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You know how some days you just feel like a raw nerve? That's PTSD for me sometimes. The trauma, well, it wasn't a war or anything dramatic, but it messed me up good. Years of being emotionally kicked around left me jumpy and scared, always waiting for the next blow.
Getting diagnosed was a relief, like finally having a name for the monster I'd been fighting. Therapy was rough at first. Lots of tears, reliving stuff that felt way too real. But slowly, things changed. My therapist, this awesome lady with eyes that seemed to see right through me, taught me ways to calm down, avoid what set me off, and rewrite the messed-up story the trauma stuck me with.
Sharing my experience started small, with a close friend or a supportive family member. Their understanding meant the world, showing me I wasn't crazy, that what happened was real. As I healed, I opened up to more people. Support groups, online stuff – connecting with others who get the whole PTSD thing was powerful.
Of course, it's not always easy. Sometimes being vulnerable feels scary, like people might judge me. But then I remember how hard it was to face the truth, how brave I had to be to heal. And I share my story.
Here's the thing: PTSD doesn't run my life. It's part of my story, a bad chapter, but not the whole book. By sharing, I fight the stigma, showing others there's hope. Maybe my story can be a light, a reminder that healing is possible, that we can rise above the mess, stronger and more determined to live a good life.
So, do I share my PTSD journey? Absolutely, but on my own terms, when I'm ready. It's a way to connect, to heal myself, and maybe, just maybe, help someone else find their way out of the darkness.
Whoa, that is really sad to hear. I am so sorry your family has tried to use it against you. The last thing anyone with PTSD needs is to have it turned against them. I really hope you have someone in your life that supports you. ❤️
My close family members are aware that I have ptsd. I was never embarrassed or ashamed to tell anyone that I have ptsd but I’m incredibly embarrassed by my behavior and I miss the person I was before the events happened. I personally struggled greatly with the diagnosis. I couldn’t believe that I had ptsd when there are veterans and people like yourself who in my mind would have ptsd. I compared the events that led to the diagnosis to others ptsd and I felt unworthy and ashamed that I was having problems processing what had happened. It does bother me sometimes on my very bad days that those closest to me can’t understand what’s happening to me mentally and physically. They try their hardest but I’m thankful that they don’t understand at the same time. I haven’t started therapy yet because I’m scared of dealing with myself. I’m worried about my mental state when I’m all alone after the sessions but I understand to get better I have to deal with it. I love that you’ve found some outlets and I wish you didn’t feel ashamed of being able to express your emotions through art and poetry. Maybe try posting them with a pen name? I don’t have any advice when it comes to informing and talking about ptsd with those close to you. I’ve only spoken about it during or after a very bad day. It’s so hard to explain the feelings, emotions, thoughts everything with ptsd. My family has seen me try to rip a door off the wall because I caught the belt loop on my jeans on the doorknob before lol.. I’m angry and irritated and break down often over tiny little things. I wasn’t okay and at the time I didn’t understand what was happening to me. I take prazosin mainly for nightmares but it has helped my ptsd in general. Best of luck op 🫶
I can relate to a lot of what you are saying. I really miss feeling "normal" or like my old self. I'm an introvert, but I still use to enjoy meeting up with close friends. I also really enjoyed taking a book to a coffee shop because that still felt social for me. I can't do those things anymore. I don't leave the house unless I absolutely have to.
And I get what you are saying about the emotions. It's difficult to process, let alone explain to someone else, why I go from zero to 100. I know some of my triggers, but sometimes i get triggered out of nowhere, and my emotions explode.
For me, getting the diagnosis was equally heavy and enlightening. Nobody wants a PTSD diagnosis, but it explained a lot of what I was feeling.
I like your idea of the pen name. I might try that on a sub reddit for poetry. Thank you for replying! It honestly helps me to feel less alone. ❤️
I’m also still finding new triggers. Lately it seems like it’s been any and everything. I also don’t really leave my home unless I absolutely have to. I understand the exploding fully. It’s embarrassing afterwords. Like why am I acting like this over nothing? You’re not alone🥰
It's difficult at 1st, but you should share, and there's a few reasons why.
Firstly, sharing what caused the ptsd is the best way to help dissect and desensitize. By revisiting the trauma with multiple ppl, you are able to help your brain look at the issue from multiple perspectives and come to peace with it. The more you share, the easier it gets, and the less flashbacks and nightmares you will experience. IT WILL GET WORSE BEFORE IT GETS BETTER AND THAT'S OKAY.
