I identify with this, though I guess I’m “CIS” — which is odd, when I type it, because I’m not clear about what it means.

I know you put the definition there, and I get the concept… It is still an uncomfortable thing to type about myself.

Anyway. I wrote a letter to a former president once because he was on a kick about removing the ‘D’ from ‘PTSD.’ I find this short-sided. As if removing the word ‘disorder’ somehow ‘cures’ the stigma. And he wasn’t really connecting any dots for people — like the fact that PTSD actually is prevalent in the civilian community too — not just impactful among veterans.

My point in all of this is to say I think you are right. People — regardless of gender identity — who are disabled should help each other. Because you’re right — the way we are treated, unless we are very lucky, is like turning ourselves over to a perfect stranger to do with our bodies whatever they will.

The medications. Ugh. Everyone is unique in how their body metabolizes these things, so it really bugs me when a doctor suggests a medicine I already know doesn’t help.

In the first place they are doing this because they haven’t ‘cured me’ and that makes them uncomfortable. In the second place, my file clearly states it does not work for me. And last but most important, PTSD isn’t curable — I am in favor of removing the ‘D’ and replacing it with an ‘I’ — injury. Because that’s what it is… I digress.

I think this is really important and similar to the argument I made in that letter —

If you want to help remove stigma around mental illness, the most important point to get across is that it isn’t an “exclusive club” — anyone can have a “disorder” — therefore we should ALL care and try to help. I think you did that with this post.

So thank you.

H.