Gift From Within Guestbook Archives - 2003

Thank God for simply knowing I'm not alone in feeling like i may have come from an alternate universe some where. Having struggled through many years with only myself to rely on for consolation and resolution to the mysteries both within and without, I admire the strength and fortitude of you and all other survivors out there. I will add my prayers to yours, for the ability of all to gain a perspective of how emotionally weak, those that hurt and abuse others realy are. It may help to heal, add serenity, and therefor a continualy growing sense of personal value to our own lives. I know "fear" and "dispair" intimately, and still experience the joy each time I go over, around, or through them. Faith has been the only ever present companion I've had. Faith in my God and in myself. I don't expect the journey will ever be completed till I go to him one day, but the assurence of the path I travel has grown exponentialy over the years. That he has allowed me to have helped others on occassion, has been a source of joy and strength. Just felt the need to share, and express my deepest respect and best wishes for all who have and do suffer with the results of experiencing major trauma in thier lives. Respectfully yours, Too Tall

Thank you for the survivor poem

Tonight I was searching for some words of comfort to pass on to my group therapy session for tomorrow. My clients are Veterans, who suffer from PTSD, substance abuse, and other emotional damages. My greatest task at this time of year is to offer them a new way of looking at things, stress reducing strategies, and human love. I thank you for your words and thoughts tonight. I have already said many of the things which you have mentioned but your words are fresh and alive. Happy Holidays and a special thanks to those who help the sick and suffering.

Now at last I know,I am not alone.

Since I don't have too many links to PTSD-related materials on my site, it's refreshing to see one of this quality.

For goodness sake, this lady should have done her research on dcis first. She may very well have saved herself from a double mastectomy. DCIS is not truly cancer, is very common, and 25 percent of women die with it and never know they have it. The sensible thing is to determine if your cells are aggressive or not. Mine are not, and I choose non treatment, and will wait to see if it becomes aggressive or not (70 percent chance of NOT). Mortality rate is the same (1-2 percent) whether treated or not.

Thanks for putting a site together so that people can see they aren't alone...there is help.

I was just wandering where I might find help in my area for complex PTSD. I am in the mental health system but I don't believe they understand what I am going through. I recentley had a group therpy session where one of the men in the groups likes his guns. I don't feel as though the therapist recognizes what she put me through in that group if any one no of any one who can help me please let me know. I live in Hanover Pa.

Holidays are generally difficult for those suffering from PTSD.It is best to seek assistance at this time of the year before symptoms appear.Self help interactive CDs are available as well as groups.

I was diagnosed about 5 yrs ago, it hurts so deeply no oneI know understands, my parents were my abusers, so I have no family support. the last couple ofyears I have been drownding in booze, if ya cant beatem join em, today I realize by destroying myself I am allowing them to continue the abuse. I am going to stop the abuse today;;;;;; thank you for helping me find my gift from with in

My therapist has recommended that I go to a hospital out of state (I live in Maine) that specializes in PTSD and DID. The two we are considering are The Ross Institute in Forest View, Michigan and Sheppard Pratt in Baltimore, MD. I'm looking for anyone who has had experience at either of these hospitals.

May God bless your work. As a Christian singer/songwriter I would love to share my work/mission with you. please check my web site.

This website offers much to survivors and I wanted those who visit my site to have a chance to visit this wonderful place. So I have placed your link on my links page. I still need to post a description of this site under the link and will do so asap. Now my readers can visit this gift from within.

Don't forget people with disabilities who are emotionally and verbally abused by employers on a continuing basis...and can't leave the job because of a need for the salary.

PTSD is now the legacy my husband has given me... will be utilizing your support/penpal service.

an absolute gem of a site in relation to my studies in grief, losss & trauma. I have a genuine interset in trauma related injuries with emergency personnel such as PTSD

Thank you for telling me about your site. It is a great resource and I will add it to the STATA site. The art work and poems are touching and beautiful.