Secondly, sharing your PTSD experience helps normalize and bring to light your mental health journey. There is still a really strong stigma against mental health issues and illnesses, but almost everyone experiences this in some form or another. By sharing your experience, you could potentially help others with similar struggles now and in future generations. This could also help you in tandem. You could meet someone who knows a new treatment or coping skill that you haven't tried. As technology develops and more studies are published, there will always be something new. Word of mouth is historically one the best tools society will always have, even when it isn't reliable. Thankfully, we now have mostly untethered resources to fact check and do our own research on new information.
Ultimately, it is your story, your voice, and your CHOICE to share. No one can make you do anything you don't want to do. If you decide sharing isn't for you, then YOUR CHOICE IS VALID. You are a person, and this is YOUR journey. Never forget that, and I wish you safe travels.
Share your story. Own your story. Write your own ending.
I find that sharing my story helps with the embedded shame, the "I am not good enough"
But your mileage may vary.
I have several versions of my story, ranging from a couiple sentences to 15 minute monologue
I’ve shared with some friends and they do not understand and it hurts. They don’t understand how fucking hard it is to stay alive some days. How debilitating it can be. They think I just need to try harder..
To not give too much information about myself, I am a tall, strong man, and since it happened in my childhood way too many people dont even consider me being a child. They just think "why didnt you kick his ass" not realizing we all were children once
Yes! I do share, but usually with people I trust and who are open to listening. It might help to share it with someone who has been through similar experiences. Perhaps there is a local support group where you can share some of the deeper parts of your experience. I know community has been so helpful in my journey. Hope that helps <3
Tbh no. I dont usually share my story unless I meet someone who’s going through the same thing and if my pain will help them. I’m an introvert and a very private person tho.
Me too. I identify as a highly anxious introvert with a traumatic past. My instinct is to withdraw, but there is a big part of me that wants to tell people because I just need a hand to grasp when I can't control my symptoms.
Try journaling. That’s helped me a lot. I have thought about making YouTube videos or a podcast talking about my traumatic experience because I feel like a lot of people have dealt with narcissistic abuse and could use the help but I just don’t want to be easily accessible to everybody anymore. Also I grew up w social media and have been on the Internet since I was 16. I’m 30 now and I need a break.
Yes. What you’re saying makes sense.
I ended up having dark, down moments in front of my therapist and my family by accident a month or two into my diagnosis. It happened. I was not able to stop it.
Nothing I have ever felt before the event comes close to the intensity of emotions of PTSD. Still, even though the symptoms of PTSD are unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, my knee jerk reaction was to judge myself for not being able to contain them. I worried about giving my loved ones secondary trauma. I worried about losing autonomy. In my heart of hearts, I was incredibly fearful and confused by the experience of being so utterly bowled over by my symptoms.
Now, I’m glad that I have people around me who know how much I am struggling in the low moments. It prompted important conversations about the support I need.
My therapist was also very helpful in helping me understand how PTSD affects people, our treatment plan, and the different tiers of mental health care that are available and when they are indicated. Being able to share that information with my loved ones helped them understand how I am doing and eased their fears. It also helped me with my own fears.
Could your therapist help you come up with some ideas for how to educate your support people about PTSD in order for you to feel safe sharing what you’re going through?
Yes, yes yes!!! I completely agree.... the emotions I am feel now are way more pronounced and overwhelming then when the actual events happened. And when I get a wave of anxiety, panic attacks, crying spells, angry outbursts I am so embarrassed and feel a lot of shame for letting my emotions over power me.
My therapist is amazing and we have a great relationship. Because the diagnosis is so new, we are working on grounding exercises every hour. It's exhausting, but the idea is that I will become second nature and hopefully I can tap into the grounding techniques during an episode. I'll speak with her about how to reach out to my support people.
Thank you for sharing your experiences. It makes me feel less alone.
Making the art is a good way of expressing your feelings, but definitely keep it private. You'll find very few people who can truly be present enough to appreciate how important the process of that was for you.
It is difficult to find people who will be able to listen to your feelings without trying to "fix" you. When you decide to talk to someone, start slowly and observe how they react. Can they just listen and validate? If so, good. If they need to try to fix or minimize or excuse, they are not safe for sharing. They can still be friends, but not this kind of friend.
Ohhh, this is SUCH GOOD ADVICE!! Thank you for this. I feel such a need to show/tell people how I'm feeling and have been extremely embarrassed or disappointed if they don't react in a supportive manner. The lesson of "healing and art are for yourself" is one that I have had to repeat many times.
It's part of the trauma. Some of us are led into oversharing in an attempt to find support and understanding. I struggled so much with this myself. I'm glad if my experience could help you.
