When A Trauma Diary Becomes A Recovery Diary

[intothelight]

I have been a member on here for almost two and a half years. When I first came to this site, I was a mess. I had recently received a diagnosis of PTSD and was is the midst of a breakdown, with uncontrollable symptoms. In a short period of time, this site became a lifeline for me, as I was so isolated that I couldn't reach out or even talk to other people; but it was here I found my voice.

This site is unique, because to truly understand the magnitude of this disorder you have to have it. No one can quite "get it" or you, other than another sufferer. The diaries are a unique place where one can read each individuals journey. From recording and coming face to face with their trauma, struggling with symptoms, and in many cases you see a recovery.

Diaries change over time and where they start in the past, they end in the present where people are making huge strides in living and enjoying their day-to-day life. Eventually many members hit a point where they are well enough and they leave. That is an individual choice and I am happy for those who recover and move on. Yet, at the same time I think that as a person recovers, please keep writing about your successes. I know in some of my darkest moments those were the diaries that gave me the greatest hope.

Thoughts?

 

[piratelady]

I think you have identified something very important. I can see that at times in my own diary as well. In the beginning it was my traumas and my struggles. As I have grown over time, there are more instances where I am doing well and can write about surviving the wave, etc. I think as we all grow, the ratio of bad days / posts about heightened symptoms will become less and the posts about managing will become greater.

It is good for other members to be able to see that growth, see the hope that we can all get better. Also, it is good for that individual, as they can look back and see just how far they've come. Sometimes when you are in the midst of the growth, you don't see just how far you've really come until you look back.

Honestly, I hesitate to read many diaries. Sometimes reading about their trauma and what they are going through is just too hard. I think there is a balance to how much you read. I, unfortunately, am not good at finding that balance.

I am glad you brought this up :)

 

[who am i kim]

Thank you for these insights.:tup: As a newer member taking baby steps I know that it will take time to heal, having not started a diary yet, and I also find them hard to read on the site. It gives me hope that I will get there.:)

 

[safenow]

I find it hard to read too much of another person's diary. I feel as though I've come into their home and don't want to overstep my boundaries. But once in a while, I find that I can offer a word of encouragement, because they are at a place in their journey where I have been and and am able to share ways that helped me in hopes it might help them.

I must agree with all you've said about this being a healing place. Being around others who understand what I've been living with for over 65 years is having a most healing effect on me. I've had profession people try to help me become a human child, and then just a functioning human. I've had professional people try to piece me back together using all sorts of things: from drugs to inpatient to wiping my memory and finding out that when the old memories come back they don't know what to do to help. But I'm sure the only reason none of them could help in the long run was that none of them had experienced what I have. While each one who tried did offer me ways to cope, which I'm grateful for, in the long run, I had no one who understood so I could talk when I just needed to talk. Now I have that wonderful gift by being here. I am so grateful. In my humble opinion, there need to be more places like this in the world for different types of issues.

 

[Red Feather]

Such nice thoughts Intothelight. It really is amazing reading about how people on this site are finding healing and recovering. It gives me a lot of hope. I would be in a much different place if it wasnt for this forum. I am also so grateful to read other peoples journeys and successes!

 

[The Albatross]

I benefit from periodically rereading my own journal. Usually every 4 to 6 months. I can see the changes in my posts and it reaffirms that I've made progress. If I didn't have the journal, it would be easy to negate or dispute how I've changed in the time I've been here. Or where I'm still having difficulty or still stuck. It's like a big map at the mall or a shopping center that says with bold print and capital letters and a big red arrow "YOU ARE HERE". Great topic.