Quote: Think of it as the 6th stage of MLC; we have to go back through everything, closing the doors one by one.
An astute insight, indeed. It really is about going through everything again and working to close each door, one at a time. At least it is for me.
Quote: I've got to clear a new path for myself with little more than a pocket knife, so ... it's going to take some time and patience. I love this! Did you ever think of being a writer!? Could be worse; you may have a butter knife instead!
I love it when somebody connects with something I've written. I do a considerable amount of writing, (mainly for myself) but I only have one poem published, which is in a collection of poetry by various poets. Butter knife?!
Quote: You are a great help and your attitude is wonderful!
I have no idea if I have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. But, I do find that even with things going so well, a memory of something he said/did pre and during separation, will pop into my mind and hurt my heart.
And then the great sadness I had earlier.
So, was keeping an eye out for something to help me with this stuff...and Shiny's post caught my eye!
Quote: a memory of something he said/did pre and during separation, will pop into my mind and hurt my heart. And then the great sadness I had earlier.
I can relate to this. I would think that this is normal and part of the recovery process. But no less, very painful!
Shiny is such a wonderful resource for all of us...yes? I'll wait for her to define GAD and PTSD in detail - as she can explain it more thoroughly and succinctly than can I.
If we can at least get a handle on what is going on in our psyche, then at the least, we can begin to gather tools necessary for dismantling a painfully acquired, and sometimes debilitating condition.
I'll be off the bb as of Friday the 13th. This is the day of our departure for our vacation/honeymoon in Costa Rica.
Except for a quick response here and there, I'll probably only have time to peek and run for the rest of the week... as there is still much to do before we leave.
We are both looking forward to this trip with fervor.
The 14th will be our 7th wedding anniversary as well as Valentines Day.
The other evening, my H came up to me and said with a kiss ... "Are you ready for a really romantic vacation?"
See you when I get back.
Baisers à tous mes amis. Or should I say, "Besos a todos mis amigos".
What a GREAT reason not to be on the bb for a while!
As for the PSTD/GAD stuff...GAD is ongoing chronic worry about everyday things as well as the big stuff. The worry can become disabling, but does not usually feature acute panic attacks (unless there is panic disorder, OCD, or phobias in addition to it).
PTSD is a SEVERE reaction to a catastrophic stressor...things like natural disasters, witnessing or enduring an assault or horrific accident, war activity...
What I'm getting at here is that the triggering event(s) are outside the normal realm of human experience. In your case J, would I be wrong to think of the VERY intense scenes involving your H and suicidal threats?
Thus for the rest of us...the flashbacks, the shudders, the nightmares don't really qualify as PTSD...they ARE a stress reaction to be sure. But quite likely, as Tal said, part of the natural healing process from this kind of stressor.
When it can become a problem is if the episodes and feelings don't lessen with time and improvements in our M's. For most of us, there IS progress here.
Have a GREAT time and Happy anniversary Jeannine!!!!
