New Member-Diagnosis

[Hattie]

Hi all, I'm 19 years old and two years ago my younger sister (she was 15 at the time) attempted suicide. Since then she has been diagnosed with depression, has been self-harming and attempted suicide multiple more times. She has been admitted to a psychiatric Unit now although she has run away twice and tried to hang herself-she very nearly succeeded :(

I think that this, combined with me moving away to uni and not enjoying it at all, has left me with some PTSD symptoms: I don't see how uni and my social life are important compared with what's happening in my family, I have switched myself off from everything and have barely any friends apart form my ones in the USA (spent my summer working at camp, really enjoyed it as I could just get away from everything and be myself, and I was truly happy) and obviously I'm used to having them there when I'm down but they're not any more and it really upsets me. I feel constantly upset, unmotivated (my uni work is suffering as a result), unable to focus as I just starting about things with my sister and stuff and I get into an upset state.

I'm going to see the university counselling service next week, but does this sound like PTSD? I was just wondering so I could ask about it and get some more info and stuff

Phew sorry that was such a long ramble, any help appreciated thanks! :smile:

 

[amethist]

Hi Hattie

Welcome to the forum.

Moving to uni and not enjoying it could be a number of things, maybe the wrong uni, wrong course or even just too far away from home. Worried about what could happen while your away.

The issues with your sister are a different matter, did you find her trying to harm herself or where you just told she had tried to end her own life.

I am not sure myself that this could cause you to suffer with ptsd unless you did, so the best way to find out what you are suffering from is to definitely get an expert diagnosis.

Please do not self diagnose or try to push the expert into saying it is. Let them tell you, as you don't want or need that diagnosis if it something else like severe depression, which in itself is bad enough but can be dealt with a lot easier.

What ever the outcome take care and good luck.

Amethist

 

[Manic11]

Hattie,

Good for you for posting this!
I'm so sorry to hear what has happened with your sister. My partner passed away from suicide so I can relate. You aren't alone and I just wanted to let you know that. Hang in there and I wish you the best.

Manic