I have noticed that a few members have gotten extremely touchy over PTSD as a "label" as of late. For some reason this is touching a nerve in some people.

So do you feel it's a label? If it is a label to you why? If not, why? Is it detrimental to you or otherwise?

My answer to these questions is that PTSD is not a label. It isn't one to me because I've had this for so long. I don't have a "before" PTSD. PTSD is the only thing I have known. For me, being called crazy was a label. Being told I have PTSD, the disorder was a relief. It still is. I know I'm not crazy now. I know what is wrong. I know that I can work to manage it. I also don't consider PTSD to define me. I have it, I will have it till I die. I'm okay with that. To me it's just something I have to accept and work with. However it doesn't define me. It's only one of many things that define me. I am also a mother, a woman, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a college grad, a Social Service Worker, an artist.. etc.

So .. what are your answers?

bec

PTSD is a label, but I dont' believe it's a negative label. Is that what you're asking? Is PTSD a negative, neutral, or positive label?

I actually wanted the diagnosis of PTSD, because the world would then make sense and my bad childhood would no longer feel like my fault.

I beleive that "Mentally Ill" is an incorrect and negative label for PTSD. Other negative labels to me are "messed up" "screwed up" "****ed in the head" "damaged" "crazy" "emo" "psycho" "nuts" "schizo" ... I could probably think of a few more with time.

I am asking for each personal opinion on it, upstream. What ever you feel and think about it is the correct answer. There are no wrong answers in this.

bec

Fair enough, thanks bec

Amen to every single word here, Bec.

PTSD for me is just intellectual terminology to highlight how my mind and body have reacted to supressed trauma.

Now I have an understading of this I am working on the route cause. PTSD is not my priority any longer.

I will not be be entering into a relationship wearing a badge that says 'hi my name is Spirit and by the way I have PTSD, just so you know'! When and if I meet someone I will divulge that I have had a traumamtic past that I have had therapy for. I may express how I was diagnosed with PTSD at the time due to my supressed emotions over the trauma. I DO NOT FEEL I SHOULD WEAR A HEALTH WARNING for future relationships. I guess this is how I have perceived certain information on here. I do not need to to fill out a risk assessment questionnaire on behalf of any future relationships. I will not be getting into a relationship unitl I can offer the best of me anyway!

I am in therapy to undo all of this. I am in therapy to heal my trauma and any other secondary issues. I am in therapy to learn how to live in a fucntional manner. I am in therapy to live independently of any labels. I am in therapy to heal my wounds. I am in therapy to learn all of the skills that I have not been taught due to my childhood difficulties in order to learn what are appropriate behaviour's and attitudes.

I do not intend on repeating any of the dysfunctional behaviors, coping mechanisms that have been brought about by my past. I am doing this to live as I should of always been! I can already see this happening.

I will communicate openly and honestly.

Spirit x

I can see the positives of receiving a diagnoses of PTSD. It gives each person a point of reference concerning why they have felt and behaved in certain ways. It gives each person an understanding of how their mind and body have acted in response to their life experiences.

I feel it is negative to believe that you are never free of PTSD, even if that is described as managing it (I will always manage my life, just as anyone does). It does not feel like that for me and I have probably only been working on myself for 2 years (a year of self-therapy-starting to live in the world, asking myself pertinent questions, looking for answers, and a year of actual therapy, CBT and most recently intergrative psychotherpay, and acceptance of how I have been affected). However, I still feel that my behaviours and feelings have ultimately been directed by my traumas and neglect as a child and young adult.

Spirit x

I loved this spirit!!!

You loved my spirit

Thanks Upstream, it is nice to have your support and apreciation.

Spirit x

Spirit, I have a question or two for you. Hope you don't mind.

Why do you perceive my belief that my PTSD is lifelong as offensive? Are you somehow perceiving this to mean that I am right and you are wrong? Or that you have to conform to some one else's beliefs? I feel something is driving such a strong reaction from you. Perhaps exploring this will help you accept your own beliefs.

I hope you do realize that what you believe is your truth. If that is how you see PTSD and how you deal with it, what could be wrong with that? Your not denying it, you just deal with it in your way. What is so threatening about other peoples views on this?

bec