Undiagnosed I'm new and I'm unsure about what is going on in my head

[KarjoTheCat]

Hi Everyone,
I'm not sure if I have PTSD or not and I'm not sure what to do about it. When I was around 19-20 I used a lot of substances because I wanted to escape reality including hard drugs. During this time I overdosed and experienced psychosis which lasted roughly 2 weeks. It took a long time for me to feel somewhat normal after that had happened. It's been somewhere between 2 and 3 years after that happened and I still experience these events which sort of feel like flashbacks. I am aware of my surroundings and I can still function but it's like it takes over my mind and I do kind of feel like I'm in that state again. There is also a different type of thing I feel sometimes, I become extremely aware of my surroundings, almost as if I was in a fight or flight response to a situation. I feel my heartbeat increase, breathing increases, and I feel like I'm in danger. Does anyone know if what I am experiencing is PTSD or is it something else? And does anyone know what I can do to help myself with what I am experiencing?

 

[Gs172003]

Hi Everyone,
I'm not sure if I have PTSD or not and I'm not sure what to do about it. When I was around 19-20 I used a lot of substances because I wanted to escape reality including hard drugs. During this time I overdosed and experienced psychosis which lasted roughly 2 weeks. It took a long time for me to feel somewhat normal after that had happened. It's been somewhere between 2 and 3 years after that happened and I still experience these events which sort of feel like flashbacks. I am aware of my surroundings and I can still function but it's like it takes over my mind and I do kind of feel like I'm in that state again. There is also a different type of thing I feel sometimes, I become extremely aware of my surroundings, almost as if I was in a fight or flight response to a situation. I feel my heartbeat increase, breathing increases, and I feel like I'm in danger. Does anyone know if what I am experiencing is PTSD or is it something else? And does anyone know what I can do to help myself with what I am experiencing?

You can't get PTSD from drug use. Have you seen a doctor about your symptoms?

 

[KarjoTheCat]

You can't get PTSD from drug use. Have you seen a doctor about your symptoms?

That's a relief. I've been a bit nervous to see a doctor, I'm worried about telling a complete stranger about what happened to me. But I think you're right I should probably get professional help.

 

[Gs172003]

That's a relief. I've been a bit nervous to see a doctor, I'm worried about telling a complete stranger about what happened to me. But I think you're right I should probably get professional help.

It'll help. Good luck!