I don't know how anybody manages with *just* the internet, either, Marah. Cyber-hugs don't take the place of flesh-and-blood hugs in my sensory perception. Not even close. For my healing needs, the internet support is an add-on and not to be mistaken for real-time support. Is it delusional of me to believe I am still smarterthan the smartest of phones with needs I can't fill in the App Stores?

Have you checked in to the live support groups? They look allot different through the lenses of compassionate acceptance than they look through the defense of denial.

Continued support, whichever way you take your epitome.

I’ve trief a few. People are just so closed. I don’t understand how you go to a support group and don’t open up and why would I if you’re not going to? Or when I do they interrogate me and want to know more than I want to give or tell me what I should have done or need to do. In my mind, that’s not support and at many groups it goes against the guidelines. It’s just been hard to find the right place and I’m so incredibly tired of trying.

Ordinarily I get along better with guys. They’re straight shooters and there is no drama. But I can’t talk to guys about this and even the ones close enough to call brothers now have wives and that’s just a boundary I don’t want to cross. I don’t have people to talk to.

Hi Marah, For me it’s a mix, I do therapy (obviously no real hugs). With therapy, I have made two friends I actually trust and over time (I struggle with physical touch), I now get a hug from them when I need one. They know a decent bit of my history and my anxiety with touch, so I have reached a level of trust with these people. For me, this took years of work. I am working to process my past also. I actually have C-PTSD from what I refer to as an “interesting life” including surviving an F5 tornado as a child. Am I happy and healthy all the time? No, but I don’t know anyone who is. For me, managing PTSD is a matter of learning to be comfortable with the dark emotions when they arise without flashing back and spiraling. It’s possible and a work in progress. For now, virtual hug and hoping you can be patient with yourself in the meantime.