u/PocketGoblix

So I’ve seen a lot of people online/in real life hate on Gen Z for constantly having “Victim mentalities” where they constantly find reasons why they’re a victim of something.

I feel like this naturally ties into faking disorders, as this is the “ultimate” way to gain a victim status.

However, I find this disdain for victims (real or imagined) is a slippery slope, and I find myself ashamed of my own “victim” aspects of my life.

For context/example I’m a 20 (F) with PTSD, due to being a “victim” of abuse. Despite this I have been able to work a job, go to nursing school, volunteer in my community, and otherwise be productive through hobbies and whatnot.

I think a lot of the disdain of fake victims stems from judgement of people using their trauma/diagnoses as an “excuse” of why they cant work/improve their lives.

It’s agreed that most people with disabilities or trauma are able to live fulfilling lives, but we still gauge the “severity” of a person’s suffering based on how much they contribute to society.

If I were to suddenly be unable to work or drop out of nursing school due to some kind of mental health complication, I would absolutely be accused of having a “victim mentality” and that has always haunted me.

I feel a pressure to constantly be as productive as possible. At the same time, this may be a positive force, as my life is genuinely better due to this “pressure.”

Any thoughts on this are very welcome! I find this topic interesting.

So I’m a 20 (F) and have been feeling weirdly bothered by how touch-averse I am. While I was getting pills from the medicine cabinet, my younger sister came close to me (not touching) and I immediately said “Get away from me.” I felt horrifically uncomfortable and disgusted.

This isn’t the first time this has happened, and my family always remarks how it’s weird. I’m a very kind person and not defensive at all, but whenever someone gets close like that I am filled with disgust.

Growing up I would always hug people with as little of my body touching them as possible, and any time someone touches me at work/public it stays on my mind for hours.

Whenever im in public/work and someone stands too close to me, i will literally take steps backward to get away from them. This has caused awkward social interactions, because they notice and feel embarrassed.

It’s not a virgin/inexperienced thing either, because I’ve dated lots of people, and I still feel disgusted and weird. I’ll initiate touch, but feel stiff and awkward because I literally tense up so bad.

I was never sexually assaulted as a child or hit or anything. I was spanked growing up, but that’s about it. My PTSD stems from emotional/verbal abuse (diagnosed).

It’s not that I think people are gross or trying to hurt me. I don’t understand why I feel the way that I do.