What To Never Say To A Ptsd Sufferer

[SweetPeaandSunBird]

After falling to the floor from the startle-response: "You're so jumpy: you must have a guilty conscious."
Ugh. How to respond to a comment like that from your supervisor?!

 

[Tanishq]

"You're so jumpy: you must have a guilty conscious."

I have been labeled as jumpy mind,too. During childhood I was labeled as hyperactive boy.

 

[Tanishq]

Never start sharing with sufferers or supporters. It might freak them out. Let them come out. I think when they see there is someone who will willing to support them, their healing pick up pace and slowly they will be able to get help without any inconvenience.

 

[SweetPeaandSunBird]

Regarding my previous post, I should add that our department no longer has that supervisor. Plus, I'm very fortunate to have wonderful colleagues who "get it" as best they can.

Here's one:

"Turn that frown upside-down." (That one gets a full-blown expletive -- at least inside my skull.)

 

[sydney550]

Thanks for your thoughts. I just got done talking with my dad about how disconnected and numb I feel to everything. He said to stop pitying myself. I was shocked and so hurt he said that. I felt like I was trying to open up and he just shot me down. He usually tries to be supportive - albeit not terribly effective. I hate that the people I feel closest to right now and who really try to be compassionate are my counselors. It's lonely a lot.

 

[Mandy Tad]

It does make me wonder though? Should I just keep quiet and not tell anyone anything or should I speak about it. I could not come to terms for sometime with the PTSD, when I did I told a few and the reaction hurt even more.

 

[Shellbell]

What to never say to a PTSD Sufferer -

'If you ever want to talk about your PTSD, you can talk to me, I understand - I suffer with depression'.

That person was well meaning - but totally unaware of the difference between depression/anxiety, and PTSD.

PTSD is clearly such a misunderstood mental illness. So much self-diagnosing or mis-diagnosing as well. People often don't fully realise the trauma has to have been so severe that your (or witnessing another's) existence is severely threatened to the point where you may not survive - to get PTSD.

 

[Privateer]

"You're so jumpy: you must have a guilty conscience."
Ugh. How to respond to a comment like that from your supervisor?!

In my case, I'd have to say:

"Ask the crew of the Bourbon Dolphin."

Sorry. I don't know why I brought that up. Carry on.

 

[SweetPeaandSunBird]

No apologies needed. :)

 

[TheLost]

If I say I have PTSD and people say how can I have PTSD if I wasnt in the armed forces? It makes me feel as if I shouldn't have the condition....

 

[Mandy Tad]

Just back from seeing a psychiatrist for the 2nd time - He says everything is okay, the trauma I faced is ok, it will not happen again, considering I am applying for jobs it is all okay! sure.. he is getting paid to see me for half hr.. and saying it is all Okay and then ups my meds (why up my meds if it is all ok) and says I will see you again next week, stay safe!

He had this huge sign in his office that says - Kindness Counts! - I burst into tears being kind does not count anymore.. I asked him to take it down! I sat there and all those horrible people and what they said to me came back..

 

[Shellbell]

@ Mandy Tad, have you had exposure therapy and/or EMDR therapy? Sounds like your psych doc is happy that you are ready to work again, which is good :) It's normal to still feel anxious about getting back into the workforce. Are the meds being increased to help with residual depression and anxiety to get you back into employment? He would say not to apply for jobs if he felt you weren't ready for it. Sounds like you are doing well.