Sufferer/carer: What Does It Mean To You

[intothelight]

Something happened the past few days, and all of the sudden I found the sense of purpose and self that I had lost. I had been defining myself in the terms of others and not on my terms. I am not a sufferer, I am suffering the symptoms of PTSD; but I am a survivor. I am strong. I have fought. I am still standing. I will get better.

I do not have a carer, but I have people who care about me and support me. They are my family, my friends, my friends on the forum, and my T. As a someone who cares about me, know that I am capable, strong, and a fighter. I need a partner, not a keeper.

For those that have ever wondered, I am a Weeble.......I wobble, but I DON'T FALL DOWN.

 

[Darkness Shines]

What she said. I won't be called a sufferer either!

 

[KP the nut]

I am not a sufferer, I am suffering the symptoms of PTSD; but I am a survivor. I am strong. I have fought. I am still standing. I will get better.

I do not have a carer, but I have people who care about me and support me. They are my family, my friends, my friends on the forum, and my T. As a someone who cares about me, know that I am capable, strong, and a fighter. I need a partner, not a keeper.

For those that have ever wondered, I am a Weeble.......I wobble, but I DON'T FALL DOWN.

Agree 100%. I do not want or have a carer. I have a loving supportive husband, we are a strong partnership.

I love Weebles, BUT I want to wrap a big warm fluffy pillow around you cos you are so cold and shivery

 

[After Sunset]

Both those terms can easily lead into a dangerous way of thinking, in my opinion. Not only does "sufferer" verge on degrading to those who have PTSD, "carer" is an unhealthy and unfair label for any of us to have to assume as well. Some of us—or maybe only me

—are far too eager to assume the role of "carer" due to our own issues, and using language that encourages this type of thinking is just immensely unhelpful.

They are only words, but what we choose to call ourselves can have a great impact on our self-perception. So lets choose our words a little more wisely.

I'm not one to make waves over issues like this, but seeing as someone else has made the wave I think I can find the resolve to ride it.

 

[ISupportHer]

I strive to be a partner.

ISH

 

[Nicolette]

In terms of the forum where we need to distinguish for the purpose of knowing which angle a person is coming from - what about something like Survivors & Supporters?

 

[intothelight]

Nicolette,

I LOVE IT!

Very positive and empowering and I think we all need a dose of that.

Deb

 

[Deleted member 5760]

This is an awesome thread and 'I loves it berry much' :)

 

[KP the nut]

what about something like Survivors & Supporters?

Love it, empowering and descriptive. Give the girl a Blue Peter badge and a Crackerjack (CRACKERJACK) pencil

 

[Darkness Shines]

In terms of the forum where we need to distinguish for the purpose of knowing which angle a person is coming from - what about something like Survivors & Supporters?

Perfect!

 

[Nicolette]

Well then propose it to Anthony....create a poll??!!!

 

[Deleted member 5760]

I think maybe the recent problem may be people feeling as though their voices are not heard. I think a poll is a great idea. But I don't think there is any point in RUNNING a poll on an issue like this unless it first agreed to that majority rules.

Otherwise, it feels like an insult to vote. IMHO (please don't flame me).