but do you have PTSD? Because based on your answer, I don't think you get it.
Not everyone here has PTSD; there are supporters, and sometimes practitioners as well. Take what's useful, leave the rest.
You have to find a way to not be so much of a target.
I'd say, no. More like, we all work on finding ways to maintain a sense of self, even when going through experiences that expose us, but are a very common part of having PTSD. It's hard to turn the thinking around, but I believe the goal is to be able to accept that whatever someone thinks of me, or says about me - that's their response. I don't have to take it on board.
Have you ever done something during a flashback or panic attack that you now regret or feel ashamed of? :/
Yes, a few times. Once was in a hospital; the nurse came in to draw blood, and couldn't get it done. I wanted to ask for a woman, because I was uncomfortable with men doing medical work on me, at the time. But I was afraid to - no reason, really, just where I was at mentally.
After 5 misses, I was getting very agitated, and asked for another nurse, specifically a woman. I said that I had PTSD from a sexual assault. He said 'It's ok, I'm almost done.' - and wouldn't leave the room (and couldn't get the draw started, either). I'm sobbing, nurse is struggling, someone walks by and asks what the problem is, and nurse says 'she's just afraid', and person says 'calm down ma'am, you're making his job harder.'
It was really awful.
But, after awhile I was able to understand that I was beating myself up for having what was actually a very
normal reaction to the situation,
given what my illness is. Their insensitivity isn't my responsibility.
I understand, it's hard, though.
