Trent,

I've been on this forum for going on two years now. I guess that makes me an old-bie.

Wanting to keep your secrets to yourself, not trusting people, etc. are part and parcel or PTSD. I'm still oh so careful about who I talk to and who gets to know my story. Mainly because it's no one's business but mine.

This forum isn't about whacking new people into shape. This forum is set up and fuctions as a community where people who have PTSD and the folks that love them come to learn how to live with disorder. People who are further along in recovery share what they've learned with others here. And you're right, the person who started this forum and who maintains it does it because he does care about people like us. And the fact that Anthony does have PTSD as well give him an insight that others wouldn't have.

All that said, there has been some really goofy, silly and occasionally nasty shit that has been said and done on this site. The reason for so many rules is because it's been learned through experience that when you put a such diverse group of people together that without rules there's absolute pandemonium. If it weren't for things being kept safe and sane, a lot of us wouldn't be here. Myself included.

I'm with you that I don't wany sympathy. What I was looking for and found here was a place where I wasn't alone. With my PTSD I felt like the only freak in the side show. Here I don't feel like that. It's a place I can be myself without watching everything I say in case I let something out of the bag. If you don't want to write your story, that's fine. It's everyone's choice what they share or don't share here. If you just want to read and learn, that's cool, too. There is no expectation other than respecting others.

Hope this helps.

Lisa