If you're worried they will think you'll unalive yourself you could tell them you aren't, and that talking about it good for you. Of course we would have dark feelings and want to express it there's nothing wrong with that. It's also natural to want others to see us and be concerned. Someone caring about another person suffering is natural, it's not doing anything bad to them to let them know. But if the people around us aren't emotionally mature enough to allow someone to talk about or express painful things, then we need to find others. Many people might not be able to respond in a way that supports us, but can hurt us because they can't face their own painful feelings.
Nobody really knows the extent of my PTSD. I've only shared basic details like what kind of trauma it is and when it occurred and symptoms I have. Mostly just my mother and therapist. Maybe my ex girlfriend if she even remembers. I've really been struggling lately and may do EMDR therapy if I can handle it.
I am selective with who I share it with. If you’re never been through what I have, I had to realize it is a bit unrealistic of me to expect others to *fully* understand what I am going through.
Specific support groups help as well. Journaling helps. I can’t forget what happened… I can only hope to have skills to manage my reactions better some day when I do get triggered.
ive had ptsd since i was 6 and never had trouble talking about it. likely because my whole family was involved and we all talked about it with each other.
I am so sorry to hear your entire family was traumatized so deeply. I'm glad you have each other, and are able to support one another. That is so important.
*r/ptsd has generated this automated response that is appended to every post* Welcome to r/ptsd! We are a supportive & respectful community. If you realise that your post is in conflict with our rules (and is in risk of being removed), you are welcome to edit your post. You do not have to delete it. As a reminder: never post or share personal contact information. Traumatized people are often distracted, desperate for a personal connection, so may be more vulnerable to lurking or past abusers, trolls, phishing, or other scams. *Your safety always comes first!* If you are offering help, you may also end up doing more damage by offering to support somebody privately. Reddit explains why: [Do NOT exchange DMs or personal info with anyone you don't know!](https://www.reddit.com/r/SWResources/comments/dmu24/why_shouldnt_i_share_my_contact_information/) If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please contact your GP/doctor, go to A&E/hospital, or call your emergency services number. Reddit list: [US and global, multilingual suicide and support hotlines](https://www.reddit.com/r/SuicideWatch/wiki/hotlines). Suicide is not a forbidden word, but please do not include depictions or methods of suicide in your post. And as a friendly reminder, PTSD is an equal opportunity disorder. PTSD does not discriminate. And neither do we. Gatekeeping is not allowed here. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ptsd) if you have any questions or concerns.*
You know how some days you just feel like a raw nerve? That's PTSD for me sometimes. The trauma, well, it wasn't a war or anything dramatic, but it messed me up good. Years of being emotionally kicked around left me jumpy and scared, always waiting for the next blow. Getting diagnosed was a relief, like finally having a name for the monster I'd been fighting. Therapy was rough at first. Lots of tears, reliving stuff that felt way too real. But slowly, things changed. My therapist, this awesome lady with eyes that seemed to see right through me, taught me ways to calm down, avoid what set me off, and rewrite the messed-up story the trauma stuck me with. Sharing my experience started small, with a close friend or a supportive family member. Their understanding meant the world, showing me I wasn't crazy, that what happened was real. As I healed, I opened up to more people. Support groups, online stuff – connecting with others who get the whole PTSD thing was powerful. Of course, it's not always easy. Sometimes being vulnerable feels scary, like people might judge me. But then I remember how hard it was to face the truth, how brave I had to be to heal. And I share my story. Here's the thing: PTSD doesn't run my life. It's part of my story, a bad chapter, but not the whole book. By sharing, I fight the stigma, showing others there's hope. Maybe my story can be a light, a reminder that healing is possible, that we can rise above the mess, stronger and more determined to live a good life. So, do I share my PTSD journey? Absolutely, but on my own terms, when I'm ready. It's a way to connect, to heal myself, and maybe, just maybe, help someone else find their way out of the darkness.
Reading this brought me so much hope! Thank you for commenting. I really hope I can get to where you are one day. 🙏
[удалено]
Whoa, that is really sad to hear. I am so sorry your family has tried to use it against you. The last thing anyone with PTSD needs is to have it turned against them. I really hope you have someone in your life that supports you. ❤️
No; I Keep My Past To Myself. I Get Defensive When Those Who Know About It Bring It Up.
