Discussion threads close here after around 30 posts or so, so don't take it personally that yours closed.

I kinda wanted to explain myself a little bit. My negativity toward you and what you were trying to do for that traumatized sister took me by surprise ... until I realized I was relating to the sister you're trying to help.

I have PTSD along with Panic Disorder. My husband is a TBM, though inactive, and so, even though I'm an apostate, I stay a member for his sake (and he doesn't know I'm an apostate, just that I have doubts and questions and can no longer sustain the big 15 in SLC).

Anyway. Primarily due to my Panic, I haven't been able to set foot in a chapel in years, BUT, I do allow VTs and HTs to visit. I like the ones I've had for several years now and enjoy interacting with them. My Bishop knows that I don't answer the door or the phone unless I'm expecting someone to come over or call. My VT and I have a standing monthly appointment, and my HTs always make an appointment in advance, too.

Recently, our ward boundaries and meeting times changed. Good-intentioned men in our new ward (which thankfully included me and my same VT and HTs) kept calling and knocking and triggered my PTSD. At one point, I was hiding under my computer desk in the middle of the day.

I contacted my very understanding Bishop and told him what was happening and asked him to tell the men to stop trying to contact me because I was hiding under my desk. He took care of it.

I guess your post had me reliving that time. My "fight or flee" (or hide) took over and when that happens, I can get nasty (the "fight" part).

Just had to clarify.

Good luck.

Oh there was no explaination necessary! I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this :( Hopefully I can help get this woman's name removed so she doesn't have to suffer like you are!

Thanks for the help :)

With your permission--*hug*. That's really rough. Good you keep up your healthy relationships. That helps a lot with PTSD, which wants to isolate us.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/18/2012 06:10PM by robertb.

Thanks, robertb. Hug accepted. And thank you for your thoughts, too.

wifetomike,

I read a thread addressed to you; I must say, I find you very brave to post here after some of the responses you got, as well as very patient in your kind replies. I hope you find whatever answers you're looking for to help your friend as well.

I've lurked here for a long time,too. As an aside, I lived in FLA for many years. I miss the beaches terribly!

All the best to you, esp. as a new mom!!!

Sorcha,

I suffered from PTSD for several years as a young teen after an assault--and have had recurrent episodes a few times following really stressful events. I know exactly what you're talking about when you refer to the hiding when someone knocks. The panic is so awful. My heart truly goes out to you. I'm glad you have a loving husband and some good people who understand. It makes all the difference. For what it's worth, I'm thinking about you and hoping that things get better for you. I hope it's ok that I responded; I know it's a very personal and painful thing. Please accept a hug from me as well. All the best.

Hug accepted, tangledweb. I'm sorry you know first-hand what I mean, but thank you for sharing. Does help. I thank you for your kind words about the good people in my life, too, and I hope you have similarly good people in your life. Wish you every good thing.

Also want to tell Beth "no worries" from her now-closed Hierarchy thread. Last night I misunderstood and overreacted. ... (I guess, since this is my thread, I can't exactly hijack it, can I? Urg...)

Anyway, as far as y'all, the board, are concerned, I'm grateful for all of you! I'd be an even worse mess without you. Thank you, and thank Susan I/S and Eric K for this haven.

Okay, now I'll go back under my desk and think about the next verbal trouble I'll hope to avoid. ;-)

Oh Beth! Thanks for forgiving me! (((hugs)))

Love does make the world go around. Hugs to everybody :)

Hi, mistymemories. Hugs back atcha. I think love is what holds us all together as humans. Over the decades of my life, I've often been derided for being "such a softie", but I'd rather be too "soft" than not care at all about others.

And I thinks hugs help us heal. Echo yours to all. =)