Undiagnosed I'm Unsure If I Have Ptsd, Help?

[miss_music]

Hi there,

So I'm struggling with depression at the moment, and I'm on citalopram (anti depressants). However I feel like they aren't working too well for me, and I realised after looking at symptoms online that I could have PTSD.

I lost both my mother and father at young ages, and had mostly a tough time as a young child. I struggle to think about certain aspects of my memories as I can't face them. There are parts which are completely blocked out from my memory, and my feelings are completely detached it seems. I always push them away. I also feel like I'll never feel like a complete person again, which makes me more depressed. Things have got worse over the years and I am now wondering if this could be the answer?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated,.thanks!

 

[arae]

It very well could be. I'm going to say what everyone would probably say- you need to address it with a professional. Traumatic experiences, especially as a child, often lead to PTSD. It is important though to not focus on the label- what's important is to seek help. The label is helpful with treatment, but I would let a professional diagnose. I'm new here and I have already found a lot of resources to help me- so browse around! If you need anyone to talk to please feel free to get in touch! I wish you the best!

 

[KP the nut]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Self diagnosis is never a good idea. Maybe you could talk to your doctor and ask to be referred. At the very least it may be helpful to talk to a therapist. I also take citalopram and it does take a little while. Maybe your doctor could increase your dose.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Welcome to the forum. :)

I agree that self diagnosis is not a good idea. It will make your journey a harder one.

Best wishes,

Ayesha

 

[Girl3]

Please go to a psychiatrist who is willing to talk with you about your issues. No one should diagnose themselves because we all tend to have biases.

 

[Footie freak]

Hi miss music.
I too am taking citalopram, and have already had the dose increased twice, along with weekly counselling sessions I am starting to make some progress.... Slow progress but it is still progress. I have been diagnosed with PTSD since 2005. As others have said, you really must seek professional help... Either your GP or a therapist would be able to discuss your symptoms and advise accordingly. Good luck

 

[Doolali]

Hi Miss Music,

Welcome to the forum! Sounds like you really want to help yourself, so keep working at it and as the others have suggested do find a professional to help you along you way.

This forum is certainly a good resource and you can gain a lot of insight and support from it regardless of your 'label'. I was diagnosed fairly recently with PTSD, but had come across this forum before that - lots of the threads struck a chord with me. Keep your chin up and make sure you do what makes you feel stronger and happier.

I wish you all the best and see you around on the forum! :)

 

[Albasoul]

I went through a very traumatic event as a child in my country, Kosovo. I lost my sister on my eyes and 4 years ago I diagnosed with GAD. Last 6-7 months I keep thinking of my sister, I miss her and I have grief for her. Yesterday I visited a very good psychiatrist and I told him all my past and he too thinks I have gad and not PTSD.

So, please, is very important speaking with a specialist, every self diagnose is a very BIG mistake. You can't never know what you really have as there are a lot of symptoms in common in anxieties.

My psychiatrist told me that a person can have GAD after a traumatic event and not PTSD. He also told me that going through a traumatic event and thinking sometimes of it doesn't necessary mean PTSD.

I was killing myself with self diagnoses and Googling on internet but I swear I will never do it anymore. It killed me for a time!

 

[WillyKat]

Welcome. You are among friends, no matter what the label is. I agree with other posters; we here are not qualified to diagnose you, and of course, you can't diagnose yourself. Find a good psychologist in your area that specializes in PTSD.

By the way, many therapists don't care much for diagnoses (though they may have to if you bill insurance). That's because each individual is so unique and often several different diagnoses may apply. Wait ten years, and maybe they will come up for a new term for PTSD.

George Carlin once talked about PTSD. He talked about how they used to call it "shell shock". Two syllables, easy to understand. Then "battle fatigue" ... four syllables, not quite so clear. Now its PTSD, eight syllables and nobody knows what it means, which may be why it's so hard to get help with it.

Anyhow, welcome to the forum!

 

[Whitneys story]

Miss Music, Welcome to the forum. Take your time learning your way around. Although no one but a therapist can diagnose you, there are many suffering the symptoms and emotions. You are not alone. Whitney