Hi all I have lurked on this site for a while now but finally registered last night. I've suffered from what I thought was depression my whole life as far as I can remember. Last year I spent 6 weeks in a mental health institution and was diagnosed with CPTSD. At the time I think I only registered the PTSD bit. I started a compassion focused therapy course which I found really good but unfortunately was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo a double mastectomy & reconstruction in July so I had to give up the course and dealing with the cancer took over. I was on a waiting list for a year for trauma based therapy which I started in October. I then started to look at the Complex part of the diagnosis and so much of it made sense. Right now I'm really struggling with how to explain it to those around me. Everyone was so accepting of my cancer diagnosis (all sorted now) but I'd go through that a million times over than this constant battle in my head and yet I can't make others understand that. I have to keep reminding myself that this is a marathon not a sprint.
Welcome! I have mostly given up trying to explain it to others. If pressed, I say I have a stress disorder that's similar to PTSD. The only people I even remotely try to explain it to are those who seem to have many of the same symptoms, and have abuse in their background.
Thanks for posting! I'm glad you're here.
Welcome, Mussymel! I'm glad you finally registered. I hope you'll find this forum as helpful as I've found it. There are a lot of really great people here who you don't have to explain things to. And, if you do have to, they're more apt to actually listen and attempt to understand. I wish you all the best.
Thanks for the welcome and the swift replies.
Oh my goodness Mussymel, you have been through so much. I just had knee replacement Dec 4th and the physical and emotional trauma of that on top of CPTSD is a lot to handle so :hug: :hug: :hug:
Complex PTSD is a hard one to explain to others who do not have it or know much about it (including some professionals unfortunately). We do have some info sheets here that may be helpful - http://www.outofthestorm.website/downloads/. Your T may have some suggestions in this regard as well :Idunno: There are lots here who do understand exactly what you're talking about so once you feel comfortable, please join in and post away.
Thanks Kizzie
Hi, Mussymel! Much like you, I have considered joining this group for quite some time as well. Tonight I did it! Cheers to the two of us for joining in an effort to seek and provide support.
I enjoyed reading your thoughts on this process being a marathon and not a sprint, I often remind myself of that very statement though I feel as if time is just passing swiftly by me.
I look forward to engaging with you.
A
Welcome to you too K9 2. Yes I think we've taken a positive step in helping ourselves.
Welcome to the group, Mussymel.
I vary how I discuss C-PTSD with others. Sometimes I stick with just PTSD, which people are becoming more familiar with. Other times, I'll describe it as chronic PTSD to get at its longevity.
If I do open up about C-PTSD, I'll say something like, "I experienced abuse early and often, and this affected my brain's development so that it's primed for fight or flight." That is, of course, a vast oversimplification. But it's one way I use to help people understand.
Be well,
Randal
Thanks Randal