I have never served in the military. I was recently diagnosed with PTSD for the second time by a second psychiatrist. I guess I didn't like it the first time I heard it.

Having never experienced battle, I need to know if I'm in the wrong place. I have enormous respect for those who served. My reverence is beyond words. If this forum is explicitly or implicitly for those who experience PTSD as a consequence of having been in the military, please tell me now and please be direct and honest.

Like everyone here, I have lots swirling about in my head and it would do me good (I think) to share some of it, but not in the wrong place. If this forum is inappropriate for me, I'd appreciate a heads-up.

Take Care,

-Mark

Hi Mark,

Welcome to the forum. I changed your username, as I do not approve of an email address being used as a member name, so I removed everything after the "@" symbol.

No, this forum is not for any specific type of trauma, it is for ANYONE who has PTSD. That is the aim and intent of this forum, being not to categorise any person into war, rape, MVA, etc etc... but instead, more appropriate to what we all have in common, PTSD.

Welcome hon, make yourself at home.

Everyone here has suffered various trauma's from child abuse, MVA's, military service, *erm*

LOL we're a mixed bag of trcks,

anyways, welcome
cass

Thanks for the welcome mat. It's a tough subject to broach. "Hi, I'm Mark! I have PTSD and I live in Northwest. What's your name?"

I have so much to say. So, so much. Fortunately, I have time since suicide has never enchanted me as a lifestyle option. I'm overly curious to see what happens tomorrow, which is good. My psychiatrist perceives that to be one of my greatest attributes in dealing with this mess. Great. Others are thin, beautiful, rich, successful. My most charming asset is that I won't shoot myself.

Which means I have to fix myself, because this thing, this holistic entity, these existential skid marks in my undies - it's all becoming one big drag. I want to be happy. I used to be happy and I sincerely remember the feeling, this visceral joy. It is a part of my history so it is a part of me. I'd love to recapture it.

I suppose I'll just hang out for now. Promise me that you won't say, "one day at a time".

Take Care,
-Mark
PS: you can say whatever you want to me. I'm thick skinned. Sort of.

Welcome Nem!

There, I got your name fixed. I promise I won't say that, but I do say put one foot in front of the other! :biggrin:

bec

bec,

Thanks for fixing my user-name and thanks for the pearl of wisdom. To extend the metaphor, I look about and see people smiling in the sunshine, effortlessly dancing the Tango as beautiful music plays. And then there's me, off in a quiet, shady grove trying to put one foot in front of the other, hoping no one sees me when I stumble over a twig.

Never the less, I will swallow my fears (tomorrow) and start with my right foot. Or my left.

Take Care,
-Nemesis

Ahh, a man after my own heart.. :biggrin: You make me laugh.

bec

Hi Nemesis, and welcome,

I relate to what you say. I used to be happy too, until everything hit. Well, here's to all of us working together toward healing.

Hodge

Welcome to the forum Nemesis.

Loved the dance metaphor...I can truly relate to it.

BTW-you asked for a promise of no 'one day at a time'. I've found with PTSD sometimes it's an hour, a minute or a breath at a time some days. Sometimes it's the other. Working towards it just being life and enjoying it.

Again...welcome.

Ah ha... thanks Mark, now I'm with you on the username issue. Cheers mate.