To fake a physical illness as a cover for mental one?

[WishfulPass]

Friends birthday party tomorrow night promised I’d go it’s his 30th but I’ve been recently diagnosed with ptsd and this weeks been a nightmare spend most of the week in tears. My friend is lovely but he doesn’t know my diagnosis, I really cannot face spending the night with his friends that I don’t really know that well when I’m so shaky and fragile but I feel guilty missing his party. Wibu to say I have a sickness bug or something? I feel so anxious about it all

YANBU, look after yourself

Yanbu. Just say d&v bug. Nobody wants that!

Say whatever makes you feel comfortable. You’re not obligated in any way to tell anyone anything. Get well soon. 💐

Not at all. I think just about everyone with a mental illness has had that stomach bug.

Take care of yourself first.

Do whatever makes you feel comfortable, definitely.

Thank you all for being understanding that’s helpful. Part of me thinks I’m being selfish and I should just go as it’s his ‘big’ birthday but another of me just knows this is just not manageable right now. I honestly cannot face it so yes I think I need to just give myself a break on this one.

YANBU

I’m all for honesty about mh issues, but sometimes you have to put yourself first and protect yourself. It’s a small lie in the grand scheme of things that doesn’t hurt anyone

Be kind to yourself OP

You are not selfish at all. Definitely give yourself a guilt free break. Order yourself some food have your own party and be kind to yourself.

Just go , urgh fake illness

Wtf Nopuns

Op, say whatever you’re most comfortable with. Be kind to yourself and take care

As someone with PTSD that’s needed a stay as an inpt YANBU I couldn’t face socialising

You are being triuthful enough (you cannot go because of illness), just not giving the whole truth (an accurate description of this illness).

You may wish to confide in this friend in the future, so I think the illness cover storyline wouid serve you well right now and leave options open.

I hope you have found the interventions and support you need, and that things improve for you.

I recently had some time off work with MH issues. I told everyone I had a viral thing as it was easier for me than going into the full story. I also avoided a couple of social occasions because I didn’t have the energy to put the mask on and act like I was fine.

My therapist suggested the idea of permissive selfishness - allow yourself to make decisions that will benefit you and don’t carry guilt over resulting lack of benefit to others.

I’d suggest either honey & lemon for that awful sore throat you have, or lots of fluids for the D&V

Absolutely YANBU. Your health is way more important than a social obligation. And you don't need to explain if you don't want to. A simple I've been feeling unwell will suffice. Or the stomach bug if you need to add some detail. Please do find a friend or friends to confide in. I had a mental health issue earlier this year and all my friends rallied around and were incredibly supportive. I'm sure it was key in limiting the severity and duration of my experience.

Totally acceptable. You need to be compassionate with yourself and allow yourself to not do things. I have just come out the other side of ptsd and it has been very difficult to get here. Go easy on yourself.

Thanks both I have got two lovely close friends that I’ve been able to speak they’ve been supportive.
I just hope the guilty feeling goes I feel crap for letting friend down tonight.
sunny what kind of help did you get I’m waiting for cbt but very long list I’m thinking of trying hypnosis to help with the flashbacks and sleep.