I divorced my husband due to abuse. I still fear him and feel so lonely.

Congratulations. Very well done.

Very Impressive!

We are a certified provider of anger management training and education for adults, adolescents, couples, families and individuals.

Survivor of attempted murder,watched my ex-spouse commit suicide.

My loving husband Detective Michael Debilio just ended his life on September 20th 2003 while I sat and watched him die.

Site very helpful. Wish your articles had dates to see how long ago they were written. Otherwise, excellent articles.

We offer Anger Management classes as well as Anger Management Certification training for facilitators.

I am now in my second as one of your links. As the holidays are approaching, it is important to recognize the connection between PTSD and anger.

Thank you to the people of "Gift From Within" for being here. If anyone lives in the Hudson Valley Region of New York State and is DID or related I would like to have an email correspondence or perhaps we could meet and support each other.

It took me a long time to look at this site, I'm going through many things right now. The site is very helpful and encourging and I'm sure I will be visiting it again soon.

Hi, My name is A. Jean Franklin, RN, CSW. I am a clinical therapist in private practice interested in knowing more about PTSD. I'm located in Southwestern New York State. When I came upon your site I spent 2 hours reading wonderful articles and researching books, etc. I am most impressed with the spiritual content - your way of inviting one to feel safe and hopeful as she reads the content. I wonder if you have looked into Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for treatment of PTSD. I have been trained in that therapy protocol and have had wonderful success with it. Thank you again for offering such a helpful place to go for insights and help!!

I am interested in any support groups, meetings, etc. regarding PTSD, as I have recently been diagnosed as having it and being treated with medications.

Having a hard time but your site helps me out. Taking medication, receiving therapy soon.

This is a safe place for all the women that love a wounded veteran suffering from ptsd. We come together in the aftermath of war to share information, support and friendship. May you find peace through understanding. May you never again feel as if you are all alone

Hi Joyce and others. What a wonderful project you have put together here. I am certainly appreciative of your efforts. God bless you.

I greatly enjoyed the artwork and poetry on your site. I am a survivor as well and have my own website. but I always like to connect with the creativity of other survivors. It takes strength of spirit to birth beauty out of suffering, and the artists on this site are all strong spirits. Thank you for sharing your work with me.

To Dr. Ochberg, Sean, Patti and all other contributors, While doing research for a book I am writing, I came across your site. And, interestingly, as I started reading, a recognition of my own personal situation came to mind. Could there be, I suddenly realized, an association with depression all these years and trauma I experienced in years past? Your site is phenomenal and differentiated from others of its kind, as it gives hope, support, and sharing ~ as well as the technical explanations and treatment issues. I appreciate your work, and plan to pass this site along to as many people as possible. Thank you for your marvelous work, Cathy Garger Personal Certified Coach

i am mpd, 16 alters in all, mostly from satanic ritual abuse

Nearly 40 yrs. old now, and I have just learnt that I am not crazy after all. I am, and have been reacting quite normally to some very abnormal situations - nearly my entire life. What bothers me and is bothering my very spirit and soul is that my 4 minor children have been taken away. I need them in my life ~ in order to survive. I can not imagine living life any longer w/out them, but somehow I do. Yea, I know...by the grace of God I have always seemed to make it - and I guess I must just keep on doing it. Cuz

I will be adding your link to my site.

The treatment I received at Duke Medical University Hospital in October 2001 for PTSD - was to be offered entry into PTSD study - and when I declined based on past negative experiences with Prozac and asking specifically for counseling at that time because I was needed help at that time (one month after bombings) - I was instead treated with no empathy or understanding when I subsequently experienced negative response to reminder of trauma inflicted by Prozac reaction and was then pepper-sprayed, thrown to the floor, handcuffed and dragged through the hospital screaming for help, given a mostly dry wet cloth in ER for treatment for pepper-spray in eyes, taken down-town, thrown in jail, and charged with second-degree trespassing. This after Duke person called me the day after the bombings to set up an appointment I did not initiate - although I did ask for counseling when I agreed to appointment time. Is this standard treatment for PTSD???

THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME BEGIN TO FIND HELPFUL INFORMATION ON THE REASONS BEHIND MY PTSD. I WILL BE BACK TO LOOK AROUND AGAIN.

I have recorded a number of very bright children doing excellently well at school. Who then just dip into a low when PTSD strikes their household. A few children are then insulted by teachers. Told they are lazy, not interested in class work, being a disruptive source to others etc, etc. This conduct totally zaps their self esteem, then devastates them even more. Not once had any person enquired of those little one's problems directly. We can see the effect. The cause is there to see if we were to enquire further. Something is seriously amiss if a previously bright child suddenly drops out from showing any further interest. In many cases to just sit in a class room and observe the children, we can highlight those within a PTSD family. I find many will dissociate showing evidence of the 1000 mile stare. When we sit down and speak with these children in a calm and caring manner allowing empathy to develop they truly open up. It is simply because these children are being protective themselves to parents, hiding their true feelings from strangers. That is why I am finding it very rewarding and getting excellent results involving ALL family members in the treatment phases. The feedback is very encouraging at present. I hope this observation may be useful to colleagues working in this field. Any feed back of personal similarities would be appreciated.

I found your site looking for help for hubby a Vet diagnosed with PTSD. I got Hubby to read your article 'There's Nothing Wrong With Me' that Dr. Bennett published to help families like us. Hubby's face changed as he read it, the tears of joy, those words were his feelings, feelings he just could not express nor put into words. Now I know what he was trying to describe. Thank you Gift From Within and Dr. Bennett. The denial hubby once held onto, no longer holds onto him.

I'm a survivor of sexual abuse as a child and as a 20 year old. I'm a 23yr old native South African and I don't wanna be miserable any more. Reading thru your site really made me see things as I have never before. Now I'm determined to lose the shame I've accumulated over the years and start living.

I keep a copy of the Survivor psalm next to my PC, it reminds me that I am no longer a victim. I have pSTD some days are really really good, some are really really dreadful, I don't understand why I can be so happy one minute and so 'unhappy' isn't the word but best I can come up with, the next minute. I come here on those days, it helps me and reminds me I am a survivor. Thank you

I am a chaplain at a hospital in Rochester, NY. Yesterday afternoon I received a desperate call from a nurse. She said that I friend of hers had witnessed a violent crime within her family and that the friend, in addition to receiving support from the groups the police had connected her to and to beginning to receive support from a Faith community, was looking for "something to read that will help me!" Fortunately for me I found the name and phone number of your organization among the resources listed in "Living with Grief, Coping with Public Tragedy," of the Hospice Foundation of America, 2003. Joyce Boaz answered the phone and for at least a half hour listened to the story the nurse had told me and offered me support and education. She then followed up by my sending me two emails full of "right on the mark" resources. I was able to forward these on to the nurse, who then took them immediately to her friend. I had tried several other organizations before I tried Gift From Within, but no other organization answered the phone. Thank you Joyce Boaz and Gift From Within! Needless to say I will draw from you again, and will pass your web site on to colleagues, chaplains and ministers in my denomination (Prebyterian, USA), and to other health care professionals. Sincerely, a very grateful hospital chaplain

about 10 1/2 years ago i was caught in a bad storm. 3 weeks ago I started to have bad flashbacks and couldn't leave my house. I've been fighting this for 10 1/2 yrs and don't know whast to do. can't afford a psychiatrist even w/ insurance. any one have any advise? I really need to find a "cure". or my beautiful twin boys will never have a normal childhood. Anyone??

if i betray him he could surely die. if i betray myself i could surely die.

