Where To Begin To Find My Peacewithin?

[peacewithin]

Hello.

I'm new to the forum, but not to forums as I help run a recovery from an eating disorder website. I am also not new to PTSD, but I'm working on it. I recently went in for treatment for it, and although I see a therapist regularly, it'd just be nice to know that when I feel alone, that no infact I am not. (not that I want anyone with this diagnosis to suffer, but I think you get what I mean.) I also see a psychritist.

Most of my issues go back to childhood. I don't know what to share here besides that.

Outside of my "issues" I read, love listening to music, and I paint. One of the hardest things I've having to do right now is not define myself by my lables, but rather as a person that has likes and dislikes. Of being a person that isn't too damaged. One that can grow and find my peacewithin.

 

[intothelight]

Hi Peacewithin,

Welcome to the PTSD Forum. Love your screen name and it is a wonderful goal.

Wishing you the best.

Debbie

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Welcome to the forum :)

Love the username, and another painter has joined the forum :) There are a few threads about painting...

[DLMURL]https://www.ptsdforum.org/c/threads/painting-therapy.13709/[/DLMURL]

[DLMURL]https://www.ptsdforum.org/c/threads/get-your-art-on.14552/[/DLMURL]

Take care

 

[Deaf Global Nomad]

Welcome to the forum, Peacewithin,

I agree with Debbie that your screen name is a wonderful goal. Take a look around the forum and read. Join in when you feel ready. There is no pressure and everyone understands PTSD here.

I am glad that you are receiving the medical care that you need. That is definitely important, as is having a trusting relationship with the providers.

We are all definitely more than our individual labels. However, sometimes labels can give us self-esteem by seeing ourselves as a member of a larger group. Labels aren't always negative. One example of a label being used in a positive way is being Deaf. Deafness is so much more than non-functioning ears. It is a culture with a rich history, nationally and internationally, with rich sign languages that teach us all about language, the brain, developmental milestones, and needs.

I have more labels than letters in my full name. I used to fight each and every one of them because they felt negative. Then I realized that they also helped make me who I am. At that point I started viewing them as part of my identity and being proud of them. Of course that does not always work. On bad days I still call myself a freak and am tired of sticking out like a sore thumb wherever I go. However, on good days or on days where I find people like me (whatever the "like me" at the moment is), I feel better.

I hope that you gain as much from this forum as I have... and as much as you have given to others through your eating disorders website.

Take care!

 

[Ted Moen]

I think peace and joy in living develop from participation in a mix of activities and relationships appropriate to a person's situation. People with ptsd tend to be involved in activities that do not involve healthy relationships with others, avoiding active participation in appropriate relationships. For example, I have always liked to play golf, but as my symptoms developed I practiced more and more (no relationships required at the driving range) and actually played less and less. I would drive to a golf course with part of me wanting to play, but on arrival I would see the other people there and sitting in the parking lot be overwhelmed by the feeling I didn't belong there and drive to the safety of a range and solitary practice. It took a lot of work and therapy for me to actually drive to a golf course and play, and even more to join a league and play with a partner. Over time I participated and developed appropriate relationships and now golf is a part of my overall mix of relationships and activities. Music and painting offer similar opportunities for isolation or developing relationships, I think.

It's all about participation and working through the feelings participation triggers for us.

Ted