Hi Stormy! Welcome to the group! You will find that this is not only a friendly place but also an informative one. Unfortunately many of us have walked the same path. At the same time it's also wonderful to know that we aren't alone and survival is possible. Welcome!

Hello, Precious Baby Girl! Thank you for welcoming me to the group! Yes, you are right- it is so important to stay "connected." I live alone (with two black cats-Dark & Stormy) and I am retired, so I tend to isolate. It is wonderful to be able to reach out via the Net and engage with others- especially those who share similar struggles. Thank you so much for your message!

Stormyblue, I was diagnosed back in the mid 1990s, too, in 1995. I am also estranged from family members since then, because recognizing my PTSD meant recognizing how abusive my family of origin was. They were parents with untreated PTSD because we were a missionary family in a war zone abroad when I was growing up.

It was sad for me to part with them as an adult when I began treatment for my PTSD. Since they'd always refused evacuation from combat (we were car bombed once when I was 9 years old) that was their choice, though. Eventually they got themselves in trouble with the government of the country of the mission field where they served and got deported by force back to the States. They were acting out their untreated PTSD, and not just on me as their adult child, but also in ways that government would no longer tolerate.

So welcome to our group. I'm so sorry you're estranged from family members, too, but I understand how that might happen, though I'm not saying it's for the exact reasons why it happened to me. I don't know. I'm just glad you found out. Whatever brings us here with our PTSD, this is a healing place. Ahoy!

Hello, Mujicaptsd! Thank you for your warm, understanding response. I was thinking how we can be so self-centered, and feel that no one has suffered like we have, when, in fact, many have suffered so much more!!!

I am grateful for our group, to be a part of this healing community.

We're glad you joined us, Stormyblue!

Welcome aboard this DS lifeboat StormyBlue. No eraser for the past. Yes, I am also struggling to find my "new normal" after several years filled with changes. I am a few years older than you, so do understand how life changes for seniors. We shall do this together. That is really what DS is about. I also have 2 cats. They help me to feel less alone. We are all here because we have been through traumas. The nature of the traumas may vary, but the results are the same. I am in several groups here for different reasons. You definitely have earned a seat in this lifeboat. Welcoming and comforting hugs.

Thank you for your warm welcome, Simpson! Yes, cats are wonderful companions! I've always raised/ trained K9s, Akitas, and Huskies, but in my Studio on the River I would be restricted to a small dog- not my style. These two black gatos are brothers- going through their "terrible twos" now! But I love them madly! Imagine- we grew up on the same brand products! Hugs to you!

Welcome to the group.

So sorry about the estrangements, that is a pain like no other.

Huskies...definitely have their own personalities. My son is all but in love with his friend's Husky. You either train them, or they train you. I had a Golden Retriever. In comparison...well is there a comparison?

Aloha! Welcome to the group. I'm glad you are now in a secure / safe situation. I was in an abusive relationship before too and it took a couple of years to undue the depression and paranoia. Plus my dad abused my mom and I never got over that (I felt no love when he died). Having pets can really help, we have 2 cats. One of which is very sensitive to one's emotions and "checks" on me, snuggles, and so on, when I'm upset. I hope you find the support you are looking for here. Hugs

Welcome to the group Stormy..... I am so sorry for what has brought you here but this is a good group of people..... I to am glad that you're now safe and secure..... Big hug.....xo