Definitions are important to me too. I think that's why I haven't accepted the word "trauma" or the diagnosis of PTSD. I can understand emotional neglect. I can understand invalidation. And in some instances, abuse. I also can say that I have felt things to be traumatic, but trauma?

I will say that when I was officially diagnosed BPD, I was relieved. Something finally fit my symptoms. Something that explained things. Because up until then, I was diagnosed wrong or told it's all in my head. And no one wanted to diagnose me BPD. But when I was diagnosed by my pdoc and ex-T, and they came up with the same diagnosis...I don't know. It just felt right.

That's why I'm happy to do an assessment. I cannot believe a diagnosis just because someone says so. At least L knows a LOT about me. Current pdoc barely knows me and diagnosed me PTSD. That bothers me. And from what L said, it's not just events or lack of events, it's symptoms and feelings.