Things People Who Have PTSD Wish You Knew
If this is part of your life story, please share your insights! What would you like the rest of us to learn? What should we know about people in this community? How would you like people to interact with you? Should people ask questions? What’s the best way for people to learn about this? Do you have any resources (books, movies, YT videos, etc) that will give us greater understanding and empathy and kindness toward people who experience the same things you do?
If you’re not on this journey, please share insights you’ve learned while interacting with those who are, whether family, friends, or anyone else. Share things you’ve read, and ask if they’re true. Share beliefs that you have, ask questions, and more! This is a safe space where you can learn about things you’ve never experienced. <3
Let’s have a gentle, fun, friendly conversation among friends! As a song in one of the Land Before Time movies says, “It takes all sorts to make a world!” <3
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I’m adding a taglist to start, but this post is open to absolutely everyone! <3
@Heather225
@jesusredeemedme2425
When I was struggling to move on from an abusive relationship, this is what a dear friend shared with me-
I wish more people knew what they were going through and that they're not alone in dealing with this.
@trueconfidant123 💗
This just made me realize that my fight-or-flight is more of a fight-or-fawn.
Mine is flight or fawn.
I’ve never heard of flop.
Trauma is trauma, it's not something you snap your fingers and get over no matter how many years ago it was.
Plus all the emotions that come with it, rage, helplessness, fear etc.
I still have flashbacks, I still recall how I felt. I still relive it as though it's fresh.
What I couldn't stand, is people, everyone saying You are lucky. Lucky... Pfft!!
I completely changed..... I struggled to function. I avoided sleeping. I couldn't eat and everyone corneed me, expecting me to relive these harrowing details, when I was struggling so badly to come outdoors and face the world.
Seriously have some common sense, be sensitive and caring not to provoke someone's delicate mind!
@ScrabbleBrain
Trauma is trauma. It's easy to say 'get over it' but a million times hard for it to actually happen. You're so strong for sharing your story.
@trueconfidant123 Appreciate the kind words, I can get carried away sometimes :) but I do wish people back then weren't so nosy and my Mama speaking on behalf of me, was not ok as a private person.
I choose what I want to share, you don't get to choose for me.
@ScrabbleBrain
You're right about that. Privacy is something I wouldn't compromise with either. Only you get to share your side of the story because only you know what you've been through. 🫂❤️
@trueconfidant123 Yes and she repeatedly couldn't understand that because she likes blabbing to others about her issues and I do not.
I hate confrontation but I had to call her out on it, repeatedly.
@ScrabbleBrain
While a mother may have pure intentions, they sometimes fail to understand the concept of boundary. That's really hard to deal with, I've faced it first hand. I'm glad you called it out.
@trueconfidant123 She did want to explain, so that I didn't have too but in most cases, it just didn't need to be said and for someone that felt voiceless, someone speaking for you, makes you feel like you are going backwards not forwards.
I hope you found a way to get your point across easier than I did, I felt like I ended up snapping..
@ScrabbleBrain
I understand that. I wish people were more aware, accepting and respectful of mental health struggles. But I'm sure times will change. ❤️
@ScrabbleBrain I'm just here with arms wide open for ya. 🤗👐🫂 You take all the time you need in order to heal. 💙
@YourCaringConfidant You're so sweet thanks :) I'm not sure you heal from it, but you get to a place, where you can carry on.
I guess another thing is, don't crowd someone that feels on edge. A lot of people were stepping close to me and embracing me and I don't like being touched, unless I initiate something.
I get that people are at a loss for words and want to offer comfort but sometimes, it does more harm than good, to someone that mainly wants to be left alone to get back to normal by themselves.
You want to be able to breathe, but people are not leaving you be and asking a million questions..
Take your cues from them I guess is my long winded point ha :)
Yep. Be aware that people with PTSD can get sensory overload. Be perceptive. Leave them alone if they’re getting overwhelmed.
@jesusredeemedme2425 well said :)
I’d say dealing with it alot of people think I’m just angry or like on edge all the time and I’m dealing with that aswell cause I know it’s not great way to live in the real world, but I’m not angry or mad im scared to lose people or have anyone hurt because I didn’t prevent something or act quick enough, and being nice is my last concern, and that’s not great, but all I’m actually thinking about is keeping people I care about safe because we’ve seen people get hurt before and wish we could’ve done something.
