Today I was with my daughter and my puppy for dog training at Petsmart. We are in a enclosed area with windows so people on the outside can watch. Well I have been going for a couple of months, and felt comfortable being there. But today I wasn't watching the instructor because he was talking to some other people and he blew this really loud whistle.

I jumped off my stool and yelled "****" which I normally don't cuss especially in front of my kids or others kids. Then I almost started to cry but stopped. Then I felt off the rest of the lesson.

I hate looking and feeling like a freak because of this darn PTSD. I just want to hide.

[Sannah]

I'll bet the people around you didn't think much about it but "wow, that scared that woman!" and that is it.............

[FerretGuy5]

A question comes to mind. Is there anything such as PTSD groups for non service related PTSD? I am in a group at the VA for service related PTSD. Except I don't fit in. Out of 18 there, I am the only one with a Purple Heart. Been trying to return the thing as it was a mistake. I was shot by friendly fire, and fully recovered. I am also the only one in the group not to have addiction problems. My PTSD was unrelated to Viet Nam, it occurred after. And I have no intention of going for a pension for PTSD. For that, I am deemed as crazy for turning down the money, for which I have my reasons. It seems as though there is no place for those suffering PTSD from non combat situations. The only friend I have there had his back broken in a fall. Worse than having PTSD is not being able to find a support group. As here, no one mentions the cause.

[gimmeice]

(((((((( exoticflower ))))))))))

[phoenix7]

maybe you will be able to look back at this and laugh one day - that's what I try to do when this happens to me - its hard but it becomes a bit of a habit to laugh it off when you can - sometimes you can't - geez am i confusing today or what ?

Just so you know that you are not alone - I was at work - (Hosiptal ward ) lots of visitors in ward - I went to put somthing in a bin and someone had put a floruscant tube behind it to chuck out - but I didnt see it - well it hit the floor with a HUGE bang - I leapt about 6 foot into the air while shouting (yes unfortunatley shouting ) what the **** was that! and I dont usually swear ! - spent the rest of the shift not making eye contact with anyone - must have looked funny though

[susie2009]

I can relate to what happened to you at Pet smart. your not kidding it can be really embarassing to be strartled like that. If someone talks in a loud voice I will jump out of my skin, even if I expect it. I also have the tendency to swear when I am started, and usually that can be pretty embarasing in itself.

You are right Sannah,
I am sure that is all they thought. But dealing with the fight or flight impulses in front of others sure is embarrassing, makes me feel like a freak. For me I don't really care what the others thought , except that I cussed in front of their kids and mine. But it was how it all made me feel, out of control and unsafe.

Hi Ferret guy,

There is actually more people who suffer from PTSD from non related combat than combat. I don't know about groups and where to find one, that isn't my thing, I like indiv. therapy instead.
But if you are going to a VA hospital, you are going to get a lot of post-war PTSD cases. But keep in mind that the war may have triggered many of them from something that happened to them when they were a kid.

For me, my PTSD came from repeated almost daily physical, mental, torture, child abuse and what I am finding is significate is from the neglect I suffered as a child.

I thought my PTSD was from a current situation, but after therapy, I see how my abuse affected me in many areas of my life, and how I had PTSD for a long time. It can also be stronger at some times too.
Well I just wanted to let you know that actually you are in the majority of PTSD sufferers. I don't have substance abuse problems either, but that isn't the only sign, there are many.
So you are not alone, many things can cause PTSD, and people are effected in different ways. Do you think you might feel your PTSD shouldn't be as bad because you were shot with friendly fire(if there is such a thing) and it seems others have things so much worse? Trauma is trauma, and it is all hard to deal with. Take care, okay.

Thanks Gimmeice,

Sometimes a hug is all I need

Thanks Phoniex,

I will probably be able to laugh about it, because I was laughing out loud about your story.

Thanks Susie for your support and your understanding. I wonder why we yell obscenities when we are scared?

[phoenix7]

I work in a trauma recovery - Neuro - head injuries - ward and the hmmm rude words are the first ones most people remember when they start to speak again - go figure!

LOL, I remember my cog. psych professor who was also a neuro pschologist said you also have to watch out for getting slugged too.

[Sannah]

Originally Posted by exoticflower

dealing with the fight or flight impulses in front of others sure is embarrassing, makes me feel like a freak.

But it was how it all made me feel, out of control and unsafe.

So what the trigger unearthed? How long did it take to feel in control again and safe after this?

I used to get embarrassed a lot. Basically it is feeling shame about being human. We get this stuff in our heads that we will accept nothing less than perfection from ourselves. This is so unrealistic. No one is perfect. Once I got past this embarrassment thing it was so liberating.......

[lynn P.]

Hi,
we have something in common- I go to petsmart too with 11 month old dog. He shouldn't have been blowing that whistle anyways, cause it hurts the dogs ears. At least you know he'll think twice next time LOL. I say you gave him a little people training. Best of luck with your PTSD.

I felt flustered for 2 hours or so, than irritable the rest of night. I think for me my PTSD symptoms have gotten worse since we are working on it in therapy. I seem to be more reactive to things because I am already in a semi-aroused state I think.

[Sannah]

Please try to be patient and accepting of yourself. It really will help a lot.

[sky dancer]

Originally Posted by FerretGuy5

A question comes to mind. Is there anything such as PTSD groups for non service related PTSD? I am in a group at the VA for service related PTSD. Except I don't fit in. Out of 18 there, I am the only one with a Purple Heart. Been trying to return the thing as it was a mistake. I was shot by friendly fire, and fully recovered. I am also the only one in the group not to have addiction problems. My PTSD was unrelated to Viet Nam, it occurred after. And I have no intention of going for a pension for PTSD. For that, I am deemed as crazy for turning down the money, for which I have my reasons. It seems as though there is no place for those suffering PTSD from non combat situations. The only friend I have there had his back broken in a fall. Worse than having PTSD is not being able to find a support group. As here, no one mentions the cause.

It sounds to me like you would benefit from a non-service related PTSD group. I'd trust your own inner wisdom on this.

I don't know what's available in your area. I'm getting alot out of being here and using the chat rooms.

I'd like to see more services for families who have experienced trauma in our community.

I have to say that I honor the service of our soldiers. Not only were they willing to put their lives on the line to protect others in our country and around the world, but PTSD sufferers of all kinds of trauma owe a huge debt to the soldiers.

Without your suffering, we would not know as much about PTSD as we do now.