Do I Have PTSD Written on my Face?

nic · #1 31-03-2008, 08:20 AM

Do you ever feel like EVERYONE knows you have PTSD? Or when you're having a (brief) rough patch, that everyone can tell?

A few hours ago I was having some panic...I'm better now. My mother called me in the middle of it. I THOUGHT I sounded normal. But then she called back just now and said that she thinks I should take an Ativan because it seemed like I was having a panic attack a few during the last time she called. How the H--- did she know? I didn't say ANYTHING to give it away, and it was a very short conversation.

I find this at other times, too. I think I am doing such a good job hiding the panic/anxiety/PTSD, but then someone says something, and it's like, CRAP, I guess I'm not that good of an actress after all!

She Cat · #2 31-03-2008, 08:40 AM

Nic,

When we had lunch yesterday I didn't *see* the word PTSD written on your face. Actually I thought that you were very pretty.

Our voice can change, the tone, the inflection. We breathe a little differently, and tend to take DEEP breaths when having panic. It also not being able to actually focus on the conversation, and being brief.

Besides she's your mother....We know all, see all and know when our kids are hurting. It's a *MOM* thing......

kers · #3 31-03-2008, 09:05 AM

Yes, I wonder this, too. I often check with my counselor to make sure that people can't "just tell" that something happened to me. He says they can't, but after interacting with me in certain situations, they probably figure it out. Ugh.

I went out to lunch with an acquaintance this weekend and as we sat down, I was followeing her and she stepped aside and said, "Do you want to sit there so your back is to the wall?" I laughed and appreciatively took the seat. She and I have only been out together a few times, but she's obviously picked up on how nervous I can get!

Monarch · #4 31-03-2008, 12:20 PM

I just took an effective comunications course at work and what I learned is that 65% of our communication comes through body language. say you are in a group of 4 people talking and one person had their arms folded across with their hands under their arms. Would you think that person is open to having a conversation? I wouldn't, my response would be that person doesn't not want to be here and looks uncomfortable. Same as if you are in a crowded restaurant, you may fidgit or look around alot or elevate the tone in your voice cause the other person to think you are uncomfortable. It might be small and you think people don't see it but if they are really listening to you and connecting with you, they will see it.

pandora · #5 31-03-2008, 05:05 PM

Monarch...it is interesting you just posted this as I had a discussion with my roommate that has been avoiding me and we have not had a harsh word to each other just really bad circumstances and in trying to pull info from her so I can move forward with my life........head down, arms folded, no eye contact and she couldn't look me in the eye. She sounded like she was upset ....kind of but she did look it???? I don't know anymore......HUGH!!!!

pandora · #6 31-03-2008, 05:06 PM

sorry Nic...didn't mean to take over here.

nic · #7 31-03-2008, 11:34 PM

Don't apologize! I think this is really interesting. I think I need to become more aware of my body language. I try to do little things, such as dig my fingernails into my palms, when I have bad anxiety and want to hide it. I wonder what else I do...

Murphy's Law · #8 01-04-2008, 12:02 AM

I am told that my conversations (on the phone) get very very brief. I dont sound down so much as to the point. Maybe it has something to do with how short your conversation was?
It probably is a lot easier to tell in person.

linasmom · #9 01-04-2008, 01:42 AM

Also, mothers tend to be instinctual.

I have the habit of ending phone conversations very quickly, too. So that could have been a signal to your mother.

Auburngirl · #10 01-04-2008, 03:27 AM

My family doesn't know, though my mum sometimes says things that make me think she has an inkling.

Body language can tell a lot. There are so many subtle forms of communication that we may not even realise we are giving or receiving and yet we do react to. Unfortunately I find with PTSD I'm less able to pick up these cues.

I usually find the opposite. I've told few people what I'm going through and they tend to say things like "but you seem fine" which is both reassuring and frustrating. I hide when I'm obviously not well and don't spend time around people and, the things that really set me off don't tend to happen in casual interactions. Sometimes I feel I have to justify myself, yes it really is that bad.