Just take note Piglet, it is pretty clearly stated it took them years also... PTSD is not managable quickly, as it takes time to train ourselves, our brains and out new PTSD habits to work the way they should, and not the PTSD way. You say "I'll just be a late starter" in a way where I feel your just beating yourself up. Even this person, suffered since early childhood, same as you, and didn't get it together until 40 odd years later, or so. Don't beat yourself up about it Piglet, nor give yourself negative thoughts. Our bodies have a way of letting us know when we can cope with the healing process fully. Your body is saying something too you, because you went looking for help to begin with, but most certainly, your body and mind will work together in unison more and more as they both accept the healing process from the life of trauma and dismay you have suffered personally. It isn't going to fix itself over night. Just like the above story, you have suffered from a child, not just a traumatic incident from war or the like, so you have some healing to achieve more so than some.

Did you take note of the bold parts? I actually specifically highlighted those from questions and thoughts even you had asked, in regard to how to explain PTSD to those who don't understand. I thought those pertanent parts might help others give explanation to those who have no clue what PTSD does to us.