Hi And Hello

[Stefania]

Hi my name is Stefania and I have complex PTSD.
I was misdiagnosed with bipolar 14 years ago when I was 15, and just recently had a doctor that was willing to listen to me, and agree that something didn't fit with a bipolar diagnosis. Like many others here I was stamped with a 'diagnosis' and have been treating that for 15 years and not getting to the root sorce of my issues with my childhood abuse.
- I dont get manic
- I dissociate ALOT
- I am mainly triggered by fights with boyfriends
- I seem to "seek out" abusive men
- One negative comment can have me reeling for days with a bombardment of negative self talk
- I was serverly abused as a child for many years
I have been reading a lot of books on childhood sexual abuse and physical abuse recovery and my story fit almost exact to surviros stories and their trials with relationships as adults.
Does anyone have similar stories. Any support is appreciated.
- Stefania

 

[Anglesachse]

Hi stefania and welcome. I`ve only been here a day or two myself, but there are certainly people here who are nice and willing to help

Hope you get on well.

Anglesachse:)

 

[smooch]

Hi Stefania

I have similar problems as I was abused by my father and exhusband. My Dr says she isn't sure I'm bipolar or not because it can mimic PSTD. I'm new here too welcome.

 

[Sandra]

Welcome to the board. Take your time and read some of the posts. Hopefully they will help you.

 

[jo may]

Hi and welcome:)

 

[Kb3]

Hi Stefania,

I also have been misdiagnosed bipolar II and have had that dx in my files for 11 years. I am just now getting the right treatment for my cptsd by an excellent trauma therapist.

I have not been formally diagnosed with PTSD by a psychiatrist because I have not found one who is willing to look past the bipolar dx. I no longer find it important. Psychiatrists have been more trouble than they were worth for me, and as long as I can get my sleep medication from my GP, I don't bother with them anymore.

Welcome to the forum and feel free to PM me if you would like to discuss any aspect of your misdiagnosis. I have found the passage of time, therapy and forums such as this to be very helpful in easing the feelings of loss that I experienced from being very overmedicated for a long period of time.

 

[PTSD sufferer]

Hi Stefania,

Welcome to the forum. You will find much support and information here. I am sorry to hear that you have had the rough end of the stick with miss-diagnosis, but I am glad to hear that they are now looking at a different diagnosis to try to help you get well. I think that T have to look, and rule out, other illnesses.

There are some similarities between various mental illnesses (Bipolar and Psychosis for example) and PTSD. I was originally diagnosed with PTSD, but there has been various questions along the way as to whether there is something else at play. Which like you have not 'fit' neatly with my symptoms. I would be lying if I said mood wasn't one of them. My illness affects my mood and my mood affects my illness....the joys of the journey :p

My Ts have been a huge help and I'm glad to have their support. I hope that you have the same support and that life becomes brighter for you, regardless of the diagnosis.