Dom Violence 9 years of dv now have ptsd

[Fluoroblack]

Hi, just wondering if there's anyone my age here I'm 24, just looking for support and tips on how to cope with PTSD after domestic violence, I'm having a real hard time with the flashbacks and not being able to relax

 

[Sweetleaf]

I just turned 29 last week, and I have PTSD from domestic violence and sexual assault that lasted roughly 3.5 years. You're not alone in having to get through this. I'm having a pretty tough time lately, myself.

Are you seeing a therapist or anything like that? A psychiatrist? Personally, medications were able to help me a lot in regards to "relaxing" and by that I mean this: not being in panic mode 24/7. I'm in therapy but I'm unsure if this type of therapy is the right one for me, because it seems like I might be too distressed by my trauma to do EMDR. Still, better than doing nothing, and my therapist has hooked me up with a whole lot of resources, including the person I get my psych meds from. I'm also in a trauma-sensitive yoga group and I feel like it's been really helpful.

Seek out support groups and things like that. There are a lot of resources for people who have been victims of domestic violence.

 

[Kimberly D.]

Hi, just wondering if there's anyone my age here I'm 24, just looking for support and tips on how to cope with PTS...

I am not 24 now, but when I got out of an abusive relationship...I was almost 22. I had PTSD afterwards and went into counseling. Counseling alone did not really help me. But then, I began seeing another counselor who told me about EMDR. After the EMDR, my PTSD completely went away. It was pretty amazing. If you are able to, look into this.
I wish you all the best! I'm here if you have any questions or just need someone to listen (read ):)

 

[littleoc]

I'm currently 23 (I think...?) but my CPTSD is related mostly to a kidnapping that lasted about a year, living with my psychopathic father, neglect, and other technically-unrelated events. I did just get out of a relationship that was abusive, but I'm honestly not sure it would be considered a "normal" situation that I could find others who suffered with it. Unless your ex had you make up a world for them and prove over and over it was real, with death and suicide threats. *shrug* I honestly hope my ex gets better.

I AM the same age as you, sort of (at least close enough) and I understand what it's like to grow up with PTSD. I was diagnosed with PTSD at age 13. I know of at least a couple of other people who are the same age. If that's helpful at all :)

As for relaxing, that will take some practice. Start with mindful meditation, maybe -- have hard candies around, and use them to ground yourself. Try eating one when stressed, and focus with words in your mind on the flavors (try picking them out!), texture, temperature, structure, shape, all the hard or sharp parts, the urge to chew if you have one, etc. Do it a few times when you aren't as stressed. It will help you ground. I have occasionally used cold showers -- science has shown that your brain will react to cold water in such a way that you will get a "reset" of emotions (I can try to explain that if you're curious) which can help you relax. Try reading a book, or try watching a movie you've already seen before.

After you get yourself calm enough, reflect on how you reacted and what was triggering it, if/when you're ready. This can help you react less the next times, eventually.

Your psychiatrist may help you with medications.

Keep in mind that while you were going through that massive stress, you learned that danger was everywhere that had been safe before. Your reactions are normal and so is your stress. Luckily the cause of your stress won't be around while you're trying to relax. Say things like, "I'm safe, right here and right now," to yourself. It can help.

I hope that helps :)

 

[lostnconfused]

Hi. I'm a little older than you, but I hope you don't mind me offering advice on how I somehow managed to get through the pain of PTSD. I had it very badly at your age, but I couldn't afford afford a therapist (and I'd already tried asking other adults for help and they weren't interested in helping me,) so what helped me, somehow, was allowing myself to cry; reading therapists' online articles with advice, along with official, websites that offered tips for abuse survivors; and trying to work on my hobbies. I just kept doing all of these things, and, although it took several years, I suddenly discovered that my symptoms had lessened: I wasn't having a lot of nightmares, suicidal thoughts, crying a lot, and feeling extremely depressed, anymore.

I hope that helps.

I forgot to mention that I came across a therapist who says they direct their clients to certain articles pertaining to how to recognize and stay away from abusers, narcissists, etc. So, it turned out I was following what some therapists recommend their clients do to help them heal from PTSD, abuse, etc.

 

[Fluoroblack]

Thanks for the replies guys,
I'm currently in a mental hospital whilst keeping my place in DV refuge at the moment hoping to get help for my severe PTSD or cptsd, I have a psychiatrist and a psychologist now and I'm beginning the journey to recovery.
How long did it take to recover for you guys? Minus people who already answered that.

Also could you please explain the cold shower thing to me?

 

[littleoc]

How long it'll take to heal? It's entirely personal. It will take some hard work and determination, and then you'll have a better idea of how long you'll take to heal. You'll run into pitfalls and unexpected challenges, but a little bit of hope and some good goals will help.

Also could you please explain the cold shower thing to me?

Here, this link seems to have info! And it may be more trustworthy than me ;)

Good luck. I wish you the best, and I'm glad you're safe. Remember, one thing at a time :)