Sexual Assault My Main Trigger

[cherryblossom]

This is where our beliefs differ. I believe that issues that arise from trauma are not in fact a mental illness but a normal human reaction to trauma.

I don't disagree with this statement.

I have also questioned the use of "mental Illness" with regards to PTSD (I think it was on the other PTSD forum that I started a discussion about it). I like the term 'psychological injury' that you mentioned in one of your quotes. I personally think that is better description.

The DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association, 2000, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV) provides clear descriptions of diagnostic categories in order to enable clinicians and investigators to diagnose, communicate about, study, and treat people with various mental disorders. They do not encompass all the conditions for which people may be treated. PTSD is just one of many 'diagnosis's. Not everyone who suffers trauma will go on to develop PTSD (although figures are hard to determine), which is the worst end of the scale when it comes to anxiety disorders. When the brain reaches the state of PTSD, it means the brain has physiologically broken through change, via a Chemical Imbalance, where symptoms cause a permanent chemical imbalance. Permanent being the reason there is no 'cure' to date.

Whether our symptoms are called a 'disorder', an 'injury', 'condition' or an 'illness' (or anything else for that matter), doesn't really change the fact that we suffer. Whether, our symptoms can be 'treated', 'managed', 'sent into remission', 'recovered' or 'cured' (or however one wants to describe it), means for me that I will probably need to get help/ treatment and also help myself to "get better".

I'm not disagreeing with you Ezabella. Whatever words we use to describe the after-effects of trauma, we can work out ways to reduce debilitating symptoms.

There is no possibility of complete healing. That would be unreal thinking. The lasting effects are intwined in everything, therefore it becomes a condition, and being such can be managed even if it can't be cured.

I agree Blutarg.

I have been diagnosed with PTSD, while I can't correct the physical changes that have gone on in my brain, I can find ways to manage the many different symptoms.

 

[Blutarg]

I wish I could comment further but I am going off-line for a few weeks as I am in the process of moving to another city now.

I understand both of you and where your comments come from. I see it as how we view it and how we understand it medically as well as the belief aspect.

I just know that for myself there is no easy fix and there isn't likely to ever be one. I do know that with a lot of hard work and a concerted amount of ongoing effort, it can be managed to a more tolerable degree. I function in everyday life just as other people do, only I have more things to be concerned about and have to be more cautious about my behaviours in some instances.

I believe, that by whatever we call this, it can get to a stage where it can be managed to a point where it isn't so destructive.

I will talk to you when I get back online again. ;)

 

[Healingthehollow]

I completely disagree, I think everything in our lives we have the ability to heal no matter the damage. What we have been through is horrendous and we have acted out and felt the very real emotions of that betrayal but I whole heartedly believe this is a journey through those feelings not 'symptoms'.
In my previous job and training in mental health a disorder was classified as someone who could not function- hold down a job, have appropriate social interactions and sometimes unable to leave the house or fend for themselves, they are disabled by it in every area of their lives. I don't know about everyone else I struggle in my own ways but I still live my life. The facilitating pyschiatrist said 'noone in this room could be classified with a disorder because you are here now, functioning in this moment' and I totally agree with that.
I honestly believe pessimism will only worsen anyones experiences especially when it's disgused as that god awful term 'realism' to me that is admitting defeat or believing you are powerless. I'd much rather be unrealistic and free.
And lord I have been pessistic oh my goodness... My whole world gave up on me because I gave up on myself, I didn't work, socialise or barely live I just existed. But then I met the most amazing people who changed their thinking about themselves and their 'disorders' the mental health field 'treats' it's patients to contain and manage their 'illnesses' where as the new wave of psychtherapy arising offers recovery, and that is harder work for both the professional and the patient but that's every individuals choice.
This is meant as no offense to anyone at all or this forum but I think I am going to move on so please anyone that wants to stay in contact private msg me on here with your details.
And thank you for all your kind words and conversations.
Bundles of love!! :) xox

 

[cherryblossom]

Hi Ezabella

I'm sorry to hear you are leaving us, but of course I respect your decision. I've enjoyed our discussions, and getting to know you a little better. I don't take offence with anyone who has differing opinions - that's the nature of the world. If we all thought the same, then it would be a very dull place.

Take very good care of yourself, and if you change your mind, you will be welcome here. :hug:

 

[WonderingWhy]

This is just my opinion. I do feel that PTSD if the trauma has indeed developed to the level of PTSD I feel the best possible is to manage well. If one is "cured" my personal belief is that they may have initially been diagnosed incorrectly.

I look at it like someone who loses a limb. (metaphorically of course) They may get a replacement limb and "learn" to return basically to the same abilities as they had before. They "manage" very well with the artificial limb and carry on.

That however does NOT "cure" them. They are managing well. The same I believe for PTSD. The trauma and changed brain paths or whatever "medically speaking" has occurred are only now being "managed". Does that mean we are "doomed to having mental illness" I would like to not think of it as such.

Rather. We have had a mental and emotional (somewhat physical) injury that will not be undone. We can hope to manage it, so that others and hopefully sometimes WE may even forget it's there.

Not sure if this was clear, but I hope so.:rolleyes:

 

[Healingthehollow]

Have a read of 'The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the frontiers of brain science '
[DLMURL]http://www.normandoidge.com/normandoidge/MAIN.html[/DLMURL]

' The trauma and changed brain paths or whatever "medically speaking" has occurred are only now being "managed".'

trauma changes your brain paths, and so does negative thinking as does positive thinking. The brain is not hardwired, so nothing is permanant like it was once thought. We have moved on since the thinking of 'managing' disorders, recovery is now offered and proven,

Have a read, it might help change your mind.