Question:
I am wondering if any of you had any suggestions on informing dear friend about PTSD. They already know what it is, due to their line of work. But, I need to let this person know how it has affected me. I am concerned that this person will say, "I already know about PTSD- We studied it in training" I want this person to understand why all of a sudden PTSD will kick in. thanks. Susan It would be greatly appreciated if you could respond to my e-mail address: wingsforg…@aol.com.
Response:
Hi Susan! First, welcome to the ng. I’m sorry that you apparently qualify. > I am wondering if any of you had any suggestions on > informing dear friend about PTSD. They already > know what it is, due to their line of work. > But, I need to let this person know how it > has affected me. I am concerned that this > person will say, "I already know about PTSD- > We studied it in training" I want this person > to understand why all of a sudden PTSD will > kick in. thanks.
Second: that person is not a _dear_ friend if you are concerned about a non-supportive response from him/her. Usually we _need_ to let the professionals in our lives _know_ how PTSD is affecting us … that way, the professionals can help us find relief from our symptoms. Friends, especially friends trained in psychology, need to be supportive, not therapeutic. :/ > It would be greatly appreciated if you could respond to my e-mail address: > **…@aol.com.
Thirdly, having now experienced the ng function at aol, I’ve learned that it isn’t all that difficult to find ng. I’ve made it a personal practice to _not_ respond to private e-mail addresses as those of us on this ng share support with both posters and lurkers. 
Smile and there will be something to smile about! Nancy
Response:
WingsforGold wrote: > I am wondering if any of you had any suggestions on > informing dear friend about PTSD. They already > know what it is, due to their line of work. > But, I need to let this person know how it > has affected me. I am concerned that this > person will say, "I already know about PTSD- > We studied it in training" I want this person > to understand why all of a sudden PTSD will > kick in. thanks. > Susan > It would be greatly appreciated if you could respond to my e-mail address: > wingsforg…@aol.com.
Susan, I’m just going to reply to the newsgroup from here on in. If you’re interested in what folks have to say then you’ll find a way to make time to read everyone’s comments. As to your situation, I’m envious. You have someone who has an understanding of what ptsd is, and what it will produce. Your friend’s clinical knowledge, is different than your personal experience. No different than telling a friend who knows of depression and anxiety, and how it affects you in your daily life. Worse comes worse, and your friend does say something like this, I would suggest that you ask them just to listen. Tell them it’s important to you that they understand this because this is part of who you are. I’m not sure what area of study your friend’s background is, but I think you can trust them to be somewhat supportive. Another suggestion, if this person knows of ptsd and it’s effects, then maybe ask yourself why you need to tell them anymore detail. It seems that you’re saying your not getting the support you need from this person who SHOULD know better. Ron
Response:
thanks for all of your responses. You don’t have to e-mail me. You can just post to this group, unless you have something personal to tell me. Any responses would be greatly appreciated. Susan
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