Winning Over Ptsd

[RussH]

My company had their Christmas party last night. I have been stressing over this, because of fear.

My PTSD spent all day lying to me; telling me that my co-workers would not want me around, that, at best, my presence would be tolerated but not welcomed. It was enough to tempt me to stay home and not go to the party.

However, because of what I have learned about PTSD, both here on the forum and other research, I recognized that all those negative thoughts was the PTSD lying to me, and thus was able to deal with the lies in my mind, and set them aside.

My wife and I went to the party and had a nice time.

 

[ms spock]

Awesome RussH!

 

[littlelostchild]

Congratulations, Russ!

 

[Airedale 48]

Rush, thank you. It's clear that I have much to learn. I feel the same way.Unless I have something that needs to get done I usually wont leave my house. I feel the need to hide. When I am doing well I love to work on my property. I also love to hunt. Both are solitary pursuits. I am single. I'd eventually like to be a productive member of society and have a wife. I am on disability. Being on disability is something I hate. I don't hate disability. I hate being on it myself. I'm a fairly healthy grown man. Yet if it were not for disability I know that I'd be homeless. Before disability I was often homeless. I'm 48 and starting college in January. I am hoping that having to get to class will help me to work on the things I midt fear. We'll see. I am glad to know that it's a normal part of PTSD to feel and act the way I do. Thank you Rush.

 

[scout86]

Funny, you seem like such a kind, positive, life affirming kind of guy, I can't imagine why anyone would NOT want to be around you!

Good for you for going. Better yet that you had a nice time!

 

[joeylittle]

That's great, Russ! The chickens do a disco: :chicken::cool::headphone::chicken::tup:

And, The most important part, I think, is not only did you dismiss those lies and go, but you had a nice time there, too. So remember that as well, next time you've got those old fears kicking in. I always forget to remember the victories - but they are really, really important. So happy for you!

 

[Eleanor]

A big victory! Perhaps another party is in order? :tup::)

 

[RussH]

@Eleanor I have another one next week :nailbiting:

 

[shell]

That's great, PTSD and depression are both massive liars, so many positive changes come from changing our focus from all the negative things and focusing on the positive. Hope you have a great time at the next party.

 

[RussH]

@Airedale 48 You will find a lot of good information about PTSD and how it affects us here on the forum. I am glad my post was able to help you, and I am confident that you will read other post here that will give you encouragement.

@scout86 I just don't know if others like me around, but that is the PTSD talking to me and robbing me of that assurance.
I don't have any good reason to think they don't; it is just part of what I deal with because of my PTSD.

 

[scout86]

Well, @RussH , I'm TELLING YOU, if you're anything in person like you are on here, I wouldn't mind having you around. MOST people will like having you around and I can't imagine ANYONE, in their right might, who wouldn't. JMO,but you seem pretty likable. :)

 

[RussH]

@scout86 Thank you, your words mean a lot, and I can assure you the person I am on line is the same person I am everyday.