life and death with a cop with ptsd. a bedroom is a war zone, a prison with no way out. who do you run to??? who??? no one wants to know. cops are hero's. and when they are sick, they are broken her'os. yet hero's till the end and me? I am no one. I am the streets for him, the bad guy, the chase, the fight, the control, the inflicted pain if i leave he will kill himself. if i stay he will kill me. twenty years on the streets and still the full price has yet to be paid and one of us will not be here to tell you who paid in full. yes, it's true cops pay a high price

What an impressive, meaningful, and helpful web site you folks have put together. I will enthusiatically refer my readers and visitors to the site for good information and assistance with PTSD issues/concerns. Please visit my web page when you have a chance. Thanks.

keep it up

I recently read your numerous articles regarding the Police Family by Beverly J. Anderson. The articles made me realize quite a bit of what I was experiencing. I felt as though I was reading my own career regarding answering calls and discovering severe child abuse or the discovery of a body in the woods with the head blown off with a shot gun; I could go on and on. The witnessing everyday of how the human race can be so hurtful to its own kind and always, and I mean always, seeing people at their worst when they can't resolve their problems so they expect the police to resolve them in a matter of minutes really begins to drive a police officer insane. Or, you become cold, insensitive and break out that sick humor and blame the citizen for getting themselves in that situation to begin with and lose all sympathy for people. Yes, I certainly read about myself in those articles, but they also made me realize some good as well. Thank you, Police Sergeant, Chicago Suburb

Came across your article while surfing. I am a survivor of DV while a child through a step-father, and again in my marriage. Having a step-father who battered and being able to get out of that situation gave me the strength to leave my marriage with my children and start a new life. We left while he was working in a 17-foot U-Haul, all our belongings, 2 cats and a dog. When he came home he had nothing there to abuse! Hopefully, your article will enlighten those who believe that DV is a "closed door and private issue." Assault and abuse is not permittable in any forum, nor any society. IT MUST STOP and the perpertrators punished. If we don't stop it now, the cycle continues.

It took me awhile to realize trauma comes in all forms and this site helped me to understand that and reach out for help. Everyone and everything doesn't have to be painful.

Hi, I am surfing the net in search of my support system. I am trying to become a survivor of spousal abuse. The State of California, I am sorry to say, is in need of actual victims of abuse to become advocates. My road to survivor so far, has been among "Do-Gooders" Not actual "victims" Needless to say my life is just beginning at 47 years old! If I survive the "stalking-phase" Patty R So. Cal.

Your site has played a major role in influencing intervention and understanding of PTSD.It is finally becoming clear the this disorder reduces one's abilty to manage and as well as stress.

I am a rape survivor and sometimes when I get depressed and feel like there is no where to turn I look for websites that offer hope and ideas to help me cope. There were some wonderful ideas on this site--thank you

It is possible to not only survive but to bloom. I survived incest as a child, battled PTSD most of my adult life - always struggling to find the "me" that seemed to have been lost. I reexperienced the pain by marrying a batterer - every step forward seemed to be followed by two steps back. But I kept walking - away from pain, away from the lie I was told was me - away from my abusers. It wasn't easy and I had to ask for and accept help from others a million times over; may have to ask a million times more. But that's ok - I'm worth it. If you're a survivor, please know you're worth it, too.

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE VOICES THAT WILL NEVER SAY THANK YOU BECAUSE THEY CAN'T. I ONLY WISH THAT MY SISTER WOULD HAVE FOUND THIS WHEN SHE NEEDED IT. WHAT A GREAT FORUM, I WILL PASS THE WORD ABOUT YOU AND THIS GREAT SITE.

Thank you for your site. Would like to add your link to our webpage. Let us know. God's blessings!

Very informative and inspirational site. I will share it with all my friends.

This is an outstanding site and the info is greatly appreciated.I will tell some of the brothers about this one(guys in my old unit)and go over some of this liturature with my lovely wife.

I really enjoyed visiting your website. May God bless and keep you safe.

Ok to use HTML, I am definately interested in linking with you. Will follow up.

