Sufferer Is it normal not to know what to do?

[bsmiles123]

My name is Brooke. Hope I can help others and get some help in this community.

I was diagnosed with PTSD yesterday, but was diagnosed with bulimia, anxiety, depression, and OCD as a teen. Both my parents have PTSD, along with a sister who has OCD.

Needless to say, when my therapist said all of my lesser diagnosis plus my nightmares, insomnia, and absolutely freak out moments in crowds or with noises pointed to PTSD. She said she was surprised I hadn't been told that earlier.

So here I am at work, unable to process it and just gasping for air. I really don't know what to do...

 

[RoadtoHappy]

Hi Brooke,

Welcome to the forum and I am sorry for your trauma. Be easy on yourself and take your time. processing can be slow and we all go at different paces.

I was diagnosed 9 months ago. It’s taken a lot of hard and painful work but it’s so important to try and work with yourself and your symptoms. How long have you been seeing your T? I hope you have some good support to help you. Therapy has helped me immensely but it’s a long road for me. I just tell myself it’s not a race it’s a marathon and try to focus on all my progress. And I have made so much progress. You can and will too if you take proper care of yourself and work with your T.

I wish you all the strength and love

 

[bsmiles123]

Thank you. I appreciate knowing I'm not alone in this. I've been seeing this therapist on and off for about six months, but only about three months consistently. I've been hesitant to go back into therapy because I thought I was "cured" from my high school issues. Clearly not. Luckily, she's very nice and helps me recognize that it's ok to be scared to die, but not to over think it. Or that it's smart I check my locks, but not five or six times. I definitely agree that it is a long road. I struggle most with needing the labels to help put a name on the craziness, but not wanting to limit myself because of it. For example, I'm supposed to be going to Italy in the fall for college, but now that I've been diagnosed I don't know if it's the right thing for me to do or if I will lose my mind. Just those kind of thoughts swimming around.

Thanks again for your sweet words. I hope you are doing amazing and know you're not alone. Lots of love! <3

 

[RoadtoHappy]

Oh Brooke, you are not alone at all. Everything you think and feel is completely normal and I feel like you are describing my symptoms and so many more in this forum. We all experience andnsuffer together, you are not alone.

Can I ask you how old you are? I know what you mean about when the label is there but I found knowing it was PTSD meant I could now work on getting better. Like when you come down with something and then get diagnosed By a doctor. Once you they know what it is they can treat it. And there are so many treatments, support systems and so much research for PTSD. It may take awhile to find the right treatment for you but that’s ok. Once you find what works for you and you are giants with yourself, willing to do the work and knowing that it can get hard at times but that’s part of the processing and it will make you stronger.

As for the fall. Don’t make any big decisions now, you have time and maybe you could set that as a goal. It’s ok to have a plan b but if you have something to work towards it may help you focus. And what’s the worst outcome, closer to the time you feel you are not ready, then do you have to go?

Just focus on the next few weeks, seeing your T and processing. Take each day and take your time. You are not alone and you now have this forum to help you when you struggle. So many of us have been in your shoes so we understand.

Sorry for the essay my husband is away for work tonight . I hate sleeping on my own and it’s miserbale out so I’m bored

Stay strong but know it’s ok to not be ok and to allow yourself to feel!

 

[EveHarrington]

Welcome! :hug:

 

[bsmiles123]

Thank you, really. I appreciate it. It's seriously nice not to feel so alone.

I am 23. That's true. Sometimes I feel like I use the label to hold myself back, but then I have to wake myself up. I seriously do not want to end up like a hypochondriac or like someone with agoraphobia were I feel paralyzed to leave my home. That's my worst nightmare. I know it could be worse. I really do have an amazing life and loved ones. I'm grateful everyday to God for how well I function. Waiting is hard! But I get what you are saying.

Can I ask what kind of therapy you've tried? I heard for PTSD and OCD EPR is best.

Thank you! That actually really helps. It's one day at a time. And no I don't have to go. I would just love to and I love to travel. Thank you!

You're too sweet. You're always welcome to message me! I know being alone is hard, but it has to be more so with a spouse gone. Sending love and strength to you!!!

 

[bsmiles123]

Welcome! :hug:

t=Thank you!!!

 

[Freida]

Hi there

Welcome!