Hi, all. New here.

[Luma1123]

Hi, all. I go by Luma. She/her.

I live in the US. Moved from the midwest to the east coast about 2 years ago. I recently got diagnosed with PTSD after working with the therapist I got when I moved here. As we've talked about it more and more, I'm realizing that the true diagnosis is CPTSD, and it's coming from multiple situations. Some of it is related to a long-term emotional abuse situation in my early teens. I also just got through a really difficult time of my life related to unemployment and a truly upsetting in-between job. I was so ready to move on from that time, that job, and start feeling "better", only for the CPTSD symptoms to hit me like a train. I struggle with panic attacks, and have difficulty building and sustaining relationships, especially romantic ones.

I've had mixed-results with support groups before, so I'm a little nervous about joining this one. One was a therapy group, one was a professional group. This week was especially rough, so I decided to give support groups another shot, this time with the updated understanding of my own mental health. Hoping to find a place to talk about PTSD experiences where its safe to share that I've had those experiences, and to work on feeling safe and secure in my life with the help of people who have also been in similar mental health situations.

Thanks, all <3 Looking forward to getting to know you.

[Alexandra]

Hello Luma1123 ; Welcome, I ,and the others here understand, I have found that ,what happened to me happened to others, so I do not feel, so alone, we "get it."

[NarcKiddo]

Welcome. I'm glad you found us. I have had very positive experiences on this forum and I hope you will, too.

[Kizzie]

Hi and a warm welcome to Out of the Storm Luma!   

I think if you read the Member Guidelines you'll see that every effort is made here to keep members safe. If something does come up (another member being negative or whatever), you just report it and I will deal with whatever it is. (I do not tell the member who made the complaint.) I must say that doesn't happen very often though. Most members follow the guidelines and are very supportive with one another so I hope you'll find you feel comfortable and at ease here.

Kizzie
Forum Administrator

[zen_racer]

Hi Luma.  Welcome to the forum.  I've found this forum to be supportive and kind.  It has been very helpful to me.  I hope you find it helpful and safe as well.

[Baldorin]

Hi Luma, and welcome.  I am new here also, but I find this group very friendly, safe and supportive.  I hope as you allow yourself to settle inside peacefully your days become more calming for you.  My mind races constantly and my anxiety feeds on that inner turmoil.  I have to watch some funny cat videos or play a video game to calm my self down.  We are all a work in progress.

[TheBigBlue]

Welcome Luma

I'm very late to the welcome party, but glad you decided to give a support group another try.

I've found a lot of understanding and connection here, and hope this can become a safe and supportive place for you too.

[SenseOrgan]

Welcome here Luma1123!  This has been a very safe and supporting place my entire time here. I hope/expect you'll have a similar experience.