Mike C. ret. Santa Monica Polce Dept.

It was nice visiting a site like yours that really helps people. I left a link to our newsletter - hope it helps others as well.

Thank you for this support. I have been diagnosed with PTSD due to several traumas in my life. I have bookmarked the site and will be back to check what you have to offer.

This is my lucky day, finding this site. I had a woman friend who suffered from PTSD. She is with the LORD now. I think of her when I see your beautifully supportive, resourceful site. Please add your link to my site and sign my guestbook.

I was in a severe car accident about 7 months ago and my life has changed dramaticly. I would like to be able to talk with others, who have experience the same. I am falling into deep depression, and really need to talk to people who can give me support, or if I can someone in any way

Our organization is giving it's first annual to raise consciousness of rape issues,laws and legislation. We are extending the healing of rape survivors to include, music and poetry. We will have Captain Yvonne Taylor of the Sheriff's department as a keynote speaker and We have a mystery guest as well. Our date is sometimes in October of this year in Chicago, Il. Wish us luck. S. Ajayi-Carroll is the founder of SIRMIR!

I HAVE SPENT THE LAST 15 YEARS ON THE ROAD OF GROWTH TOWARD RECOVERY. I HAVE A WAYS YET TO GO, AND WOULD ENJOY SHARING INFORMATION AND SUPPORT WITH OTHERS ON THEIR JOURNEY.

I CAN REMEMBER GROWING UP DID AND NOT KNOWING THAT ALL CHILDREN DIDN'T HAVE THESE SKILLS. THE HARDIST JOB FOR ME AT THIS POINT IS LEARNING TO CONNECT WITH OUTSIDE PEOPLE WITHOUT DISSASOCIATING ALL THE TIME.(IT'S NOT THAT I'M NOT INTERESTED, I'M JUST TOO USED TO LIVING IN MY OWN ISOLATED WORLD--SO I DON'T STAY.)

THIS IS ONE OLD PERSON(58) WHO IS WORKING HARD TO REACH FULL RECOVERY IN MY LIFETIME. I WOULD LOVE TO GIVE AND RECIEVE SUPPORT ON THIS JOURNEY.

No man is an island. We all have pain we all have joy we all have faults we all have our good points, is it better to be an unsaved person with integrity or a hypocrit? No not one of us is perfect and we needn't try to be, but I thank Joyce and Gift From Within for all the ways they work to give hope to our world and a place for us to say what we need to say to each other.

Anyone in a 'violent' relationship-- stay strong and most importantly get out. It is hard to seperate and you will need time to recover from your injuries, guilt, and loniness-- But regardless-- it is better than staying and feeling worthless and hurt at no fault of your own-- AND YES, it is not your fault..

11 bravo invocation

please save us from mayhem and escort us still living through harsh green thickets of sprawling lime jungles where life walks on brave legs oh please none be mangled be lost or be torn where faces fly by us in the nights of our thinking as we sleep under stars mosquitos to share and then there's the whisper we hear it like humming but the others find rest within four wooden walls let us wade through this time with only brief sorrow may our minds remain strong and think nothing of sinking so low in the distance so low as our graves

gary mcginnis 15th engineers/9th Inf Div viet vet mekong delta tet offensive 67 - 68

I am so glad I found your website. I haven't read everything yet, but read the article on anniversary memories. I am 54 years old and I am a ritual abuse survivor. I still have anniversary problems but not as bad as it used to be. I have problems with triggers, too. But I am going to visit your entire site and see what I can find. I have written poems that have been published on sexual abuse. I am blessed in that I was able to get a lot of help in my 30's from some really caring individuals and groups. Keep up the site and maybe add stories about ritual abuse survivors.

I am a survivor of life-long borderline personality disorder; something I now believe to be the chemical reaction to PTSD. This site is the first time I've ever read about the need to treat the whole person, holitically, in every area of life. It is something I have experienced personally in my healing journey. I'm using these articles to share with many others what it means and what it looks like. Beautifully done.

