Obviously, I am not asking for a diagnosis. That can only be done by a professional. However, I don't know much about PTSD and was wondering if any of you who have experience with it can shine some light on my situation.
I went to several public schools for middle school and high school. Some of them were located in very bad places. During middle school and high school, I was harassed and this harassment often erupted in violence. The violence was constant enough for me to have to carry weapons. Some of the violence could have permanently maimed me or worse. Without getting too detailed, the violence was severe enough for school officials to have me transferred to other schools. At some schools, I was actually fearing for my life on a daily basis.
I seemed to be doing OK after high school ended. I have never liked crowds, large, open spaces or hanging out with people I don't know, but I managed when those scenarios arose. After college, however, I've suddenly taken a turn. I have nightmares about having to go back to high school and suffer through all that violence again. About a year ago, I had a panic attack because I was in an open space that had a bunch of people in it. There is a small threat of violence now figuring into my life again. Because of this threat, I stay inside as much as I can. I feel like I won't be able to handle it.
Does this sound like PTSD to you? It really doesn't make sense to me, because I thought PTSD only happens right after an incident. This seems to be showing up prominently years after the incidents occured.
Thanks.
I went to several public schools for middle school and high school. Some of them were located in very bad places. During middle school and high school, I was harassed and this harassment often erupted in violence. The violence was constant enough for me to have to carry weapons. Some of the violence could have permanently maimed me or worse. Without getting too detailed, the violence was severe enough for school officials to have me transferred to other schools. At some schools, I was actually fearing for my life on a daily basis.
I seemed to be doing OK after high school ended. I have never liked crowds, large, open spaces or hanging out with people I don't know, but I managed when those scenarios arose. After college, however, I've suddenly taken a turn. I have nightmares about having to go back to high school and suffer through all that violence again. About a year ago, I had a panic attack because I was in an open space that had a bunch of people in it. There is a small threat of violence now figuring into my life again. Because of this threat, I stay inside as much as I can. I feel like I won't be able to handle it.
Does this sound like PTSD to you? It really doesn't make sense to me, because I thought PTSD only happens right after an incident. This seems to be showing up prominently years after the incidents occured.
Thanks.
