Need someone with CPTSD to connect with IRL.

[bhupendra]

I'm an introvert and as such am not much good with making friends with new people.
I love and value my solitude. Still sometimes I feel very trapped and powerless by the flashbacks.
I don't know how long I can survive like this. I can make friends with people IRL. But I cannot discuss any of this stuff with them. First, I don't want to bother them with my own traumas and secondly, I don't think most of them have the level of empathy that's required to patiently be with someone experiencing the flashbacks or simply to listen compassionately to the person.
I don't have much faith in counsellors here. I don't think most of them even understand CPTSD.
I'm living with my FOO in the same place where many of these events occurred. Relocation is not an option for me. I'm studying at the moment and planning for a job next so that I can stay away from home and my FOO.
I know that would at least decrease the frequency of them and make me more optimistic towards life and people.
I was just thinking if it's possible to connect IRL with someone with PTSD/CPTSD?
Like a support buddy during bad times?
I know it's not that good idea as one can never know how sad and gloomy it can become for both of us if let's say we both are having flashbacks the same day the same time. Still, I don't think if it could get any worse. I know I can manage my own without him/her like I always had till now even if that'd mean that I may not always be able to be with him/her during all of his/her bad times even if want to.
Even if that's the case I've come to the point that I'm tired dealing with this all alone all the time and honestly want a friend who knows what's it like to be there when you're there.
I just wanted to know if it's even possible to find someone like that IRL?

[Kizzie]

Hey Bhu, I think it would be awesome if there were face-to-face groups for people like us who struggle with Complex PTSD and are often isolated. Being with people IRL who get it and that we can feel safe with is an important step 'out of the storm' imo.

Would starting a F2F group be something you would consider doing (or perhaps your school would consider sponsoring one)?  Groups like AA have sponsors so your idea of a trauma buddy, maybe someone who is further along in recovery, is actually a great idea I think.

One of our members just started one in Bedford UK and it seems to be going quite well by all accounts. You can read about it in the OOTS blog if you'd like - her name is Anna Bragga.

[Three Roses]

NAMI has free meetings at their locations, there may be one near you. It's not going to be just people with cptsd, it's more a mixed bag, but maybe you could contact someone at NAMI and ask if there's at least a ptsd support group you could join.  sorry, all I could think of.

[Kizzie]

Bhu - favour to ask.  If you are at all interested in the idea of F2F support groups could you add a comment to the blog article for this week (mine not Anna's) about wanting something like this because you do feel isolated?

The article is about things we here at OOTS have talked about needing/wanting from trauma professionals and organizations so it would be good to let them know there.  The URL is http://www.outofthestorm.website/guest-bloggers/.  Tks!

And to other members of OOTS who may read this, please don't be shy.  Jump in and voice your ideas in a comment