Thank you so much for being here for us that suffer. I have yet to look over your site completely, but I can tell that it will be a great resource. Again, thank you so very much. Much love, be well and take care!

WOW!!

I made the "mistake" of discovering your site at bedtime. So much for getting to bed!

What an enormous and wonderful resource this is for me, both as a "thriver" after many critical incidents (as a minister, a chaplain, a retired cop who saw way too much, and a "victim" of a drunk driver who changed my life entirely). Much of my ministry is about coping with trauma through one's higher power - and you can be sure I'll be sending people this way!

Brightest of bright blessings on your work!

i am currently preparing a presentation for my supervisor to go over. on monday the 19th of this month we are having a big meeting with staff and board members describing their positions and functions within the agency. i am family support counselor at our agency's domestic violence shelter. i love my job and the women who so courageously fight for their independence. during my research for the presentation i found your site and had to stop and take a look. what i found was absolutely inspiring and uplifting. i hope you don't mind my sharing your website at our presentation as i know of a few co-workers who are either in a domestic violence situation or have recently freed themselves. i found your poems and music in particular to be so soothing and calming. thank you so much for being there for me tonight. some of the links i encountered only brouhgt up the pain i endured and after several hours of research almost became despondent. gift from within was truly a heaven sent. god bless you all,....sincerely

I wanted to let you know that although many bad things have happened in my life, I am now an English Education major at the age of 48 and am remaking my life. I love this site, it has really touched my heart. God Bless all of you, my dear sisters. I am a survivor......you will survive too.

Hi.

It's wonderful to your site, as it is to find so many online these days on PTSD. It's a pervasive problem. I think of it as a social disease in the sense that it has it's "catchy" aspects :(

I'm a survivor of child sexual abuse, other forms of abuse, including bullying (trendy hey?), at age 19 a stranger violently raped me and tried to kill me, etc etc. I've suffered from PTSD since childhood, when I look back, but it really knocked my socks off a few years back. All the symptoms a flaring like mad. I'm still here tho :) PTSD is more "known about" now...thank God and people who refuse to be silent.

I just made a little webpage and a forum where people with personal experience of PTSD (from whence-ever it came) can havea place to have conversations and share knowledge about PTSD etc, as well as just yapping :) Anyone is welcome to come check it out. I'm the only one in the forum so far...(aaaargh...lonely...boring...:)

I'm amazed at the ability of people's minds. So creative and wonderful. Good luck to all of you!

I work with victims of crime in three police departments as well as have sons who are officers and I can't wait to see the new police video you are making. Great web site.

FOUND THIS SITE BY ACCIDENT. I CHECKED OUT SOME OF THE WEB SITES IN MESSAGES.I JUST FINISHED THE COURAGE TO HEAL WORK BOOK A FEW DAYS AGO. I WAS HAPPY TO KNOW THERE IS A NAME FOR MY PROBLEMS. IT IS STILL RATHER BEWILDERING TO ME. IT IS ALL SO NEW AND SO MUCH TO LEARN AND UNDERSTAND. BEST OF ALL IS LEARNING I AM NOT ALONE! EVEN SO I AM FELING REALLY DOWN TODAY.

MY PEDOPHILE WAS ONE OF THOSE REPEAT OFEENDERS RELEASED FROM JAIL.I HOPE HE IS ROTTING IN HELL.

For military veterans and friends: http://www.kitchentablegang.org

We hope you will visit and deem us worthy!

The Youngstown Secret Service murdered half of my family for no reason at all.

I am a victim of Domestic Abuse who is now divorced and who has come along way. I would like to offer my emotional support to anyone who is going through what I lived with most of my life. I am making it and there is Great Hope for them as well.I thank God every day for my new life and my being able to start over.

this looks like a great website for people to share. this is a bigger problem and I have been learning about the significance past trauma has had on my life. Trust, understanding, and belief in onceself are so important.

