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.
Isn't it funny how when you finally commit to your own recovery other people in recovery out there in the world find you? I'm starting to think it's not a bad thing, too. Today I came down to the lobby of the hotel I'm staying in during my visit back home to Uruguay where my PTSD began. I've been kind of wrapped up in my own memories, to be honest.
But today I was sitting across from the hotel's counter, and the staff person behind the counter started chatting with me. Long story short, pretty soon she told me she had attempted suicide 4 times, the last time being this past May of 2015, so she's still just recovering from it.
Before coming to DS PTSD it might have freaked me out. I don't know--it might have made me feel overwhelmed, responsible. whatever. Or I might have been annoyed that "here I am on vacation and somebody lays a heavy number on me, that sort of thing." Or "hey, I'm a guest at this hotel, that's inappropriate."
Instead, I told her all about us here at DS PTSD. That we can talk about suicide and all kinds of other stuff safely and without stigma. That I recommended she find a support group, that they have Alanon here in Uruguay, for example.
As to the topic of suicide I shared that when we talk here at DS PTSD about our feelings along those lines often we find we don't want to die, really. That we really are seeking to erase the blackboard of our lives, so to speak, and get a fresh start. I mentioned that seemed to be true particularly with those of us who have had multiple attempts. It's not usually that we're bad at doing it. It's that dying wasn't the point as much as trying to end an episode of pain and/or having a chance to start over.
I walked away not feeling burdened or responsible, but feeling good about belonging to DS PTSD and sharing about it. Check it out: DS PTSD did some good today to a young woman 8,000 miles miles away in the bottom of South America. Way to go, DS PTSD, I must say...
But today I was sitting across from the hotel's counter, and the staff person behind the counter started chatting with me. Long story short, pretty soon she told me she had attempted suicide 4 times, the last time being this past May of 2015, so she's still just recovering from it.
Before coming to DS PTSD it might have freaked me out. I don't know--it might have made me feel overwhelmed, responsible. whatever. Or I might have been annoyed that "here I am on vacation and somebody lays a heavy number on me, that sort of thing." Or "hey, I'm a guest at this hotel, that's inappropriate."
Instead, I told her all about us here at DS PTSD. That we can talk about suicide and all kinds of other stuff safely and without stigma. That I recommended she find a support group, that they have Alanon here in Uruguay, for example.
As to the topic of suicide I shared that when we talk here at DS PTSD about our feelings along those lines often we find we don't want to die, really. That we really are seeking to erase the blackboard of our lives, so to speak, and get a fresh start. I mentioned that seemed to be true particularly with those of us who have had multiple attempts. It's not usually that we're bad at doing it. It's that dying wasn't the point as much as trying to end an episode of pain and/or having a chance to start over.
I walked away not feeling burdened or responsible, but feeling good about belonging to DS PTSD and sharing about it. Check it out: DS PTSD did some good today to a young woman 8,000 miles miles away in the bottom of South America. Way to go, DS PTSD, I must say...
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Here is my new brother, copper :) He's so tiny! Moo and Tuck were ok with him on first meeting. Rocket due to his severe aggression will never meet Cooper.
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https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTDeA9Wxg/
:-)
I.F. there were a way to prove or disprove it, I would bet you dollars to Toxic People Landfills that your lovely bartender would not have risked telling you about the pain of her 4 suicide attempts before you learned how to enjoy the Honor of Trust. Trust is not the cheapest gift on the Super Center shelves, ya know. Kinda like a gentle edit of Thurgood Marshal's comment on pornography during a Supreme Court review. "I can't describe a trustworthy person, but I sure know one when I see one." Even when I think I have spotted a trustworthy person, trust is still a growlish hard commodity to give. When I, in turn, am honored with the trust of a wounded soul, the trophy goes on the top of my Arfinest Arfie Arf Precious Thing Pile. . . Again, proof not available, but methinks Trust Trophies even fit in the funeral U-haul and Angel Storage Units.
Insert Queen song here_______ "We are the champions, my friend." May the effect ripple to all corners of Spaceship Earth. Healing hopes for all. No exceptions.
Thank you for the inspiration, muji. I sorely -and strictly personal- needed it.
Thank you for taking us to Uruguay with you... Now what are we having for supper?????.... Big hug...xo
I think you're right about suicide...most folks really want to live with a clean slate.,.imo
I'm loving the letters from Uraguay x
I think it's "Awwww" inspiring!