What To Never Say To A Ptsd Sufferer

[RussH]

What do you never say to someone with PYSD? Get thee over it.

 

[Mercy]

"You've been doing this (therapy) for twenty years now and you still aren't over it."

"That was all in the past. It's over now"

Oh really, a full body real time flashback is very much experienced in the present. It is not a scene from a movie. It is the pain of rapes, the names i was called, the settings where tradgic things happened. How dare you tell me it is the past. Whose past is that?

 

[sun seeker]

"Don't borrow trouble." Said to "help" me get over paralyzing, overwhelming anxiety. And he really thought he was being helpful, too.

Thanks for bumping up this thread, I hadn't noticed it before.

 

[Ladyghosthunter]

1) What is PTSD? Isn't that a military DISEASE?
2) How can you get PTSD if you weren't in the military?
3) (everyone avoids you like you're a psycho, silence and scary stares at you during this time)
4) PTSD is like fibromyalgia and isn't real.
5) Does having PTSD mean I have to worry about you going postal?
6) DRAMA QUEEN/KING
7) All of this will one day go away.
8) Does that mean you have a split personality?
9) Why can't you just deal with it and move on?
10) I think Robin Williams had that. (No, he had a drug problem...)
11) I wouldn't have kids if I were you.
12) (ignores you completely as if you don't exist)

These are just some of the things I've experienced. I hope to God that no one ever says these things to you all, my family.

 

[heidi]

One time I had a therapist ask me why I couldn't just enjoy the nice sunny weather. Hahaha. This is why I think therapists should be required to have at least some personal history of mental illness. Kidding but serious.

 

[holdenmonty]

I had one person tell me, "don't talk to me about your PTSD bullshit...." I wanted to punch that person square in the face.

I remember the same person said a different time that I need to stop using PTSD as an excuse after I was triggered and needed some time to recompose myself.

 

[Ocean5]

2) How can you get PTSD if you weren't in the military?

Related - What branch of military where you? I had a regular doctor ask - I replied child of veteran - a child prisoner of war.

I hate...try to find a way to get over it. Just don't think about things. They may mean well, but how can one think about things one barely remembers?!?

 

[sun seeker]

"I'm afraid that now that you've told me, you'll expect me to take care of you."

"This too shall pass."

 

[Ocean5]

Seriously why do people think it's something like the cold. It doesn't just go away.

 

[theotherside]

It will get better, dont spend so much time at home. Get out more. Have some fun.

Get over it.

Have a beer, take it easy, calm down.....

 

[Ocean5]

On the positive side some things said:

-You're much stronger than you realize.
-You've always been a survivor - that's what's important.
-You're getting help - that's what's most important.

If anyone is reading this because of family member, partner, or friend dealing with PTSD or trauma. I have to say those that tell me getting help is what's important is most encouraging.

 

[notsurewheretoturn]

"Its a phase they go through isn't it" - my aunt to my mother regarding my depression and insomnia
"Oh I just find it best to leave you to get on with it" - when I've confided in a friend about just how down and tearful I feel
"Well you always were a bit weird" - when I told another friend about the PTSD
"I couldn't sleep so I thought I'd wake you up" - I'M AN INSOMNIAC, YOU NEVER, EVER - IF YOU WANT TO LIVE - WAKE A SLEEPING INSOMNIAC!!!!