Sufferer C-PTSD After Early Brain Injury and Childhood Abuse: Where to Find Help

I am a 74 year old man who suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) at the age of 5 back when little was known about adolescent brain trauma and had a father who thought the cure to my sudden change in behavior was physical abuse which lasted until my 6th grade teacher discovered my bruised and bloody bottom and threatened to notify the authorities. The physical abuse stopped but it was replaced with emotional/mental/spiritual abuse which ultimately resulted in me suffering for more than 6 decades from emotional and mental trauma and underdevelopment resulting in a diagnosis of C-PTSD. Is there a subcategory here that addresses this combination of physical and psychological trauma or does anyone know if such support groups exist? Thanks.

Hi Stanley, severe trauma is severe trauma. Everything of the severity to cause PTSD, much of a muchness. Our experiences are unique, the trauma and its consequences are not. Welcome to the community.

Welcome, I relate. I am 70. I had a lot of childhood trauma and thought I was fine. 4 years ago I had a bad concussion from a fall. I also have a degenerative brain condition. I also discovered I was on the receiving end of 28 years of covert narcissistic abuse. The final straw to my perfect storm of confusion is that I pretty surely autistic. I just had the evaluation and from the test scores and the interview questions and answers there is little doubt. So I’m in the same boat. I have no idea what to do with my life or even the direction to head. My main goal right now is to calm my vet exhausted nervous system. After that, who knows.

Physical and other types of abuse are often combined. Sadly, I think you will find many people here that share that experience. You will also find plenty of older folks here. This is a good group and you can often learn a lot. It's important to remember that mixed in with stories and advice that may not apply to you, there's real gems of wisdom. Take what helps and leave the rest.