Sufferer Trying To Find People Who Get It..

[XtraRite]

I was recently diagnosed with PTSD. When I say recently, I mean within the past 2 years. I've been through therapy, several times, and I have a really good support system but I still feel... lonely? Lost? I guess I'm not really sure what I feel. I found this site while looking up information on memory loss and PTSD and I'm really hoping to connect with people who just get it. I'm scared. What does this mean for my future? I've learned a lot of helpful hints with the panic attacks, but I'm still learning how to deal with every day life. Things are starting to change, a lot, in my life and the stress is beginning to really hit.

 

[Seasounds]

If you have been diagnosed with PTSD two years ago, I'd say you have a sense of what it is like to live with this diagnosis.

For me, being worried about the the future, compounds my anxiety. It is more helpful to build skills day by day and to approach each 24 hours as an improvisation-using skills, connecting to support, dealing with triggers, self-care, etc.

As for loneliness, it takes a set of skills to let people close and to deal with conflicts-that can be big triggers. Everyone is different, and relationships are yours for the exploring.

By lonely, what did you mean? Friends to do things with?Sexual partners? What are you afraid of?

 

[macbeth]

Welcome @XtraRite. I was diagnosed several years ago. I found this forum by accident too and I joined because I wanted to connect with people in a similar situation.(as you said "who get it") I have found this forum to be a god send, not just for advise but also support through the tough times as well. I hope you find what you need to heal. :hug:[DOUBLEPOST=1400127447,1400127207][/DOUBLEPOST]I understand the loneliness also. PTSD can feel very isolating even in a room full of people.

 

[XtraRite]

It's scary. Sometimes, I'll go weeks with no issues. I feel good, no panic attacks, even excited about life! Then, out the blue, everything will come swimming back. My family is so supportive but they don't always know how to handle it. Then I get depressed.. Am I going to be able to conquer the things I want in life? Am I just fooling myself? I'm only 25 and I feel like I'm losing my mind sometimes!! I forget everything and it drives me nuts! I want a new job but I'm so afraid to find one. I'm afraid that I won't be able to handle it. At least staying where I am, I know what I'm doing. I'm trying to finish college but the stress of paying for it makes me not want to continue.. the idea of sitting in a room full of people I don't know, scares me. What if they want to be friends? Or hangout? What if I make a connection with someone and they can't handle me? Tell me it gets better... tell me this isn't my life.

 

[intothelight]

Hi XtraRite,

Welcome to the forum!

PTSD is scary as it seems take over at times and can make life quite a roller coaster. However, as time goes on and you have processed the trauma and learned to manage your symptoms, it will become less intrusive in your daily life. It is hard for people that do not have PTSD to really understand and that is what makes places like this site invaluable, as the members here really do get it and can help each other to get better.

Debbie