I have been attending the local group regularly for over six months now and it was been really wonderful most nights to attend. I feel better and there is additionally a social factor to going.

I haven't though in several weeks. Two previous to that a new participant showed up that quite frankly scares the bejeezies out of me and triggers a great deal of anxiety and PTSD. I feel dreadful and distressed. Even the psych nurses in attendance have shown concern.

The problem? This man has a military bearing. Oh I am not saying he shouldn't be allowed to go. I am the first to stick up for his right to do so; but unfortunately, his attendance means I myself can't.

What is a military bearing? It is really hard to describe but having been it it myself you just know. It is the combination of haircut, location and type of tattoos, and (mostly) just the way they carry themselves. I realise he is probably a pretty nice stand-up guy but the memories he triggers are awful.

This is a shame. I really got a lot out of attending.