Huh? I still don't really understand as that seems like a contradiction to me. But it doesn't matter, it's your call and obviously you don't have to vote if you don't want.

Somewhat, only because I have a couple good friends who are really there for me. They are the only ones I have told and I think I'll keep it that way. It seems less complicated. As for family, that's the origin of my problem. Those who weren't the abusers are fragile in their own right (with more serious mental health problems than mine). I'm afraid telling them my secrets would cause them a great deal of pain and possibly harm their well being. It would probably also complicate my recovery and life in general.

I agree with Jim, it is so sad that the percentage of people with a solid support system is so small. I fail to understand that since my 83yo mom has done everything she can to educate herself about this.

She periodlically checks me and my mood by asking questions. If she needs to go out, her 1st consideration is me--I have to drive.

Believe me when I say I know how blessed and lucky I am to have her in my life. She has been right by my side since the very first breakdown and doing everything and anything she can to help ease my stress and strain.

My heart goes out to those of you with little or no family support.

I think that having no family support is really sad too but I have pushed a lot of people away too This is because .......they are all reminders of my past that I still avoid.....well at least now try to change the negative thoughts. It might be a bit easier if I felt I had one peson that was family that I felt i could trust or let in, unfortunately, I don't. My support.....meaning my Mom....not a support.....a hinderence, really. ( I hate saying that about my Mom but it really is the truth!)

I am thankful for this forum and my friends though!!!!!

Somewhat... My recovery is supported financially in terms of medical bills.

They all know I have it and remember about half of the events that caused it. However they're wrought with denial and their own issues, emotional support is next to none. If I bring it up I can expect denial, blame, minimizing, etc.

I haven't told my family.

I live with my parents and they are supportive to an extent, but sometimes they just don't get it and that is very frustrating for me. They mean well and I would be homeless and helpless without them but I still had to vote somewhat because I often have to explain myself.

My friends have little knowledge of PTSD or how to deal with someone with PTSD in a healthy way, so they don't mean to harm me on purpose, but they are clumsy and careless sometimes. I guess we are all human, and 99% of us have some disfunctional baggage, so it's difficult to be mentally healthy.

Nope . . . my inlays are the types that can't understand anything they can't see or touch. My other side of the family are all dead except a couple who I don't think understand either despite them having there share of troubles.

It's taken me 5 years to get my wife to get even a glimmer of an idea how debilitating 100% PTST rating is, plus a GAF of between 42 - 45. That's almost to the point of institutionalization . . . scary. I am debilitated.

One comment by my wife was "It's hard to imagine because you look so normal." Well, ya. I have all my body parts but I can't sleep, I got to put a lock on my rages and anger so i don't put another hole in the wall, or tear another door off the hinges, or destroy another $2000 computer, or another piece of furniture. And gee, wish I had at least one friend in this world beside Christ . . . well, guess he is not of this world is he. I wish I could leave the house. Wish I could get rid of the drugs that keep my head together and be a "normal" Norman. Wish I hadn't got divorced five times. Wish my brain functioned well enough that I could go out and contribute in a cause to help someone. I can't even remember to keep my appointments with my Doctor and shrink.

Well, maybe I wrote a bit more than I had to. My apologies if I have.

Best regards to all of you, Doug

My family do not live near by and do not know that I have PTSD. (my choice).

The few friends that I do have, either do not know, or do not understand. I have lost quite a few friends through disclosing to them that I have PTSD. They seem to think that I am some sort of crazy lady (maybe I am), or that I should be 'over it' be now (maybe I should be?). It's pretty hard, being rejected because of something that happened.

I want to try to be honest about who I really am, but due to bad experiences in 'telling' I am more inclined to just put on my 'happy mask' and pretend that all is well.

My Doc signed me off work today for a futher 2 weeks, and suggested that I seek support from my friends and family - not really an option, when there is no-one who understands.