Who Do You Hide Your Ptsd From?

[oneday]

Hi, I have had full blown ptsd for nearly a year some of my symptons have been around for a lifetime but I did not know what it was. With my T I am now making good progress but still have "bad days". I feel more in control but still have desperate moments. Being isolated from my friends living far away from them, and having my two local friends reject me, now makes me wonder how long can I hide this? Can I safely reveal what is happening to some kind work mates, should I? I fear the consequences living in a small town because usually anything said becomes public knowledge and that means all the criminals in town would find out too. I feel so burdened though that I cannot have anyone to share this way. I am social by nature and need friends and find it hard to put on a front all the time. Any thoughts?

 

[Friday]

When I'm doing badly I hide it from everybody. Admitting weakness always goes against the grain, but handing weapons to my enemies is something I flat out avoid like the plague.

When I'm doing well the only people I hide it from are those whom it would hurt.

 

[Abstract]

I hide it from everyone almost always. Other than the bit of trauma therapy I have had an online support. Even online I struggle to discuss anything I am dealing with. In fact even my husband doesn't know I have PTSD.

Im not at all sure it's the right way though. I personally think its a big obstacle to getting better. Many people share are fairly open and you say you are someone that is sociable and needs others, Whether people will be able to respond helpfully is another thing entirely, You might want to look through old threads about telling so that you can learn from others experiences. Or start a thread about telling. Good luck.

 

[Ladyghosthunter]

I don't hide my PTSD because I want people to know it exists not just for the military but for other people. It's not a badge of honor, it's a badge of "I've Been To Hell and Survived It. Can you?"

I guess I don't give a crap who knows. It doesn't change who I am. People know what I've been through. I support all of the causes and I support those struggling through the Hell they are going through or went through. I'm there for you.

 

[EveHarrington]

I don't hide it but I don't flaunt it. Nobody really cares either way. :-/

 

[Ladyghosthunter]

I care, Eve!!!!! I care about you and what you went through. I'm always here to talk to if you need me. LOVE AND HUGS!!!

 

[Kodah]

Everyone

 

[Kailani]

I just try to be. I don't advertise it but the jumping at people near me gives it away. I would say my job but I recently lost it there too. I said to myself pretend that if I don't finish this paper by tomorrow I'll get fired. I unfortunately couldn't finish the paper and thought I'll just finish it later but the whole next day everything went horrible; I kept bumping into a shelf and knocking my head and couldn't work the remote and was defensive on my sweet boss. Then I realized later after a day of depression that it was PTSD again and my subconscious taking over. Does anyone have this????? I did it as a kid too; was severely physically abused and when I was away at a friends, I kept falling and getting hurt tremendously. I think subconsciously I hated myself for being alive because my mother seemed to hate me so much. Sorry to ask advice on your cool thread

 

[Naoru]

Family and the general public.

Only 2 people know because they needed to know (too complicated to get into here). I haven't found it necessary or beneficial to disclose to anyone else.

My recommendation is to weigh the pros and cons of whether or not disclosing could benefit you more than put you at risk. Your health is most important and whatever decision can help you the most, is your best bet. Have you discussed this with T? Have you checked what legal protections you have if you disclose at work?

It's a very personal decision; some on the forum have gone public for a variety of reasons while many of us choose not to. Good luck.

 

[Freedomfighter]

When I'm doing badly I hide it from everybody. Admitting weakness always goes against the grain, but han...

You got that right, letting others know about PTSD is a double edged sword. You most definitely will hand over a dangerous weapon if the wrong people find out.

 

[Ladyghosthunter]

You got that right, letting others know about PTSD is a double edged sword. You most definitely will hand over a dangerous weapon if the wrong people find out.

Yes indeed. People who are narcs will use this against you. It's the worst thing to say to those who despise you and will aggravate your "ticks". I know of one person like that from my former job and she's mentally screwed up anyway. However, I think she's just evil. If you are not safe telling anyone or trust anyone, just talk to your psychologist about what is going on and keep a diary. No one needs to know about what you're going through except you. Trust no one.

 

[aut555]

Have to agree with ladyghosthunter. Better not to divulge. I am struggling because l am still in denial l have it. But recently went into tears at a public place because of a comment made and that triggered it. But l dealt with the emotions quickly and didn't have a complete blowout. Hope l handled this ok. Survived gaslighting for 18 years.