I Have So Many Questions About PTSD

[ineedarecess]

I've been reading around in the forums for a little while now, and I have a few questions. I'm new to the concept of PTSD.

I have been having flashbacks and nightmares on a consistent basis. Even though I act "normal" in every day life, and my friends and family are unaware that I have a problem, I feel like I've really been losing control on the inside. It's hard because I don't know how to explain what's happening. I get mad at myself frequently because I feel like I should be able to get over it on my own. I don't know how to explain to anyone without sounding weak and insane.

I told my boyfriend a few weeks ago about my panic attacks and nightmares and sleepless nights full of irrational fears. I really thought that he would think I was crazy. Now I feel like I should be able to talk more openly with him about it...but him knowing has actually made me feel more uncomfortable talking to him.

I guess my questions are....are these feelings normal? And does PTSD ever go away? Do you know of any good books or anything that are helpful?

Thanks so much. Hope this all made sense.

-Emily

 

[anthony]

Hi Emily,

It's hard because I don't know how to explain what's happening. I get mad at myself frequently because I feel like I should be able to get over it on my own. I don't know how to explain to anyone without sounding weak and insane.

All perfectly normal for having PTSD. You literally feel as though you are losing control of your mind and body... because you kind off are in a way. That is one aspect of PTSD.

I really thought that he would think I was crazy. Now I feel like I should be able to talk more openly with him about it...but him knowing has actually made me feel more uncomfortable talking to him.

Now... be careful here please. You said you spoke with him about it, but you are now saying that you actually are having the response you thought or perceived to get from him. What was the response you got from him? If he is there to support you, then you are the one pulling away from him from what you are stating above. Be careful with that one...

And does PTSD ever go away? Do you know of any good books or anything that are helpful?

All normal thus far. PTSD is medically incurable to date; once you have it, it is with you for life. Now don't take that the wrong way... because it can be treated, it just won't ever fully go away. Each persons symptoms will be different based on individual aspects, trauma, duration, etc. PTSD itself however is incurable, as it is a physiological change within the brain that cannot be reversed to date. It can be treated and managed, just not cured.

There are a range of helpful books in the resource section of this site. Left side menu, PTSD Resources, books category. Lots of links to quality books to help those with PTSD and surrounding PTSD. This list is certainly not exclusive and exists as a good place to start without confusing the shit out of people more than they usually already are.

 

[ineedarecess]

He reacted better than I ever could have imagined...he was caring and kind and understanding. He was at a loss for words, and I know that he wishes he could help me. Let me try to explain...I guess that because I feel crazy, I feel like he should think I'm crazy, too. I'm trying really hard to keep talking to him about it.

Thank you for your help. I have kind of a personal question, but you don't have to answer if you don't want to...are you a sufferer? Has it gotten better for you?

It's nice to come on here and get some hope.

Thanks again.

 

[anthony]

Yes, I am a sufferer and yes I am much better nowadays than what I used to be five years ago.

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