I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder for 10 years. I have actually been almost completely med free for about 2 years. Last fall, I began to have pseudoseizures and was also diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I was emotionally, verbally and physically abused as a child - and still have frequent contact with my abuser (my dad). They live close by, and I am also pregnant with my first - and will be my parents 1st grandchild. I have flashbacks. It is also extremely difficult to be around my family, because of the way they treat me. My father was physically abusive until I moved out at age 21 - but continues to be emotionally and verbally abusive at times. My family does not know that I have been diagnosed with PTSD, and that was causing my seizures, and that I will be starting trauma-abuse therapy in December. I feel that if I tell them, they will tell me that I am "making a mountain out of a molehill", and that "why would you tell anyone that private information?" I feel more ashamed about the PTSD diagnosis than the bipolar diagnosis - and I should not feel ashamed about either one! They make me feel like I'm playing the victim, or I should just "get over it". My dad even told my sister when I began having seizures that "sometimes she just does that stuff for attention." I was shocked, and thought it was my fault! How do I address the PTSD diagnosis and treatment with my family without getting blamed, or "playing the victim card"?

You are an adult, correct... not to be condescending, but what business is it of theirs that you are trying to work through your problems and be trauma free?

This is something that you need to do for you and for your unborn child, not for them. It is none of their business. If you let it be their business, you will remain the victim.

If your family (and more importantly your abuser) refuses to acknowledge the damage that has been done and is still being done, then I'm not sure how you are going to have a meaningful relationship with them. If you tell them about your PTSD, your father will almost certainly play the blame card. I used to have a friend in a very similar situation, and I have seen how damaging this is on people.

Your feelings of shame are a common situation from others in your situation. I hate to suggest distancing yourself from them, but you may want to consider it as an option. If they are going to refuse to be part of the solution, then your recovery is going to be much more difficult.