by desib77 18 Replies latest jw friends
I'm just wondering what everyone's thoughts on this are. Do you feel that it is possible to obsess about the past (in particular about history as a JW) to the point that it hinders you from living a full life? If you think this is possible, how do you know when the past is taking over? Do you feel that going over topics such as those that are discussed on this board are helpful or harmful to you? ( I know this may have been discussed in the past)
Desi
I know I do. I just start thinking about things, like going door to door. I remember one time my daughter got cussed at when she was 4 because she was trying to leave a tract with an ol grouchy woman. I tore my heart to pieces, and I consider it child abuse on my part for having put her in that situation.
As far as threads, I find them helpful, and reminders of why i left the cult in the first place.
I believe one can obsess too much on the past, although for me, it only seems to happen when i'm going through a hard time. Reading and posting here though has been an extremely enjoyable experience though because I feel like I'm not alone and its fun to just get that past life stuff out and leave it here. Every day I become more and more just a regular member of society.
Maybe off topic but :
As whyNow2000 told me a few days ago ... as Ex JWs we have to realised that the past have been our friend finally cause we left and are free now (End of the experience * ... go futher)
(*) We could be still IN ! or about to get IN !
OBSESS YOU BET!
? CLOSURE ?
PAN AM FLIGHT 103
DOWNED BY TERRORIST 1988
Why they can't,"..JUST FORGET ABOUT IT"
SOUL RAPE OF MY FAMILY:
Why I can't, "..JUST FORGET ABOUT IT"
"CLOSURE", is a phrase for people who probably have never been through a horrific tragedy..When you have losses that are permanent..It's forever!
WE ARE THE INCONSOLABLE
It is not being ,'retro' for us to demand justice, ( proverbs 6 : 33-35 ) There can be NO appeasement,for vicious atrocities .
259 souls of loved ones perished in the murderous actions of global terrorist that downed that doomed airliner..Family members who lost even a single loved one, did not rest until a measure of justice and retribution was achieved..
HELLO !..I LOST MY ENTIRE FAMILY
They are being held hostage (cocooned) by the Jehovah's Witness cult..
There is a time honored taboo..In a fair fight,you don't assail and assault your opponent's kin..Family's are off limits..You don't,'hit below the belt'.
Like the,next of kin, of the victims of terrorist..I am positioned front and center , to seek retribution and justice..
NO REST FOR THE WICKED
This is my motto for those obsessive moments:
Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And today is a gift. That's why it's called 'the present'. (Loretta LaRoche)
Well said Blondie !
That is a very nice quote, Blondie.
Desi
One part of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is an obseeive preoccupation called ruminative thinking about the traumatic experience.
Some of the other symptoms are:
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
from
Trauma and Recovery by Judith Lewis Herman
Some researchers and therapists have made a distinction between simple PTSD (derived from a one-time or situational trauma) and severe PTSD (derived from "prolonged, repeated trauma" as experienced by survivors of childhood abuse. Herman has defined the expanded concept of PTSD.
1. A history of subjection to totalitarian control over a prolonged period (months to years). Examples include hostages, prisoners of war, concentration camp survivors, and survivors of some religious cults. Examples also include those subjected to totalitarian systems in sexual and domestic life, including survivors of domestic battering, childhood physical abuse, and other organized sexual exploitation.
2. Alterations in affect regulation, including
Understanding the impact of our experience can help us to realize what we have been through was traumatic and our reactions are the normal reactions to it.
It can interfere with our daily lives and that would be a good indication that we need to seek out some professional help.
People will also go through stages of reactions, at times handling it better than other times.
For most people the opportunity to debrief, share their experiences and get support is essential to real recovery and the cessation of the CPTSD symptoms. Even when most symptoms have subsided new issues can be triggered that many or may not require professional help.
One warning however. If a person finds that reading the forum too much becomes overwhelming it would be essential to take a break and do something else (develop a new interest or hobby, take a walk, etc.)
6. Alterations in relations with others, including
- isolation and withdrawal
- disruption in intimate relationships
- repeated search for rescuer (may alternate with isolation and withdrawal)
- persistent distrust
- repeated failures or self-protection
Wow!