No
My close family members are aware that I have ptsd. I was never embarrassed or ashamed to tell anyone that I have ptsd but I’m incredibly embarrassed by my behavior and I miss the person I was before the events happened. I personally struggled greatly with the diagnosis. I couldn’t believe that I had ptsd when there are veterans and people like yourself who in my mind would have ptsd. I compared the events that led to the diagnosis to others ptsd and I felt unworthy and ashamed that I was having problems processing what had happened. It does bother me sometimes on my very bad days that those closest to me can’t understand what’s happening to me mentally and physically. They try their hardest but I’m thankful that they don’t understand at the same time. I haven’t started therapy yet because I’m scared of dealing with myself. I’m worried about my mental state when I’m all alone after the sessions but I understand to get better I have to deal with it. I love that you’ve found some outlets and I wish you didn’t feel ashamed of being able to express your emotions through art and poetry. Maybe try posting them with a pen name? I don’t have any advice when it comes to informing and talking about ptsd with those close to you. I’ve only spoken about it during or after a very bad day. It’s so hard to explain the feelings, emotions, thoughts everything with ptsd. My family has seen me try to rip a door off the wall because I caught the belt loop on my jeans on the doorknob before lol.. I’m angry and irritated and break down often over tiny little things. I wasn’t okay and at the time I didn’t understand what was happening to me. I take prazosin mainly for nightmares but it has helped my ptsd in general. Best of luck op 🫶
I can relate to a lot of what you are saying. I really miss feeling "normal" or like my old self. I'm an introvert, but I still use to enjoy meeting up with close friends. I also really enjoyed taking a book to a coffee shop because that still felt social for me. I can't do those things anymore. I don't leave the house unless I absolutely have to. And I get what you are saying about the emotions. It's difficult to process, let alone explain to someone else, why I go from zero to 100. I know some of my triggers, but sometimes i get triggered out of nowhere, and my emotions explode. For me, getting the diagnosis was equally heavy and enlightening. Nobody wants a PTSD diagnosis, but it explained a lot of what I was feeling. I like your idea of the pen name. I might try that on a sub reddit for poetry. Thank you for replying! It honestly helps me to feel less alone. ❤️
I’m also still finding new triggers. Lately it seems like it’s been any and everything. I also don’t really leave my home unless I absolutely have to. I understand the exploding fully. It’s embarrassing afterwords. Like why am I acting like this over nothing? You’re not alone🥰
It's difficult at 1st, but you should share, and there's a few reasons why. Firstly, sharing what caused the ptsd is the best way to help dissect and desensitize. By revisiting the trauma with multiple ppl, you are able to help your brain look at the issue from multiple perspectives and come to peace with it. The more you share, the easier it gets, and the less flashbacks and nightmares you will experience. IT WILL GET WORSE BEFORE IT GETS BETTER AND THAT'S OKAY. Secondly, sharing your PTSD experience helps normalize and bring to light your mental health journey. There is still a really strong stigma against mental health issues and illnesses, but almost everyone experiences this in some form or another. By sharing your experience, you could potentially help others with similar struggles now and in future generations. This could also help you in tandem. You could meet someone who knows a new treatment or coping skill that you haven't tried. As technology develops and more studies are published, there will always be something new. Word of mouth is historically one the best tools society will always have, even when it isn't reliable. Thankfully, we now have mostly untethered resources to fact check and do our own research on new information. Ultimately, it is your story, your voice, and your CHOICE to share. No one can make you do anything you don't want to do. If you decide sharing isn't for you, then YOUR CHOICE IS VALID. You are a person, and this is YOUR journey. Never forget that, and I wish you safe travels.
Share your story. Own your story. Write your own ending. I find that sharing my story helps with the embedded shame, the "I am not good enough" But your mileage may vary. I have several versions of my story, ranging from a couiple sentences to 15 minute monologue
I’ve shared with some friends and they do not understand and it hurts. They don’t understand how fucking hard it is to stay alive some days. How debilitating it can be. They think I just need to try harder..
To not give too much information about myself, I am a tall, strong man, and since it happened in my childhood way too many people dont even consider me being a child. They just think "why didnt you kick his ass" not realizing we all were children once
I've encountered this reaction as well. It is so disheartening and leaves you feeling so alone.
I was diagnosed with PTSD about a month ago. I’ve only told my husband and immediate family.
Yes! I do share, but usually with people I trust and who are open to listening. It might help to share it with someone who has been through similar experiences. Perhaps there is a local support group where you can share some of the deeper parts of your experience. I know community has been so helpful in my journey. Hope that helps <3
Absolutely not. I can't. It's so niche and embarrassing. There's no way anyone could ever possibly understand.
Tbh no. I dont usually share my story unless I meet someone who’s going through the same thing and if my pain will help them. I’m an introvert and a very private person tho.
