Hoping that this is in the correct forum, an idea has just occured to me that I want to share and I guess I'm looking for some imput, opinions and advise.

There has been some discussion of late regarding the celebrating of trauma anniversaries, and how it may or may not be a wise thing to do.

It has occured to me that 'I' or "We" have another type of anniversary. The one when we were finally diagnosed and went into or began treatment.

I remember every minute, every second of that day--September 19, 1997 at 10 am. I feel as if that is my new birthdate. Now I did not miraculously get cured, nothing remotely close to that. But it was the beginning of my new life as some one with a diagnosis and reasons for the insanity in my life. IT was the day I could begin to understand and accept what I had been doing as unhealthy, unwise and damaging to myself and my family.

So isn't this the date that should be celebrated? It is the first positive time in our recovery and understanding of who we are, what we are and why we are.

Therefore, I GRAMA-HERC declare September 19th my new birthday! When is yours?

Cool idea Herc. I was diagnosed sometime in 2002, but I don't remember the exact date. I don't consider it significant though because I didn't really begin working on myself until a little over a year ago. If I was going to make a new birthday I would probably say, it was the day I joined this forum and posted my introduction, because that was when I really started working on myself. So then, my birthday is October 30, 2006. :)

mine is March21, 2007 That is when I went into the hospital and really started to grasp what was going on with me. My diagnosis was actually November of 2005 but I was still pretty out of it until later.

October 30th sounds good to me! So it is offical Batgirl has a new birthday!

I think this a great Idea Herc, I think its cool to celebrate the day we turned a corner or when we started to help ourselves. As this forum has been a great thing in my healing it was tough to choose a new date but I think that it would have to be when I started with my new therapist Sept 9, 2007 I finally started to feel like I could live a better life. Its not over thats for sure and some days are still really tough, but I have for the most part hope again.

Hurray to you!!!!!! Yes we do have anniversaries, and we can make newer and better memories on those days, i.e. birthdays blues, make a huge surprise party for yourself including all your favorites things. Another bad day, make a new one that day or the day before, celebrate something wonderful, like butterfly day, etc., and fill the day with butterflies of all kinds, or cake day, candle day etc.
You have discovered a new way of coping in a very positive way, celebrate your new way of thinking, you deserve it.
Donna-Lynne

I was diagnosed August 9, 2006 but didn't really start working on myself until two things happened. 1-joined the forum on October 16th of 2006. 2-three days later I started seeing a therapist who specialized in PTSD.

So maybe October 19th since that's when it all started coming together for me.

Lisa

I think it's a fabulous idea Grama-H. Celebrating recovery is important and worthy.

Since we all now have a new birthday date, I think we should celebrated it with a party.

Whitewolf, your idea is fantastic and I am going to give myself a party on my date! I am also going to buy myself a present, wrap it up and take a picture. Just might even wear a party hat! ! !

This is good because it use to be difficult around that time and I would always isolate more than usual. I looked at that date as a bad thing BUT it isn't like that any more. I need to celebrate my release from the unexplained turmoil of my life.

So for me Sept 19th is going to be a happy day, not a day I spend in bed ignoring the world hoping it will go away

Couldn't even tell you to be honest.... no idea the day I was diagnosed. Maybe I will have to go look it up in my paperwork, find the diagnosis written by the shrink!