Recently diagnosed with PTSD

[BeebeeG]

Hi there,

I'm new to the forums so hello!

I was diagnosed with PTSD about a month ago and things are hard. I don't feel any better now that there is a label on it but I'm recovering. I went looking for help just before I was diagnosed so I'm also new to therapy. I spoke to my friends briefly about seeing a therapist and being diagnosed but I don't think they understand what PTSD is and what it means to know somebody with PTSD. When I first told them, I got the response from one of them "Oh what from?" and it really made me uncomfortable. Should I have to justify my illness? I feel like they see it as invalid unless I tell them about my trauma.

[geoff]

Hello BeebeeG, a warm welcome to the forums.

Suffering from PTSD is a serious illness, as I'm sure many of us have struggled with this ourselves, I certainly have had it and possibly still do, although in a much reduced state, it's frightening and can affect how we live our lives.

The trouble is if you tell these people about your PTSD and they come back and say to you that they had it worse than you, then this isn't going to make you feel at ease.

It's not their trauma you are talking about, it's what you have had to go through and are asking for help, not to be overshadowed by someone who has had a splinter removed.

You can't judge your own experience against what they have been through, just because your trauma may not be 'as bad' as their's, doesn't mean it's less traumatic.

To tell them of what you have been through isn't easy, it could open up a can of worms, and then to try and justify why you have PTSD may make your situation worse.

For me there are many private issues I don't want anyone to know about, not unless I have their total trust.

Would like to hear back from you.

Geoff.