https://www.ptsdforum.org/c/threads/how-to-know-it-is-their-ptsd-or-just-using-it-as-an-excuse.24504/ Quote from this website link…
“No matter what the Diagnosis, personal responsibility still comes into play.
I have been completely Dissociative, Depersonalized, and at times in psychotic state but in the end I take responsibility – not for what brought these things on but should these things cause harm through me to others. It’s not a free ride to behave badly, ever.
This means I owe apologies, need to continue to seek help where and when I can, and try to do what I can to get better. At the same time, I’m not responsible if those around choose not to understand or take care of themselves.”
“Personal responsibility” is always a good rule to follow for most mistakes we make as humans. No one is perfect, right? Even those around us who care the most lose patience with us often for many incidents in normal day to day living. You don’t have to have a mental health diagnosis, which is highly advertised like PTSD, for others to think of it as a excuse. The “path of least resistance” for most is a normal reaction. We easily reduce a diagnosed mental health issue or any typical human annoyance, including having an adult tantrum, to very simple terms by using “excuse.” It is easy…requiring little or no thought or analysis, and a quick response of, “PTSD is just an excuse.”
I have learned a 1000 times over that mitigation of PTSD symptoms is the best course of action, and taking responsibility when there is a misstep comes automatically. Apologies make a huge difference. Your loved ones and friends will become your strongest support system when you take responsibility. When they hear the apology and when you continue to take steps to get better; and especially show improvement, your loved ones will be with you all the way. A high level of awareness and education regarding the symptoms of PTSD and moral injury will go along way to create an atmosphere of personal responsibility by everyone in your circle of loving support…
Steve Sparks
Author
Reconciliation: A Son’s Story