I have just found this great and helpful website.I am happily remarried For 19 years,after having been in an emotionally and{ finally violent physically } marriage for 19 years. My biggest problem now is that my 2 daughters, {now 39 and 37} choose to blame me for everything bad thats ever happened to them, and have let their dad, an alcoholic, off the hook. I havent seen my younger daughter ,Claire, for 10 years, and have never been allowed to see her 2 children. Im finding it difficult to let go off the past, and to let go of my girls. I need help. Love, Maia.

I was sexually abused as achild and later violently raped in college. I have been working diligently with my therapist over the past year to overcome this.The current scientific reseach is helping me to finally understand myself.

on the 19th i was trying to stop a fight and ended up with my arm caught in the steering wheel of a car with the door open the person in the drivers seat then threw the car in reverse and i was dragged around 100 yrds.While she hit several objects a car,a boat,a shed,and finally my mobile home.at that point i was able to free myself.I am waitng to start therapy.But the stress is so extreme.i guess i'm just trying to research in order to help me cope.thanks for being here.

I am happy to have found your site from another survival site (temporarily forgot the name of the site). Please continue to offer support as there are many of us out here with PTSD who need online support because we cannot always push ourselves to socialize.

I am reading everything on PTSD on I know I have it. From sexual abuse from childhood.

I am an high school English teacher who was disabled by PTSD which converted to psycogenic myoclonus. My condition presents as spaticity and a speech impediment when I am under stress. My story in it's short and long versions can be read on endteacherabuse.info. The school superintendent who traumatized me went on to injure more teachers in other school districts in California. Though I have been out of the classroom since 1995, I have been able to educate legislators in California and Illinois about the need for laws to protect targets of bullying. We are hopeful that we will succeed.

Because of the extreme nature of my PTSD, my diagnosis is unquestionable. In the interest of helping others, I very much would like my brain to be donated for research after I'm finished with it in this lifetime. Are there any suggestions as to how I might achieve this?

I have found this web site very informative in my search to recover and cope with leaving an abusive situation. Thank you for you services.

Victim Psalm by Kathleen M. Hill, BSc Dynamic Services & Specialized Personnel

When I am able to delete the names of people and places from my personal website, then and only then will I be a survivor. Until I am enabled to become an anonymous voice for advocacy to improve human services, most especially mental health services, to the mentally ill - I am a victim of those services and my victimization is ongoing. http://www.geocities.com/Wolfdeck2003/index.html

I have just yesterday been diagnosed with PTSD which started approx. at age 5. I am know 44. Research everything. Thanks Andy

i like your work very much maybe i will get the inspiration to pursue some of my artwork oneday.

Treated when PTSD was not a recognized diagnosis. Had revisits after being verbally abused and threatened by patients and visitors at a hospital..no support from security, denied workmens comp, mocked and harassed by hospital occupational health dept nurse. feelings of helplessness, anger and abandonment. Nurse for 40+ years

Great site, lotsa info, Thank You.

CHECK RELATED DOSORDERS LIKE a-PTSD, c-PTSD AND DYSTYMIA.

Just now looking at it - it looks very good.

Just wanted to say that I read Dr. Ochberg's article called Partners with PTSD and thought it was excellent. Going to share it with my friends and family members. I think it will help them know what I am going through.

The entire article was remarkable, informative and heart wrenching. The song was beautiful.

Thank you for a lovely site.

I am 36 years old. I lost my daughter in a house fire 17 years ago. I tried so hard to save her but I couldnt. I'm in counseling for ptsd (misdiagnosed for years as major depression). The site has been helpful and kind. it helps me to remember I'm not alone, even when I feel I am. Thank you for being here.

What an informative & helpful site on Eating Disorders! I'm sure will offer great support to so many.

I'd like to share something encouraging: I have completely overcome from years of serious self-injury, eating disorder and many psychiatric disorders & mental illness due to the result of a sexually abusive past.

