Just found OOTS

[Sadie48]

Hi. I was searching complex ptsd, which I was diagnosed with years ago, when I found this website. I had read OOF years ago and found it helpful, but mainly in understanding the PDs within my family, not in understanding how to deal with them.  Peter Walker's website also included information -- a description of a patient's symptoms -- that I recognized immediately.

I went NC with my mother and older sister very recently after finding out about some malicious gossip that had been spread about my nuclear family (husband,kids). It feels weird but the only way I could say "enough".  I had also gotten depressed and foggy after my mother visited, and her presence reminded me of so many things I have long hated about being around her.  It took me hours to feel normal again.

Thanks for existing!  It's difficult to feel like anyone but a therapist or group therapy can recognize what having an emotionally abusive family is like. The abuse is often hidden, so when it is called out, it's easy for the PDed person to deny.  But I do believe in our guts, we know when something is not right.  I may lurk for a while, or post about going NC. Nice to meet you.

[Estella]

Nice to meet you Sadie 

[sanmagic7]

glad you're here, sadie, and welcome.

this forum has been a life-changer for me.  generous, kind, caring people who 'get it'.   i've been able to do a lot of healing because of it.  the two therapists i've had over the past 3 yrs.  haven't helped me nearly as much. 

lurk when you want, post when you're ready.  we'll be here for you.   sending a hug if it's ok with you.

[Kizzie]

Hey Sadie, welcome to OOTS     Kindred soul here as I was raised in a family rife with NPD and it took a final straw for me to finally disengage.  Best thing I ever did although it was hard at first because those with NPD are tenacious about getting their N supply and when they can't anymore, look out.  Also, it's family and it shouldn't be easy to cut ties when you think about it.  It's just a huge loss no matter.

Anyway, I do hope you post when you feel comfortable as there are lots of members here who suffered more covert forms of emotional abuse (not so covert when you know what you're looking at though - in the end it's just crazy making, soul crushing behaviour the same as more overt abuse imo).

[Sadie48]

Thank you all.  I think I will post more on the section about cutting off contact since that was a recent step.  Hope to give and receive on this site.

[Blueberry]

Thanks for existing!  It's difficult to feel like anyone but a therapist or group therapy can recognize what having an emotionally abusive family is like.

We recognise it on here  I come from a severely emotionally abusive FOO. I agree it's often hard to explain to somebody who doesn't understand. In fact, it's usually really re-triggering for me to do so because those sorts of people ask all the 'dumb' questions FOO does or cross-questions me like a lawyer 

Welcome on here!  I answered your other (NC) post in more detail.