Just Started Going To A Counselor

[katylady]

Hi, I am a 22-year-old woman and I haven't been formally diagnosed with PTSD yet but just started counseling (though I haven't really told my counselor the half of it yet). I was physically abused by my mother as a child and physically/sexually abused over a period of about four years by a family friend. For the latter, I have trouble recalling certain parts of it. I've had nightmares since a little after the abuse stopped, which have involved me physically pushing and hitting whichever poor soul (both of by ex boyfriends, when I was dating them) is lying next to me in my sleep, and involve screaming out loud, etc. I've had a few actual flashbacks, but they have been rare. I also have a lot of other symptoms but I won't bore you with them. Basically I'm very jumpy and have exaggerated reflexes to almost anything. One thing I am kind of embarrassed to tell my counselor is that I sleep aaall the time lately. I never want to be awake. I've already told her that I have an easier time sleeping during the day and staying awake at night, but not that when I do sleep it is often for 12 hours or more. Anyway, I'll stop here before I write too much. Maybe someone else has had similar experiences?

 

[catjudo]

Welcome to the forum. Continue to look around and read. You will quickly realize that you are not alone and the forum is full of members who can relate to your experiences. Best of luck on your journey toward healing.

 

[kers]

Welcome, you are definitely not alone in your experiences. I am glad you got into counseling, it can be a real help. Give yourself time to tell your story in there, and make sure you feel safe. It will help you heal in a big way.