Showing appreciation

[Supervixn]

With the people who have been patient and caring toward you throughout the worst times of PTSD, how do you show appreciation and show them that you're really thankful for them? Besides saying thank you? Wanting to communicate appreciation toward the person in my life for everything they have endured.

 

[New]

G

With the people who have been patient and caring toward you throughout the worst times of PTSD, how d...

Great question! I don't have the answer but would love to see if anyone does. I have asked that question to my 2 biggest supporters in the middle of a huge crying spell. They both told me they didn't want anything and said I would have done the same for them. I worry about how this has affected them all the time. I'm a totally different person now and even when I try my best to push them away they stay. I hope they always do.

 

[Supervixn]

even when I try my best to push them away they stay. I hope they always do

Same

Feeling guilty and blessed

 

[Lionheart]

Personally I try not to lean too much on anyone other than my "t" and myself as my way of saying thank you to my support team. However, I do reach out for help here and wish I had someway of thanking those who have encouraged and supported me, esp. when I am struggling with stinkin' thinkin'.

I suppose a sincere and heartfelt thank you might be enough for some but a small and thoughtful gift is one idea....it wouldn't have to be much, as it would stand as a symbol of your gratitude. A small carved and polished gemstone or something of that nature or just a heartfelt letter is another thought.

At any rate, most people are happy to help, (I know I am), and a simple thank you is reward enuff for me.

 

[New]

I try not to lean on them and mostly talk to my T. However, sometimes once they ask me how I am I start crying like a baby. I know they can see I'm not good because on the really bad days I usually haven't slept in days or showered. It sounds awful just to type that but it's true.

 

[Lionheart]

@Faith Andrews ,

There is no shame or guilt for reaching out for help from others. If they can't or don't want to help that's fine but, most I think are happy to help someone in crisis. It is ok to fall apart sometimes. We often just need to chat, a hug, or a little reassurance .....that doesn't cost a dime and hope you will not feel ashamed or guilty.

Peace,
Lionheart

 

[Deleted member 541]

I have some people in my life (customers) that have seen me at my worst, (serious suicide attempt). I can not believe the kindness, patience, and acceptance I was given by these people. I thanked them profusely at the time for their kindness. All they wanted in return was to know that I was OK!!!!!!

 

[Tornadic Thoughts]

Some things I enjoy sharing in gratitude:

A heartfelt hand written letter expressing your gratitude, or maybe random hand made cards of some kind or funny ones from a dollar store if the letter and home made ideas feel too "mushy", a home cooked meal or some kind of home made goodness, use dry erase markers to write notes or draw something on their mirrors/windows, write random notes and stick them in a place they'll find them later, a rock you find on a nature walk that you can use a sharpie to draw on a heart or some other sentimental meaningful message to you both for them to stick in a potted plant, on their desk, in their car, or in their pocket, or wherever they choose, if you grow anything, share the harvest or split up some houseplants to share with them, share more time and space whenever possible simply enjoying moments that aren't under duress, and hug them every chance you get, if they're a hugger.

I always hear that living well and healthily is the best form of revenge, but I feel it's also a good way of showing appreciation to those who've hung in there with us, or those who chose to reach out and help in a moment of need even if they didn't know us, by ensuring we're able to keep paying it forward, as they did. Good idea for a thread. I needed that reminder today. Thank you.

 

[Supervixn]

Some things I enjoy sharing in gratitude:

So many sweet and beautiful ways to show gratitude that you have given here, Tornadic Thoughts. Thank you for the awesome thoughts, I'm feeling inspired now :). Thank you so much for sharing

 

[LuckiLee]

One day my guy told me " he loves and appreciates all I do for him and he knows all that I have given up. " (that made my month)

He also does all that he can for me/us when he is feeling well.

A simple thank you goes a long way!!

Just to be acknowledged once in a while is wonderful!

XO