Anyone who currently struggles: you can get through it, all things are possible!

Have an awesome day!

Thanks for the encouragement

Your site is peaceful and encouraging. Loved the art. Thank you for it all.

Being a pen-pal for the last few years has been very beneficial to me. I have found hope, comfort and help also a lot of useful information from pals and have become very close to many of the pals that I have written to over the few years that I have been writing. This is a very good thing to have and hopefully it is able to stay around for a long time to come. I also enjoy the information on this site about PTSD and healing. It is very helpful for survivors of any kind of trauma so that we can heal from those traumas.

Great site , very helpfull

THIS SITE WAS VERY INFORMATIVE WITH COMPASSION FOR VICTIMS, I WOULD LIKE FOR PEOPLE TO VISIT MY WEBSITE www.thefightforlife.cjb.net as I would like to recieve help and help others

Very informative article

As the count down to war with Irag continues, thousand of persons worldwide experiencing new symptoms of PTSD. Anger is one pronounced symptoms.

We offer a treatment facility, that teats DID and related trauma disorders. We are the only treatment center that offers intensive group and individual therapy in a safe and secluded envioronment. All patients admitted onto the unit are diagnosed as DIID. For more information regarding our program, go to: www.mungadze.org

I am from Indianapolis, Indiana and I am looking for some assistance with referral to a support group in my area.

Great group so grateful I found you

Looking for information to overcome PTSD from a trauma. Looking for a counselor in Wisconsin. Thank you TI

I have been reading Karen's poetry and find her a genius. Where does this come from? I admire her work and look forward to more. Thanks Karen!

I always said I would never put up with a guy abusing me, However, my ex-husband started to physically abuse me after I found out I was pregnant with our first child. There were signs before we got married that I chose to ignore that he had a bad temper and was controlling, manipulative, and abusive. I got out of the relationship after our first child was two months old and before our second child was born. A friend of mine went through a similar experience and now we're both so much better off than we were with the men who made us feel like prisoners in our own homes. Don't stay with them because you love them, because if their treating you badly they don't love you and love is reciprocal it's not just one sided. Do yourself a favor and leave; it's not up to other people to save you, only you can do that! You deserve better and so do your kids!!!

my mother just found out she has breast cancer yesterday and I was look for some thing to help me understand the whole thing and your site really helped.

I had no idea that I could ever enjoy my life until I went through many years of the hard work of recovery. I was fortunate that I had many who 'believed' in me (not my family), and it is such a wonderful feeling to pass that along to those just starting the journey. What a journey it has been, finally to really love, and to have peace and laughter in my life. It is especially wonderful to allow myself to be human and to laugh at myself. I have shown my daughters another way...that's the best.

The worse trauma I've ever survived came from co-workers who spent five years tearing me apart. I went to work post-children but even so found I had 15 years more free-lance experience than my super. She began spreading rumors that couldn't be stopped. She approached my co-workers, and they left no part of me untouched until I was reduced such fear that my hair began falling out and I slept only 3 hours a night. It was my dream job that turned into a nightmare. I was labeled and finally fired. I had nightmares for over two years and still fear public places. Please include workplace emotional abuse in your catalogue of PTSD causes. See "Mobbing: Emotional Abuse in the American Workplace" for more info on this little-known but devastating form of abuse. Thank you.

My son was molested by his daycare provider two years ago while I was at work. My child was only three years old! It has devastated him and me. Nothing has happened to the perpetrator. I am now trying to help my son come out of his depression. However, this is difficult because of the pain that he suffers. He cannot play ball, or run too long, or ride a bike for an extended amount of time. This is very hard for a six-year old. I need any type of help that you offer. I have never had anything happen to any of my children before. I have applied for disability but so far nothing has come of it. I was recently fired from my job because I had to go and pick up my son so often from school. If your organization can send me some information on what can be done for my child and some references of places that I can contact for help I would appreciate it.