Hello, new here

[susands68]

Hello all,
I was diagnosed with cptsd a few months ago and it has been eye opening to say the least. I've always thought that I was just not very smart, lazy and not able to be successful, but that actually it's things that happened in my past that made me believe that. This trauma stems from childhood where mom was emotionally distant, punished me when she didn't like my feelings or beliefs and dressed me up as her "perfect beautiful daughter" to show off to her friends. Then I managed to find a husband that used me as a trophy wife and pimped me out to his friends along with sexual abuse just between he and I. I did finally divorce him 10 years ago and me and my 3 kids (now 27, 22 and 18) moved to a new state. Learning how to come to the terms with the fact that I was abused (I just always thought my parents were strict and all guys wanted that in their women) has been a bit difficult. I'm looking forward to sharing and learning here. Thank you!

[radical]

 

A warm welcome Susands68.  I'm very much looking forward to hearing you.  I'm sorry for what you've been through and I hope you are able to as feel safe and supported here, as I do.

[Three Roses]

Hello and welcome, susands68! It's kind of a double whammy, in a sense - the relief of finally having an explanation, the shock of a diagnosis. But I echo radical's greeting, I'm sorry for what you've been through and hope you find the support here that many of us have.

[sanmagic7]

hi, susands68,

so glad you made it here.  learning the reality of what i've been through has often felt like being smacked in the face to me.  i'd gone along for so long thinking of the abuse one way, thinking of myself a certain way, then to find out that i had it all wrong just turned my world topsy turvy for a bit.  but, it's straightening out, in no little part due to the help and support i've found here.  i hope you do, too.

[Kizzie]

Hi and a warm welcome to OOTS Susan! 

[prairiewind]

Welcome susands. I'm new here also and it's encouraging to share stories of survival.