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.

10,127 Members
27,615 Posts
0 Online
Anxiety Disorders
/ Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group

ptsd awareness month.

arfie
arfie

this is the first year i have been aware of, "ptsd awareness month." it turns out that congress declared it "a thing" in 2014, but i somehow missed that declaration until this year. i'm not a big fan of public awareness crusades. i have been cringing uncomfortably in the spotlight being cast upon by the people who are aware of my diagnosis and diligently avoiding the blinding light of people searching for a victim to be aware of. trust me, my trigger warning dear, you don't want me for your poster child. i believe you are spouting far more stigma than reality and i ain't gonna behave the way your advanced reading and clinical awareness say i should. i don't owe the public an explanation and quite solidly wish you would keep your "awareness" to yourself.


am i just being unappreciative? am i missing something?

Community Leadermujicaptsd
mujicaptsd
Not in my book, arfie. In my own PTSD recovery I don't need awareness as much as respect for my boundaries, just speaking for me.
EMC2
EMC2
I agree with muji... I'd rather people respect my boundaries and leave me out of the awareness part... they can keep the awareness to themselves.... I didn't know there was an awareness month either but I'm glad I didn't...
arfie
arfie
excellent way to put it, guys. please respect my strictly personal boundaries.
MelT2020
MelT2020
Probably my personality, but I wish most people would keep their awareness of most things to themselves :)
arfie
arfie
we have that in common mel. i don't much like public attention and i earnestly believe the world is a richer place for every opinion withheld, mine included.
Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
I have to take a different approach even though I sure understand that no one wants to be in the limelight ... Get it completely

I think about my dad and how messed up he was from WW2 when there was very little help and you were considered a wuss if you didn't suck it up.... And my Grandpa in WW1.. The world ended up with a lot of enraged alcoholics sadly

I'm glad that people are trying to understand mental health and wellness and get help for those who are suffering

I do hear what you're saying about not wanting your PTSD to be on display and that should never be forced on anyone.... Some people use themselves as examples of the terrible symptoms because they choose to and it should always be a free choice .... xo
arfie
arfie
my PTSD therapy began as "shell shock therapy" in the "viet nam era u.s. army." that stigma was still solidly in place then and the PTSD theories remain hotly debated at the veteran's administration. the suck-it-up faction is still quite prevalent.

but i am far from the only vet who will tell the promoters to get your effing limelight out of my eyes. strictly personal, ma'am/sir.

the public awareness campaigns i've been closest to keep it generic, and done shine specialized limelights into sensitive eyes. NAMI is my personal fave to date. in case you missed it, here are a few of the celebrities who have deflected that limelight on my behalf. i thank you for your service, my healing warriors.

https://www.nami.org/About-NAMI/Who-We-Are/Meet-Our-Partners/Influencer-Ambassadors-Supporters

healing hopes for all. no exceptions.
Posts You May Be Interested In
  • Community LeaderSunCloudJD

    Hello Monday

    Posted by: SunCloudJD
    Last Reply: SunCloudJD
    4
    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
  • Sunshinegirl0228

    Dr. Appointment

    Posted by: Sunshinegirl0228
    Last Reply: Sunshinegirl0228
    3
    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.