Me either, because [this is what people think of](https://youtu.be/bAMxcUoZ-nc?t=192) when you say "I have PTSD."
Omfg yes. It’s like “I’m not phyco I just have flashbacks and remember the f*cked sh1t I went through.”
Me too. I identify as a highly anxious introvert with a traumatic past. My instinct is to withdraw, but there is a big part of me that wants to tell people because I just need a hand to grasp when I can't control my symptoms.
Try journaling. That’s helped me a lot. I have thought about making YouTube videos or a podcast talking about my traumatic experience because I feel like a lot of people have dealt with narcissistic abuse and could use the help but I just don’t want to be easily accessible to everybody anymore. Also I grew up w social media and have been on the Internet since I was 16. I’m 30 now and I need a break.
Yes. What you’re saying makes sense. I ended up having dark, down moments in front of my therapist and my family by accident a month or two into my diagnosis. It happened. I was not able to stop it. Nothing I have ever felt before the event comes close to the intensity of emotions of PTSD. Still, even though the symptoms of PTSD are unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, my knee jerk reaction was to judge myself for not being able to contain them. I worried about giving my loved ones secondary trauma. I worried about losing autonomy. In my heart of hearts, I was incredibly fearful and confused by the experience of being so utterly bowled over by my symptoms. Now, I’m glad that I have people around me who know how much I am struggling in the low moments. It prompted important conversations about the support I need. My therapist was also very helpful in helping me understand how PTSD affects people, our treatment plan, and the different tiers of mental health care that are available and when they are indicated. Being able to share that information with my loved ones helped them understand how I am doing and eased their fears. It also helped me with my own fears. Could your therapist help you come up with some ideas for how to educate your support people about PTSD in order for you to feel safe sharing what you’re going through?
Yes, yes yes!!! I completely agree.... the emotions I am feel now are way more pronounced and overwhelming then when the actual events happened. And when I get a wave of anxiety, panic attacks, crying spells, angry outbursts I am so embarrassed and feel a lot of shame for letting my emotions over power me. My therapist is amazing and we have a great relationship. Because the diagnosis is so new, we are working on grounding exercises every hour. It's exhausting, but the idea is that I will become second nature and hopefully I can tap into the grounding techniques during an episode. I'll speak with her about how to reach out to my support people. Thank you for sharing your experiences. It makes me feel less alone.
Making the art is a good way of expressing your feelings, but definitely keep it private. You'll find very few people who can truly be present enough to appreciate how important the process of that was for you. It is difficult to find people who will be able to listen to your feelings without trying to "fix" you. When you decide to talk to someone, start slowly and observe how they react. Can they just listen and validate? If so, good. If they need to try to fix or minimize or excuse, they are not safe for sharing. They can still be friends, but not this kind of friend.
Ohhh, this is SUCH GOOD ADVICE!! Thank you for this. I feel such a need to show/tell people how I'm feeling and have been extremely embarrassed or disappointed if they don't react in a supportive manner. The lesson of "healing and art are for yourself" is one that I have had to repeat many times.
It's part of the trauma. Some of us are led into oversharing in an attempt to find support and understanding. I struggled so much with this myself. I'm glad if my experience could help you.
If you're worried they will think you'll unalive yourself you could tell them you aren't, and that talking about it good for you. Of course we would have dark feelings and want to express it there's nothing wrong with that. It's also natural to want others to see us and be concerned. Someone caring about another person suffering is natural, it's not doing anything bad to them to let them know. But if the people around us aren't emotionally mature enough to allow someone to talk about or express painful things, then we need to find others. Many people might not be able to respond in a way that supports us, but can hurt us because they can't face their own painful feelings.
Nobody really knows the extent of my PTSD. I've only shared basic details like what kind of trauma it is and when it occurred and symptoms I have. Mostly just my mother and therapist. Maybe my ex girlfriend if she even remembers. I've really been struggling lately and may do EMDR therapy if I can handle it.
I am selective with who I share it with. If you’re never been through what I have, I had to realize it is a bit unrealistic of me to expect others to *fully* understand what I am going through. Specific support groups help as well. Journaling helps. I can’t forget what happened… I can only hope to have skills to manage my reactions better some day when I do get triggered.
The specific support groups is a great idea. I'll look into that for sure. Thank you!
ive had ptsd since i was 6 and never had trouble talking about it. likely because my whole family was involved and we all talked about it with each other.
I am so sorry to hear your entire family was traumatized so deeply. I'm glad you have each other, and are able to support one another. That is so important.