I Did It!

[Inwardly_Broken]

So, I finally did it! I went and saw a shrink. I went to get an evaluation and diagnosis only. The outcome is that that I have pretty severe PTSD with OCD tendencies. I knew I had these things but it's weird to officially be diagnosed with it. I am going to start meeting with a therapist on my campus. One thing I forgot to do is ask about medication(s). So, I think I am going to email the shrink and look into it. Anyways, when yall were first diagnosed with PTSD what were yall's feelings towards it? I'm relieved but at the same time I feel like I am placed into another box that is leaving me exposed, vulnerable, ashamed, labeled, etc. I'm hoping I'm not the only one that feels/felt that way after officially getting diagnosed.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Congrats on taking this important step!

I was relieved after 15+ years of an incorrect diagnosis. I didn't fight it as it gave me a reason for the madness, along with a better prognosis. I was labeled as bipolar before, and that is a disorder you have for life and most doctors want you medicated. Not so with PTSD as I can heal (although not be cured).

 

[Inwardly_Broken]

I know everyone has their own journey to healing, but how long have you been in the process? I am a person who likes to see results right away. I know that is not the case with overcoming PTSD, it takes time and lots of it. I just hope I have the patience to work through it. I am hardheaded and determined (to a fault) so healing could come naturally but I am also one to shove everything down and ignore it when the going gets tough. I'm pretty sure this is going to be a long and bumpy road :/

 

[Saule]

Congrats to you for taking that next step! :) As you said yourself, everyone's healing journey is different and sometimes it might feel you're going backwards rather than forwards (you're not though, it just feels this way... we're always going forward in some way or other). It sounds like you have a lot of personal qualities that have helped you so far and will continue to help you to heal.

It was a real relief to get the diagnosis of PTSD. It helped me realise that yes, this affected me and it wasn't ok. I feel like I've spent over a decade wading around in this depressed, anxious, traumatised chaos that is now finally starting to make sense.

The most helpful thing for me lately has been to acknowledge the progress I have made, my strength and resilience. We've all gone through a lot and still we keep trying. It can be hard to see this (I certainly do) but it's true.

Many well wishes.

 

[LisawithPTSD]

I found the diagnosis to be both a relief and scary as well. I was first diagnosed 16 years ago and ignored it, pushed it down. I didn't understand it, thought it would go away on its own. Now I'm worse--to the point where its difficult to work sometimes, and certainly difficult to not have anxiety attacks and flashbacks in public. I wish I had taken it seriously years ago. This is your chance to deal with it. Take it. The sooner, the more seriously, the better.

 

[Inwardly_Broken]

I am currently in my 5th (and final) year of college and there is a therapist on campus that focuses mainly on sexual abuse (which is where my PTSD comes from). I met with her every once in a while last semester and decided that I needed to meet with her weekly this year.

In order to meet with her I needed to be diagnosed with something. She thought I had an anxiety disorder but being a Psychology major myself, I always thought I related with PTSD way too well. Sure enough, I was right.

So, in saying all of this... I am taking the next step and will continue meeting with a therapist. I realize that I do need help, even though I am not a fan of counseling, I am sucking it up and going on with it and I will take it seriously. I need to get better.