First, I'd like to say that PTSD goes hand-in-hand with a lot of other issues, regardless of which one came first.
That said, dealing with PTSD, especially in a heated situation, is difficult. Sometimes we can't control ourselves as normal, or can't stay grounded.
Therefore, you should never escalate emotional reactions with someone who suffers from PTSD. Not only does it make it hard for them to control their reactions, the heightened emotion will also likely bring forth volatile reminders of their past.
@Torean
❤️ indeed
I also didn’t know it could lie slightly dormant and then come on full blast.
I recently learned you can recover from PTSD 💕
Oh yeah, it can come outta nowhere.
It makes recovery kind of an complex subject, because PTSD can be complex... But progress can happen, and then anything is possible
Well i do have Complex PTSD, which uhhh…yeh
But tones, words, and jokes (specifically around me , directed to me or something) rlly make me guard UP!
😅
@berrycheesecake90 or triggered most cases :/
PTSD can hit HARD without anyone besides you being aware of it. It’s not always visible…
@jesusredeemedme2425 yup
I’ve encountered a lot mockers and scoffers. Truly don’t wish to encounter them again. There would be days where, I’d get unprovoked panic attacks. Ive realized as soon, as my back starts aching uncontrollably, I need to retreat. Over time, I couldn’t bare the heat anymore. Like the other day, I went out in shorts to walk the dog for probably 15-20 minutes. Though it was sunny, I still felt find of cold but too exhausted to change. After walk, I looked up the temperature and it was 38 degrees Fahrenheit, so probably slightly over 0 Celsius. But I really don’t feel many options, anymore I tried my hardest to leave home, to dorm for college a few years ago. But because of my inability to stay awake and near daily anxiety attacks (I wouldn’t get aggressive nor seem it, just see spots, choppy breathing and racing thoughts as a result). So as a result, I would go into the bathroom stall, often lie down on couches at some of my schools buildings. But over time, I couldn’t get an answer from any doctors. And over all, family not much help or could my parents speak English to ever assist me. I think, that language barrier also, made me feel alone and unsafe as a child. You know can’t communicate, as it happens any ill treatment from peers or adults at school or in general. I mention this, as I see more and more kids have to deal with this too. It’s hard. But I think culture is always excused for certain things. But to get back to it, I felt better but still exhausted in my second year of college. So I went to a college therapist. I believe those sessions, caused me me to break down. I may have gone to at least five sessions, just discussing my childhood. Truly first time, I ever went into depth on me, not my family nor what mattered to them. And because of all this stress from, reliving this, my family pulled me out of school. It’s been about 7 years now, I’m 27. And my life has been much worse and harder, leaving school. Reading the Bible, has helped me deal with cognitive difficulties. And truly finding him, has protected me from many of the emotional and near physical abuse from others including my family. But yea, many people, may not have much choices; and it doesn’t help when rude bitter people at work try to get a rise out of you. I’ve waitresses, truly the worst job; I’ve had so far. Endured much harassment even from men. But, I haven’t worked for one year now. And I feel much better but still; weary from all I’ve lived through. I get tired easily, from walking the dog; he pulls but get out of breathe. Also can’t get up too quickly nor do much cardio. Finding reformer exercises, has helped me with my bulging discs in back and neck and chronic joint pain. But I really want people to understand, adhd and hyper vigilance is common amongst ptsd patients. And I truly, want to scream internally, when many people are too pushy. Forcefully hug and kiss me (cultural greeting), or force me to translate and speak in other language (Spanish). I mention this, as I’ve had to translate from English to Spanish for my parents, even as a child. Due to my state, can’t drive too far; at times unable to drive. So stuck nearby and around people I don’t like and sometimes can’t bare. Can’t bare pushy people. I still get angry at times, as memories of coworkers and friends who’ve belittled me, as I suffered anxiety attacks or just fatigue. The anger, as I remember is truly hard. And some people, will try to force you to get over it. But I don’t want those type of people in my life, not even my family. It’s really hard to deal with it all. Done being polite and nice. I’m quitting those people and their rules. Doing me, taking my time, looking after me.
