual abuse.

My intention is not to take away from those suffering from PTSD as it is a terrible illness; just saying that having dealt with a lot of my sexual abuse I find I can talk about it and share with a focus on healing the trauma however with such strong PTSD presence I don't feel I can contribute as much as I would like.

Sorry if I have the wrong impression but this is how I currently feel.

 

[jadebear]

Strange that you have brought up this topic Nicolette. After reading my own posts on this site I have decided that I don't fit in here. My issues are too complex to be here, and even trying to discuss them here could scare off potential members. I belong on the PTSD forum.

I think you're wrong though, I think you do fit in here, it's people like me that don't belong.

 

[anthony]

I think you're both wrong and you both belong here. Its not a pissing contest on any website on who is worse, its about the subject matter itself.

The subject here is about sexual abuse... and so far, that is what I am reading about here. The PTSD site there is a lot of discussion the the trauma itself, as healing the trauma is what helps to lessen the PTSD symptoms... but the overall subject is PTSD, and trauma is part of that. Its only that a majority of members on that site are sexually abused.

Again... subject specific... and you both need to slap yourself round the ear for putting yourselves down. Self esteem 101... never put yourself down, it only increases negative self talk and lowers self esteem.

 

[Nicolette]

I think you need slapping around when I get home as I wasn't entering a "pissing" competition ;) ;p

 

[anthony]

I'm not talking about between anyone, I'm talking about even internally. You're comparing yourselves to others... am I worse, are they worse, OMFG... should I be here, shouldn't I, their worse than me, what makes me worthwhile to be here, blah blah blah.

Cut it out please... quit the self doubt!

 

[cherryblossom]

My issues are too complex to be here, and even trying to discuss them here could scare off potential members.

I don't see why discussing your issues would scare people off. The whole point of the forum is to discuss issues that arise as a result of sexual abuse/ sexual assault. It's a mistake to 'think' you know how others will react.

 

[cherryblossom]

Nicolette, I almost feel that PTSD is given to us as a label, and we can't help seeing those PTSD issues in everything that we do.

I see that. If I have a panic attack, or a trust issue, I name and blame PTSD. But I have PTSD because of sexual assault, and sometimes it helps to go back to basics with 'feelings'. None of us are labels. We are all individuals. I'm sure my PTSD manifests itself differently from Anthonys. But I bet if we all sat down together (Me, you-Nicolette and Anthony) and discussed 'our issues', and 'our feelings', you and I would find more in common than Anthony and I. The PTSD label, is just that. It describes a whole range of sypmtoms. This forum is about sexual abuse, not PTSD, and as such takes things back down a level from a diagnosis, or a label. Giving people/members the oportunity to discuss any issues that arise from sexual abuse. Not just the symptoms that fit into a PTSD diagnosis.

For example, I think self esteem, self worth, self belief issues, and trust are a big deal when sexual abuse happens. Resulting in self harm, low self esteem, and eating disorders. This is just an example of the things people can discuss here, without having to name it as a ctritera for PTSD. I know that all these issues are, and will continue to be discussed at PTSDForum. This is just a different platform for survivors of sexual abuse to discuss their specific issues, without thinking about PTSD, or any other diagnosis.

Back to basics, is the way I think of it.

By the way, I'm glad that any manifestations of PTSD is mild for you.

 

[jadebear]

I don't see why discussing your issues would scare people off. The whole point of the forum is to discuss issues that arise as a result of sexual abuse/ sexual assault. It's a mistake to 'think' you know how others will react.

Before I joined the PTSD forum, I spent time lurking around and reading posts. I saw alot that I could relate to and eventually joined because I felt I fit in. I had found others that feel/ think the same way I do.

I just feel this site is for those that don't suffer with uncontrolled PTSD, and just need to deal with the sexual abuse. If someone is lurking on this site and contemplating whether to join or not, they'd feel much more comfortable if there were others they could relate to. They probably couldn't relate to some of the things I say, especially when I'm having an off day. Maybe I shouldn't have used the words "scare off potential members"....what I mean is it would be better for them to find welcoming, understanding, positive people rather than someone always going through a rough time. And If that's what I'm posting all over this forum, then that's what they're going to see. It might make them a little hesitant to join.

I don't belong here, not right now anyway, I need to get control of my PTSD first.

 

[cherryblossom]

Jade, I can't make you stay and post here - of course I can't. But I really do think you need to think about the fact that 'you cannot control what others think'. You say people couldn't relate to you. That is not true. What if someone totally relates to you? That could just as easily be the case. Or someone might relate to me, or Lilstar, or Nyx, or Nicolette? All we want to do here is to create a place where people can vent and talk to each other about sexual abuse. I don't know a lot about you, but I know you have suffered abuse. And that makes this site available to you. I'm sorry if you don't feel you belong here, but in my opinion you do. We are a 'young' site, and we will develop, as time moves on. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you peace.

 

[Nyx]

Jadebear, don't get scared off by our 'optimism'. We try. We have to try. But we also have our bad days. We are sad, we go down in spirit. We all do. Otherwise we wouldn't be here.
And sometimes it's easier to encourage someone even if you're having a crappy day - at least, for me it is.
You don't have to post if you don't want to. But keep this site in mind, for safe keeps. Whenever you feel like you belong, you can pay a visit. No one will get scared of you and no one will judge here. And you know why? Because we all know what fear of being judged is.
Stay safe.

 

[anthony]

I relate to things you say... and still, you shouldn't think for others as that is a negative behaviour, not a positive one.

This site is only new, so it doesn't actually have a feel yet, other than its for sexually abused and their family to chat upon. That's the facts. If you've been sexually abused or your are family / spouse of someone sexually abused, then you fit in here.

 

[Nicolette]

By the way, I'm glad that any manifestations of PTSD is mild for you.

Thanks CB. I have found a good balance of medication that helps me function. I still suffer from nightmares.