PTSD Is Like a Ghost: On Surviving Domestic Violence

And he knows you intimately. He knows everything about you. He knows what you love, he knows who you love, he knows your favorite places to go, favorite things to do. He knows your favorite colors, music, TV shows, hobbies, friends.   Some people (usually the people who enabled this ghost to enter your life) would say he’s imaginary. He’s made up. He doesn’t exist. You’re crazy or sick. You’re looking for attention. You’re dwelling on things and you should just get over it.   If only … I wish he was imaginary and that I just made him up. I wish I was crazy sometimes because I surely feel like I am, then maybe there would be a simple solution to “cure” me.  And when I say he’s always there, I do truly mean always. You get up in the morning, he climbs onto your back like a coat. Not a cozy, warm, fashionable coat … we’re talking about a coat that doesn’t fit well, feels uncomfortable, it’s itchy and spiky, the sleeves are too long and too short, too hot and too cold all at the same time. As you go through your day the coat grows to cover your entire body, head to toe. You know it’s there, you can feel it, but since it’s a ghost coat nobody else can see it. To them you just look like you.   He has a fantastic memory and loves to show it off. Once in a while, if you happen to be having a particularly good day somehow, you can almost forget he’s there. You’re enjoying...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Abuse Bullying Domestic Violence PTSD Relationships & Love Trauma Women's Issues Abusive Relationships complex ptsd Domestic abuse Spousal Abuse Source Type: news