Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is rarely discussed in public forums, even though healthy connection to others is an integral part of healing. This is a peer support community for those who have undergone prolonged trauma and came out the other side alive and kicking, but with wounds that need tending. This is also a place for friends and family of the victims to come for support.
TLDR: I did not make my imaginary friend (at least consciously), he came to me when I was around 3. And he's basically my invisible guardian through stressful situations and daily stuff. I'm trying to figure out if he is part of the imaginary friends association or is he a ghost cuz he ain't of the human form and he popped out of nowhere. I still love him either way.
My Rambling Version:
Personally, I never made him. He was just there when I was around three years old till six, and I could clearly hear his gentle bass voice, I can see him, and I can feel how cold he is. And he was there through trauma to daily life. He would only talk when I need it the most and stay silent guarding me through the rest. He didn't look human but his presence was more comforting than any human.
And I thought imaginary friends just pop out randomly into existence till my sibling looked at me weirdly and said the opposite. "All children know they're just pretend friends. That they made them up."
Hm..... this is why we don't open up and research first, I guess. :DDDD
Maybe this should be in a horror sub or something but I believe there's a scientific explanation, and he appeared because I needed someone to protect and advise me through the trauma beginnings. What do you guys think? Are imaginary friends a form of dissociation? Because he would always be holding me when I float off my body like he's teaching me how to do it. He would also tell me what to say or do when I'm panicking/frozen.
Sort by:
Best
Open comment sort options
Best
Top
New
Controversial
Old
Q&A
Comment deleted by user
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It means a lot to know I'm not going crazy with this experience. Except for the one in the post, all of my other imaginary friends didn't have a form either and one of them aged with me as well.
I hope proper terminology comes soon for us.
Hello and Welcome to r/CPTSD! If you are in immediate danger or crisis, please contact your local emergency services, or use our list of crisis resources. For CPTSD Specific Resources & Support, check out the wiki. For those posting or replying, please view the etiquette guidelines.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.