Wow, reading all these makes me feel pretty fortunate. While I haven't told too many people about the trauma, (and even fewer about the PTSD), those whom I have told have been supportive. Even freinds who "don't know what to say," at least say that they are there for me, and that helps, knowing that even if they can't do anything about it, they do care. I have told a couple of co-workers whom I'm close to. They weren't "shocked" or anything, and they treated me just the same. I think that by working in a public school and hearing all the stories we hear about our kids' lives, my fellow teachers tend to be a bit more understanding than the average person. The two whom I've told don't bring it up (unless I do first), but it kind of helps knowing that they know and are there IF I ever DO want to talk. It also helps that they treat me the same as everyone else...I guess it helps me feel more normal, and that the PTSD is a part of my life, but it doesn't define me.