I know this feeling personally and yes, you're right, it hurts, and then you realize the other person actually is handling it the way that works for them. Of course, not much support for you, and the hurt lingers. They do not have the experience we have and it definitely shows.

Good for the son to take you fishing. That is awesome to feel the strength of the fish! Hurrah for the positive connection there!

Venting here is a safe way to release the hurt from the lack of support and now that you know this person has no idea of what you actually faced, you know to keep the conversation light-hearted with them.

When I finally learned just how severe my anxiety was, I also learned who were my friends in full, who were just there to make themselves look good working with someone with a physical disability, and those who were there just for fun times.

I am still friends with all of them, some I share more with, and when all of us get together in a group gathering, I just sit back, enjoy the gathering and appreciate the way each of us works together.

I do have to say, that for those of us who have acute anxiety, or have had acute anxiety attacks, panic attacks, frozen, extreme startle response, are far more diligent in seeing these sensations in others, and quietly handle the situation without adding to the stress.

Good for you to share here, and here's to continued healing!

the dr phil on CBS?

Hello, yes we can look like this to others who have no clue as to what we have been, are going thru. I have to be careful as to say anything to someone I do not know very well. Some people overlook our pain.

We need nothing but LOVE and SUPPORT here. There is a lot of people who are healing, some hurting, some not knowing what is going on with them. I've been all that. Cool memorie of son and fish.
I have mostly recovery people in my life. I went to meetings---lots !!!!!

Ebony Lowe, yes Dr Phil on TV.I could never send it too big for what they accept. I am about ready to delete it. I have written quiete a few times.

Thank you friends for your support I needed to vent. This is one of the main reasons I wanted to go on Dr PhIL. One reason was to bring awareness to the many different kinds of people that can get pTSD, its not just for weak people or whatever people think and that there is help. I stll need alot more help but I dont have any insurance So I go to groups, counselor and this group. I also wanted to share with people that dont have it and dont understand or have someone that they care about how to help them. That you dont have to understand it all but a hello how are you or whatever just knowing that family or friends canhelp by not ignoring you. It can seem like a very social death of self. I remember being so surprised at peoples reactions when they found out , after all ' I was a strong independent woman who can handle anything". Thanks again for your support.