Who Do You Tell That You Have Ptsd?

[Mercy]

I have learned the hard way, not to share with many many people. I think it pushes them away. I used to tell a little to see if the people were capable of friendship knowing I wasn't whole. It seems to burden most folks and they drift away.

I guess I have made my life more isolated than was good for me. Gratefully I have this web site. It has blessed me over and over.

 

[The Albatross]

I have been know to blurt it out when symptomatic during inordinate stress. But my immediate family, my pastor, some friends or sponsors and one of my workplaces.

 

[Lucycat]

Recently I went for some very minor surgery. As I expected, the surgeon firstly asked about any medication I was taking and I told him - Quetiapine. He was not familiar with it and asked what it is for - so I told him 'anxiety'. He then went on to ask about illnesses etc, so I took the plunge and said that actually the anxiety is a part of my PTSD - and held my breath waiting for his reaction.

He was superb. He advised no changes or adjustments to my medication for a few months following the surgery, as even very minor surgery can cause mood swings etc. I felt totally respected and treated with dignity. It was so refreshing.

 

[Dee Morris]

I guess I'm in the minority because I am no longer afraid to tell anyone. In fact I'm very open about it and to a degree what caused it. I use it as an opportunity to educate the people around me. Some understand, some don't. I don't really stress about it too much if they don't. I just try to remember to be happy for them that they have the privilege of not understanding. That includes classmates, teachers, friends, whatever. I don't bring it up but if the topic of conversation is relevant, I will mention it. I did feel that my ex husband used the PTSD to manipulate and control me for years. So I'm not sure I'm interested in being THAT vulnerable again. Fortunately, I'm at a point that I have the luxury of being able to be so open about it. Not sure if I would be if the disclosure had any power to hurt me in any way.

 

[Tympre]

I told my soulmate when we became friends, as I have kids with specials needs, so it was a package deal. I tell friends after I know them for a quite a bit, but at work I just tell people I am crazy. I will tell them everything but PTSD. I am military and dont want the sideline glances. After I lose my career next summer, outside of my immediate family and friends I dont plan on telling anyone. I dont like living in a glass house so once I am a civilian I wont. This might change as I readjust, but most will assume it is from deployment and mine is not. And honestly I dont want to deal with explaining the why. I will stick with General anxiety as my go to and maybe depression, but probably never again tell people ptsd.