Undiagnosed Hi I'm new, PTSD might explain a lot with me

[jenkins]

Hi, I'm new. I have been on meds for depression and anxiety for many years but they do not help completely. I suspected I had PTSD so I recently took an online standardized test, possibly from NIMH. I got 20 out of 22. That shocked me, but it does explain a lot.

- Where can I get a summary of PTSD symptoms so I can determine my next step?
- I dislike going on meds, but I have to ask, are there meds for this?
- Going to a therapy for the long-term is not a great option for me as copays are high for me, about $30-50 each time, plus talking about my feelings has never helped me, though maybe that's a symptom of another problem?

I could really use some filling in of details from people who understand this. I understand many psychology terms, but never thought I had PTSD, as I never really looked into it. I had a lot of trauma in my childhood including being homeless and very hungry, getting mugged at knife point, etc. I just thought only military vets got PTSD. Apparently I was wrong. I'm sorry.

 

[HannaD]

Welcome! No need to apologize. I'm sorta new here too. If you check the navigation tool bar there is a section titled Articles that has a lot of useful information.
As far as medication goes I don't think there is one for ptsd specifically. I could be wrong here, it's been awhile since I looked into meds. Ptsd comprises of multiple symptoms such as anxiety and depression. The meds usually treat those symptoms individually.
I understand how therapy may not seem beneficial. It isn't a requirement to go to therapy and probably won't help without a goal in mind. Especially if talking about feelings doesn't help. Perhaps you could look into cognitive behavioral therapy, where you can learn more techniques for coping with anxiety and depression and then take it from there.

 

[EveHarrington]

Therapy is more than talking about your feelings.

 

[bellbird]

Hey @jenkins , welcome to the forums :)

- Where can I get a summary of PTSD symptoms so I can determine my next step?

You can find a summary of the PTSD symptoms in the DSM-5.

However, they shouldn't be used in self-diagnosis, so in terms of determining your next step, the best thing would be to book in with a doctor or psychiatrist specifically, in order to receive an official diagnosis (PTSD or otherwise) to direct subsequent treatment.

- I dislike going on meds, but I have to ask, are there meds for this?

A lot of different meds are used by people with PTSD to target and treat particular symptoms.

Some symptoms (e.g. flashbacks, dissociation) are much harder to treat through medicine. Others (e.g. nightmares, mood issues) may be easier.

I completely relate to not wanting to be on meds, but if you read around on the forum you'll find that they have been a crucial part of coping with symptoms for many of us here (myself included).

- Going to a therapy for the long-term is not a great option for me as copays are high for me, about $30-50 each time, plus talking about my feelings has never helped me, though maybe that's a symptom of another problem?

I also understand the cost issue with therapy.

Once you have a diagnosis, you might be able to access funding options for therapy.

I have no idea what those will be in your country of residence, but for me in New Zealand I'm very fortunate that insurance completely covers my cost of therapy.

There are also various disability funds that could potentially support you, too.

And as Eve said, therapy goes beyond just talking about your feelings, to encompass processing through particular modalities such as EMDR, which a lot of folks here have had great benefit from.

 

[RVA21]

Welcome to the forums Jenkins.