I don't think of it as a label. It's my diagnosis. But at the same time, it's such an integral part of me now. OK...has been since childhood. Just not to the same level as the last two years.

I've gotten very sensitive, for lack of a better word, to myself and my symptoms. I can feel symptoms coming on and, for the most part, head them off. Sometimes I'm still blind-sided and have to deal with the aftermath. I guess that's the management end of this thing.

I hadn't realized that I'm feeling the same way until I read this statement and it clicked. I recently told a friend, via email, about my PTSD. I've not heard from her since. Before I would have been very upsest and wondering if I scared her off, if I should have kept it to myself, etc. Now I figure...she asked and I answered. I have to deal with PTSD daily and manage it daily. If I can handle the heavy-lifting end (so to speak) of this equation then the light stuff of just knowing should be no problem. Should be.

I'm not sure if it's becoming used to having PTSD in my life. Or if it's finding a name for all of the 'crazy' stuff in my life or what. Or maybe it's getting used to having all sorts of family mental health issues (mom has anxiety problems, brother has PTSD and bi-polar, me with PTSD). Whatever it is, I've reached my F'it point with other people. This is my life...like it or lump it. Label me or not. I really don't care anymore.

Lisa