My view of what is considered 'normal' in society is completely distorted. My experiences have meant that I simply cannot integrate with people to whom reasonably healthy families are the fabric of society. There are so many triggers in social life that it's near impossible trying to pass off as just another regular human. Even when I'm feeling quite sunny and confident my 'norms' leak through and mark me out as different, and I may go off my head at any time.

I have also noticed that some forms of upsetting experience are considered more 'normal' than others, and it is far easier for some people to find kindred spirits or to be acknowledged in society at large - coming from a broken home is now common; having been molested by your grandmother (for instance) is not even on the scale of general awareness. This public acknowledgement is an important factor, I believe, in people retaining their sense of being 'in' society, and not feeling as much inherent shame.

Victims of PTSD, whether domestic or military, often represent things that people would rather forget. They are often treated as unwanted aliens by society at large, which can only exacerbate their condition if they don't have a rich support network.

Just some rambling late night thoughts!