People asking what happened to cause PTSD?

[unsurehowtorespond]

I’m in minor injuries waiting to see a doctor after fainting in Boots earlier … I explained to the nurse assessing me that I have PTSD (as it’s part of my medical history). I’m also autistic, so go to pieces in a lot of social situations .

She asked - very kindly - what happened to me to cause PTSD, and I ended up telling her that my colleague seriously assaulted me a few years ago.

She was very kind and I think she came from a place of wanting to help , but I struggled to know what to say, I don’t want to have to remember the details, and it’s not the first time I’ve been asked (my GP was a bit more forthright in questioning and asking for exact details almost as if she didn’t quite believe what I was telling her) .

Is there a good sort of quick phrase I can use to shut that sort of question down? I feel a bit rude saying, I don’t want to discuss it in detail, especially when people are being kind?

I'm a HCP and would never ask the cause - I would just be extra nice to you to make sure you're ok in the current situation.

‘That’s not something I feel comfortable discussing.’

You don’t owe anyone an explanation. I carry enough baggage to max out a weight restriction and I’ve learnt the hard way that it’s easier just not to explain! You don’t owe anyone anything, more often than not they’re just nosy!

Thanks

I’m in a cubicle now, told it’s a further three hour wait to see a doctor . Wishing I had just gone home but they said better to get checked out even if it is just panic . Oddly enough they wanted me to stick on a gown too .

Will definitely get that passport done that could be hugely helpful in future .

Hope you’re feeling better and have some answers.
I think as you had mentioned to them you had PTSD I think it was okay for them to ask, as they would want to make sure nothing they did would trigger it, so I think it was a genuine question to help you medically rather than just asking for it.
So having some stock answers like suggested sounds a good idea.

Just to update; saw my GP today and I’ve been referred for trauma informed therapy and to community mental health team; thankfully the doctor didn’t ask for full details. Will definitely do a hospital passport for future appointments . Also been given a hefty dose of beta blockers to try and block panic attacks, fingers crossed as I’m exhausted with them . Thanks so so much for the advice on here, it’s helped hugely

I glad you getting some support from your dr etc op, hope you feel better soon