Hi Guys - Trauma History

[sarahvee]

Hi everybody,

I have symptoms of PTSD, and GAD, although I'm not diagnosed with PTSD. I wanted to find others who could relate to my PTSD symptoms. A little about my history: I've dealt with emotional abuse & emotional neglect growing up - I was a confidante to one parent and a target for another guardian. I started having anxiety when I was about 12, but didn't get treatment until I was 20. A few years ago, I had a really rough work experience, and its been hard getting back into everything since then. I've recently started a medication regimen that has helped greatly & am making a pointed effort to meet new people, explore my interests & move on with my life. However, I've found that when I go in this direction, even if the experience was good, I get triggered/overwhelmed and sometimes dissociative and panicked. I know this is part of the process, but wanted to find others who understand, since I don't know anyone else who has dealt with similar experiences. I've recently admitted that I can't do this alone. After 2 years, I've finally told my friends and a few family members the full story of what happened and what I've been dealing with (anxiety, mood swings, flashbacks).

I hope I can find additional support here, and use what I've gone through to help others. I look forward to getting to know you all.

Take Care

 

[Sazza]

Hi Sarahvee,

Welcome just want to say good on you for admitting you can't do this alone, all to often we ignore our needs and takes alot to admit that. I am sure you will find lots of support here and that you will be able to provide support to and relate to other members.

Its really good that you are trying to move forward, something lots of us here are trying to do it may be a rough road but we have to keep trying. Look forward to getting to know you.

Sazza

 

[Deaf Global Nomad]

Welcome to the forum, Sarahvee!

I can definitely relate to your PTSD symptoms. I have pretty much the same ones, also stemming from abuse. I experience flashbacks, dissociative episodes, and nightmares. I swing between seeking out people and being triggered by being around people. PTSD is quite complex.

I'm glad that you have been able to share your trauma history with us as well as with family members. Are you getting support from your family? Are you working with a good trauma therapist?

I hope you find as much support on the forum as I have. This place is great!

See you around...

 

[Froggie]

Welcome to the forum Sarahvee, you are in the right place additional support. There are great sections with articles which have greatly helped me. BTW, do you have professional support also ? With your PTSD + anxiety disorder, you have a hefty lot to deal with. This will be a great place to vent, and learn how to deal with your PTSD.

 

[sarahvee]

Thanks, Sazza

It was difficult to come to terms with, since I'm definitely more comfortable dealing with hard stuff on my own, but you have to keep trying! Thanks for the welcome

 

[sarahvee]

I know what you mean Deaf Global Nomad- sometimes I want to be around people and sometimes it's the last thing I want to do. My family is as supportive as they can be - they just have their own problems. My therapist isn't specifically a trauma therapist, but she knows about EDMR and has worked with a lot of women with trauma history, like sexual abuse, before. I like her a lot and she understands where I'm coming from. I'm glad this forum is so supportive! Sounds like I came to the right place :)

 

[sarahvee]

Thanks, Froggie. I do have professional support - I'm very fortunate that way. It's nice to talk with other people dealing with this stuff, though. A place to vent will definitely be a relief. Thanks for the welcome :)

 

[Deaf Global Nomad]

It sounds like you and your therapist are a good match. I am very happy for you on that one. The most important characteristic of a successful therapy technique is actually the therapeutic relationship (and not the type of technique used). So you seem to be exactly on the right track.

At the moment I feel ready to dig deep and work really hard on my symptoms. So I am very happy that I currently have a therapist who uses trauma-focused therapy, even though it is difficult and brings up quite the side effects. Now the timing for this is right.

Earlier I had a number of different psychologists or therapists. I felt comfortable with them and was slowly able to share more and more of my story. At that time it did not matter to me what kind of therapy the therapist preferred because I just needed someone to unconditionally listen and encourage me to share whatever was going through my mind. As long as they were at least somewhat flexible, it usually worked quite well.

Best of luck and keep us updated!

 

[Addy]

Welcome sarahvee... I'm a newbie to this site too. I'm still in the very early stages of working through the abuse I went thru as a kid, and it's hard. The depression and anxiety, flashbacks and alienation I feel can be overwhelming much of the time. I can only hope it will get better... good luck to you. You are not alone.

 

[Srain]

Welcome Sarahvee :)

I can relate to some of story and I have no doubt there are many who can. It's so important to have a strong support team and those that you can trust as you go through the process of recovery. I hope you are able to settle in here and find what you are looking for.

peace and healing,
Rain