Because it definitely did not for me. I have never felt I lost touch with reality in any way. I do know some people "disassociate" due to the severity of the trauma. Personally, even in the worst of it, I knew exactly who, what, where I was, even when I wished my reality was not what it was. I guess I am actually thinking more of the original timeframe, since the actual PTSD Dx came later. I never felt I lost my sanity, even if "they" were trying to convince me I had to some greater or lesser degree.

Now, I absolutely do not feel like I have a "mental illness" even if the DSM disagrees. Traumatic injury, yes. Ok, maybe a bit of MI as a complication, but certainly nothing that makes me say "Oh, God, No!" And nothing that can't be beaten, even if it will be a tough and slow process. And believing this helps a lot. Sometimes I worry I buy into victim hood, but I think feeling victimized is different from buying into it.

Thoughts?