What If Your Ptsd Is Driving Everyone Away?

[Notsowild]

I hope so too Notsowild. A :hug: for you if you want one.

Thanks for the supportive hugs.
Secondary trauma- I'm assuming it is what our supporters are going through living with us. But I'll let @Underdog explain it. She is much more knowledgable than I.

 

[anthony]

@Notsowild, no... no together therapy. No therapy period.

 

[scout86]

You are wonderful and brilliant

@Notsowild , I'm practically speechless! I've thought about it, I don't think anyone, ever, has said something like that to me. Thank you!

BTW, if you go back and read your expressions of gratitude, and read them like they are coming from a person you've never met, I DARE you to tell me that's not a person you'd like to be around and get to know better, a person with a lot to offer! I double dare you! In all seriousness, you are more than a problem, you HAVE to bring a lot of good to your relationships, from what I see here. I just can't believe you don't. I can believe you don't give yourself as much credit as you deserve, but I can't believe you don't show the same caring and compassion with your family that you show here.

 

[Underdog]

@Notsowild , trust me when I say I am not brilliant. I went to the USA VA's website to study PTSD from a combat scenario and found them talking about "secondary trauma". Although I was absorbed with myself at the moment and trying to understand my own state, I wondered what that meant.

@rainy_daze , Secondary trauma is in relation to how those around those suffering from PTSD react to our symptoms. We can sometimes seem to be many things we don't want to be to those we love and do things we would not normally have done to people before. Those that love and support us can sometimes find themselves being traumatized by that experience as well. If we should get angry and explode, disassociate, disappear, etc... what exit strategies would those around us have? How do you think and feel about those instances, especially over the long run? How would they internalize the actions and emotional responses? Although those suffering were traumatized, unfortunately we may also traumatize those around us as well. Supporters need to be aware of that and recognize their own personal limitations while acknowledging, respecting and loving themselves through it, just as we need to as well. Hope that helps. I can provide links if not.

@FridayJones , that quote hit me really hard today. My only tweek would be "May the bridges I burn light my way to understanding." Not saying them or me, just to understanding internally both those around me and myself through the experiences.

 

[rainy_daze]

Thank you for the explanation @Underdog that is helpful to know.

 

[Notsowild]

Thanks everyone. I think you're all wonderful. I'm just not in the right head space to respond. I think I'll go crawl under a rock.