Undiagnosed Issues coming up after an accident

[Ladytron1]

Hi everyone,

I've just joined up today to speak with others that might be able to help or know what is happening to me. I started searching for info on PTSD because after an accident (broke a major bone from a fall) I had lots of issues with panic and avoidance. I thought okay this is normal but the hospital staff kept mentioning that I was suffering from PTSD. I don't think this is true as I didn't fear for my life at all and wasn't threatened, it was just an unlucky accident. I started having problems with heart racing to 170 beats per minute and was admitted to hospital and the paramedics again said ptsd and get yourself to our occupational health.

I also had a relationship breakdown with some shocking revelations about him at the same time as all this. Now I don't think any of that can cause PTSD at all but the problem I'm having is issues from when I was a child now coming up. When I was 7 I saw my mum attempt to kill my sister, she smashed her head over and over against a wall. I also heard my mum pleading for her life every night as my dad beat her up. I was hit if I woke up and noticed anything. I always thought I was a bit odd growing up after all this but never thought about it too much. I just got on with life but with my weird habits - sleeping with pillow over head, with light on even as a grown woman. Always worrying and watching people all the time. Constant IBS problems that I now think are some kind of stress issue.

I suppose my question is, is this normal after all this time why is it bothering me more now? Two nights ago I had a nightmare that my mum was trying to get into the house and I was shouting, I woke myself up shouting. I feel like something is wrong with me. I suppose my question is could this accident have set all this off? I have had CBT after this accident which has helped but now I feel something else is going on.

Thanks for reading and thanks for any pointers.

 

[Survivor3]

Hi Ladytron1, even though your accident wasn't life threatening it could have triggered past events. If you suffered abuse from a child, witnessed extreme violence or felt in fear of your life from violence then you could well be suffering from trauma. I am sorry you are going through this and it's really good that you reached out and shared your story. This forum is very supportive. All the best to you.

 

[Ladytron1]

Hi Ladytron1, even though your accident wasn't life threatening it could have triggered past events. If you suffered abuse from a child, witnessed extreme violence or felt in fear of your life from violence then you could well be suffering from trauma. I am sorry you are going through this and it's really good that you reached out and shared your story. This forum is very supportive. All the best to you.

Thank you, it does seem like a nice community on here.

 

[ladee]

I agree with @Survivor3. Will suggest you find a therapist that can give you a diagnosis and you can go from there.

This is a great community for information and support.

Glad you found us, if not glad for the reason. Welcome.

 

[Ladytron1]

I agree with @Survivor3. Will suggest you find a therapist that can give you a diagnosis and you can go from there.

This is a great community for information and support.

Glad you found us, if not glad for the reason. Welcome.

Thank you for the welcome. :) Yes I'm building up to finding one, I contacted one last week but then cancelled as I keep telling myself to box it back away in my head. I don't think that will help me though. Thanks again.

 

[Friday]

I didn't fear for my life at all and wasn't threatened

I’m not sure how this has become a popular thought... that you have to be in fear... but it’s nowhere in the diagnostic criteria.

I suppose my question is, is this normal after all this time why is it bothering me more now?

Not only totally normal... but so classic as to be textbook.

Whilst anything can trigger pre-existing PTSD (Like from childhood trauma) into getting symptomatic ... the most common causes are
- New Trauma (your accident)
- Stressors (relationship)
- Loss of Coping Mechanisms / Stress Reducers (both healthy coping mechanisms; like exercise, or the fiery passionate side of sex in a healthy relationship, or hobbies, job, friends, etc. -and- unhealthy coping mechanisms like smoking, drinking, fighting, cutting, disordered eating, thrill seeking, etc.)

Like I said, literally anything (the way the sun was shining that day) can kickstart PTSD into being symptomatic, again, but it’s a perfect storm if you’ve had new Trauma, increased stress, and lost coping mechanisms. Like... practically guaranteed.

 

[Ladytron1]

I’m not sure how this has become a popular thought... that you have to be in fear... but it’s nowhere in the diagnostic criteria.

Not only totally normal... but so classic as to be textbook.

Whilst anything can trigger pre-existing PTSD (Like from childhood trauma) into getting symptomatic ... the most common causes are
- New Trauma (your accident)
- Stressors (relationship)
- Loss of Coping Mechanisms / Stress Reducers (both healthy coping mechanisms; like exercise, or the fiery passionate side of sex in a healthy relationship, or hobbies, job, friends, etc. -and- unhealthy coping mechanisms like smoking, drinking, fighting, cutting, disordered eating, thrill seeking, etc.)

Like I said, literally anything (the way the sun was shining that day) can kickstart PTSD into being symptomatic, again, but it’s a perfect storm if you’ve had new Trauma, increased stress, and lost coping mechanisms. Like... practically guaranteed.

Thank you for your reply, it's really informative. I still don't know much about all this, I knew I had a problem after the accident but thought I was sorted after the counselling for the panic attacks and 'jittery' feeling I had all day but I now I am having new problems and because the CBT helped so much I think maybe I should go back or go to my GP. Thanks again for your reply and info.