Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group
Find support with others who have gone through a traumatic experience. Whether you have chronic or acute PTSD, we are here for you.
Religion is a private topic for us all, but it's not just off topic for my PTSD because church is the arena of a lot of the abuse that gave it to me.
I managed to have faith in spite of it and even became an ordained minister who worked for years as a hospital chaplain. To do that I had to put in time in service as a church pastor, which I did. My little secret, though, was that the whole while I still was not completely comfortable in church given my bad memories of abuses there in the distant past.
I serve as a guest preacher once a month, usually sharing something learned here while guarding DS PTSD anonymity. Even so, I visited around churches on purpose for 3 years now in my new town, avoiding committing to any one church.
Because I feel DS PTSD is a true supportive community, this summer I decided this Fall I'd give committing to a church home a try. HUGE challenge for me. Thinking about it triggers me, and I actually have flashbacks about church. So it was a big commitment to face my fear and trust community in church can be good. I know that sounds weird, but I experienced the dark side of church community as a kid and got PTSD that way.
So yesterday I followed through, and I'm so proud of myself. One day at a time. I even went to the potluck afterwards, and enjoyed myself. The brand name of the church I've decided to give a try to isn't as important as the people there. They seem like people I could trust (my big issue) so I'm going to go back and give it a try.
Big step for me, who too often sits in church having raging flashbacks instead of feeling support. Anybody have trouble with church or school or group joining like I do? Any tips?
I managed to have faith in spite of it and even became an ordained minister who worked for years as a hospital chaplain. To do that I had to put in time in service as a church pastor, which I did. My little secret, though, was that the whole while I still was not completely comfortable in church given my bad memories of abuses there in the distant past.
I serve as a guest preacher once a month, usually sharing something learned here while guarding DS PTSD anonymity. Even so, I visited around churches on purpose for 3 years now in my new town, avoiding committing to any one church.
Because I feel DS PTSD is a true supportive community, this summer I decided this Fall I'd give committing to a church home a try. HUGE challenge for me. Thinking about it triggers me, and I actually have flashbacks about church. So it was a big commitment to face my fear and trust community in church can be good. I know that sounds weird, but I experienced the dark side of church community as a kid and got PTSD that way.
So yesterday I followed through, and I'm so proud of myself. One day at a time. I even went to the potluck afterwards, and enjoyed myself. The brand name of the church I've decided to give a try to isn't as important as the people there. They seem like people I could trust (my big issue) so I'm going to go back and give it a try.
Big step for me, who too often sits in church having raging flashbacks instead of feeling support. Anybody have trouble with church or school or group joining like I do? Any tips?
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Hey All...I hope that you have a lovely, peaceful beginning of your weekI have a bunch of chores that need doing but may put them off til tomorrow and just hang out with my landlord/roomie todayWhat about you?...Anything special going on?Have a great day and take good care of you!!..Xo
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Once again I've had a fever today. I'm not going to the hospital because that's a huge waste of time but I did schedule a dr appointment for Wednesday afternoon.
I find like you religion and spirit are two very different things... I hope you find some comfort and friendship in your new church...x
I am no better with other groups. I went to an ashram for years but always focused on my relationship to the guru - and especially the inner guru - and avoided the whole group scene and cult of personality. This paranoia was confirmed when a sex scandal came out about the guru's guru - something I still can't understand and am heartbroken about. Groups to me are terrifying - my image is of a giant machine that, sooner or later, some soft part of me will get stuck in the gears of. I hope I live long enough to grow past this prejudice, but the problem is, I think it might be justified.
I am happy your experience is different and I am trusting you will get more positive responses from others. I am posting this anyway because I want to know if my feeling about groups is pathological. But I am sorry to "dirty" your thread with my ugly feelings.
And even worse... He does it again!!!
Way to go, Muji. The world is your oyster. Make a beautiful pearl from that grain of PTSD sand!!
My issues with religion are difficult, and me and groups don't work yet, so I got nothing--- but when it came to the pre-PTSD days? I took it based on the people there, not the sign on the door, and that was a big help. And it sounds like you've really evaluated the situation, so... just take a comfort object maybe like a pocket-sized beanie baby of some kind. (I have a tortoise.) If you feel stressed, the little comfort object anchors you to a safe place inside and has good memories so... That's what I've got:_)
Spirituality is essential to me. Organized religion? If you can find a community that is kind and supportive and so on? Go for it, and don't forget .... you can always leave!
PUrrrrs,
Leo
I think churches and schools can be so difficult because they are micro communities with people in clear power hierarchies. However, I have found there are always good people, you may just have to dig to find them. So stay strong, and if the church doesn't mesh with who you are, don't feel like you have stay. I hope you find the perfect one that you can find healing in.
I started going to a different church and that pastor has not even called to check on me. This church doesn't feel as fake. I've got friends here already. But I've learned through the years to ease in slowly. Not to jump in and expect people to catch me. Gotta see if they are trustworthy first. Unfortunately my husband has always been good at getting people to "see the good in him" and therefore doubt my accounts of things. He is trying to crowd I to this church experience as well.
Good luck! Take it slow
I just do know the whole reason I would even bother is that the support here at DS PTSD led me to think I should be supported--even there. As my self esteem as risen here, I guess I just expect better service out in the world at large. HA!
I really appreciate the comments that I can give myself permission to leave the church again at any time, to quit this experiment without having to justify myself. Experiences like the ones we have in common around church mean if I come back and say it didn't work out, I know I won't be called a failure. Thanks for that!
You're awesome for taking the risk. And if you find it's not for you, good for you to give yourself permission to do what's best.
God loves you for any efforts you make. And remember (not that you need to) going to church does not make you more God loving, any more than wearing spandex makes you Jane Fonda. (heh-heh!)
Hm. Sounds good. I'll try going back next week. One week at a time,
I'm going to try not to be too intense for a non PTSD support group, but to give this a chance, since DS PTSD support has been so good for me. Trying to fly like a little bird beyond the DS PTSD nest, I suppose.
Wish me luck.
Just be you. If it is not a good fit, the sooner you know it, the better. Whether it is a good fit, or not, you can handle it. The book review even sounds like it could be pertinent to allot of what we discuss here.