***Trigger Warning***

So, I have this friend on Facebook who says she has PTSD from 9/11. I think she's making it up, because I think she enjoys having people feel bad for her. Here's the weird conversation we had about it. I am withholding her Facebook name for her own privacy. Can someone please explain to me how she can have PTSD from 9/11 when she wasn't at ground zero and it didn't actually affect her personally? I mean I was 13 when that happened and I remember it like it was just yesterday every year and on that anniversary every year I cry a little about it. But for God f'ing sakes I don't have PTSD from it. Someone please explain why on earth this could possibly affect her so badly that she has PTSD from it?

Her:Anyway to answer your question, I actually do have PTSD

Me: Have you been formally diagnosed? Just curious.

Her: Yeah, I don't believe in self diagnosis.

Me: Are you comfortable saying what caused your PTSD?

Her: 9/11, and my mom constantly beating me as a kid, I am very hyper aware.

Me: What does hyper aware mean?

Her: I am more wary of my surroundings and sounds.

Me: What happened on 9/11 that caused your PTSD if you don't mind me asking?

Her: 3,000 people died and America went on lockdown?

Me: I this, but I was 13 when that happened and I remember it like it was just yesterday and it bothered me and I cry about it every year but I'm almost positive it has nothing to do with my PTSD.

Me again: So, I don't understand why it would have cause you to have PTSD about it.

Her: Any time I see a picture of it at night I have vivid flashbacks of the event, as if I am inside one of the towers, these flashbacks cause me to sleepwalk and most of the time hurt myself.

Her again: 9/11 was a mark of loss of innocence for me, and I'm sure a lot of people have gotten PTSD from the event, especially those that were there.

Me: Yeah, I understand people that were at ground zero having PTSD, but I don't understand why you would have it in the least bit. It's confusing to me.

Her: Well so is that hold possibly sexually molested by my dad thing you said, but you don't see me poking you about it.

Me: Um, ok. I don't understand what that has to do with anything.

I am totally at a loss for words you guys. This is literally baffling to me, and honestly I really don't trust her that she even has PTSD. And it pisses me off that she is clearly claiming she has it when she really doesn't. I have PTSD (from when my dad abused me Verbally, Mentally, Emotionally, Physically and possibly even Sexually) and I don't appreciate people who claim they have it.