Who Do You Hide Your Ptsd From?

[amosmorris]

Everyone except my husband and therapist. I am in a lot of ways still a stranger to myself, finding my way through all this. In professional circles, I'm very high functioning--and this makes me feel great loneliness. That I have worked hard to build a persona of such competency has created a situation where most people--even people I consider real friends--would be shocked to know that behind close doors I'm staring at the wall or trying to breathe my way through my racing heart or setting a timer so I can pass out on my desk for fifteen minutes....

 

[Lola Nocheprieta]

would be shocked to know that behind close doors I'm staring at the wall or trying to breathe my way through my racing heart or setting a timer so I can pass out on my desk for fifteen minutes....

I can SO relate, @amosmorris. I work in academia, and I'm fortunate to be the director of my program with a private office. I am often doing exactly the same thing you describe behind my own closed door. I get it.

 

[amosmorris]

Thank you @Lola Nocheprieta...it must be that academics think alike...;) I'm sorry you relate but also so grateful.

 

[Lola Nocheprieta]

I also do yoga and work in my art journal behind closed doors ... Helps keep me sane, lol! :p

 

[cupfish]

Almost everybody. Only my family knows. Only my husband knows my daily struggles. This disease is completely isolating, that is our burden.

 

[Gadgie]

They do not understand military jargon or who he is

That's the real problem, a lot of therapists and other people who try and help combat PTSD sufferers, don't understand, where as a person who has "been there" understands exactly.

It's the same with the forces "language" and "back humour" I've been pulled up by someone who heard me talking to a person, because they thought I was being crude and heartless, but the bloke I was speaking to, knew exactly what I meant, and even told the complainer to "back off"