To tell the 'G Rated' version or the 'R Rated' version of my story. . .

Hello Trauma Community,

I'm not sure if this is a topic that's been posted within the complex trauma/ PTSD forum previously, if so, I apologize for the redundancy. Forgive me if my words are informal as I've tried writing this out several times only to "Command + A" "Del" what all I had typed. So I was diagnosed with PTSD 3 years ago. I've had an amazing counselor that absolutely changed my life and has helped me overcome some of the most difficult aspects of living with PTSD. She's helped me to challenge myself and really commit to recovery.

And it's taken just about 3 years to be able to come to this point. Where I'm able to (somewhat comfortably) collect myself so that I'm able to open up and share my story, recalling the events of my trauma calmly and with out being overcome with emotion.

It's honestly been liberating to be able to talk about it with out falling to pieces. However I'm now faced with the dilema of wanting to be more open when sharing my story with those interested in hearing me out, but also being conscious of others and their comfort levels and sensibility. I've shared with a few close friends, and before sharing I started out with a disclaimer/ listener advisory notice and have an honest conversation about it because I know everyones comfort level is different. The last thing I'd want is to traumatize anyone with my trauma, ya know?

So I find myself conflicted, do I share the 'G Rated' version sugar coating events and omitting graphic parts or do I share my truth by sharing the 'R Rated' Version thats honest but graphic?

When I say graphic, I want to be clear, I'm choosing my words as to avoid comign across as vulgar or sensationalizing/ glorifying the graphic nature of events. As that would be wildly innapriopriate, in poor taste, and massively disrespectful.

I think it's a matter of trust in those i feel comfortable sharing with, friends, family, other trauma survivors. I wouldn't go with the 'R rating' in passing convo. I have a little more sense than that. . . but anyway, I just wanted to put that out there and see if anyone else had felt conflicted about how much they should share.

Thanks for reading.

-Linds