New Member - Possible PTSD

[riley]

Hi.

I'm not really sure where to start. I've been seeing a psychiatrist for a little less than a month now, and she thinks that I possibly have PTSD in addition to depression and anxiety. This was caused by an incredibly traumatic childhood.

I have a lot of flashbacks to situations from my childhood, or situations even in the past few years where I feel that I was wronged on situations, or times when I feel I could have done things differently. It is usually accompanied by anxiety and sometimes panic attacks. Other times I'll be afraid of going to sleep, and I'll stay up as late as I can, and I have no idea why.

My work life gets harder and harder as each day goes on. I'm constantly afraid of getting fired (I am continuously paranoid that each day I'm going to get fired or laid off), and find it increasingly harder and harder to get along and relate with my coworkers, much less hold on basic personal conversations with them.

I'm not really sure where to start with dealing with this. My psychiatrist seems to be more concerned with the underlying issues, instead of treating the "on-the-surface" stuff. I guess the surface stuff is really the problem that I really need to work on myself while I work on the underlying stuff with my psychiatrist.

I'm glad I'm here so I can help to connect with other people and learn how to finally deal with this issue for the long term.

 

[Jawn]

Welcome Riley. You will find lots of support and information on this forum.

Jawn

 

[seraphimfelldown]

Welcome, I hope you find what you need here.

Sera

 

[jude]

Welcome to the group Riley. I am also fairly new but have gotten a lot of support here. It helps to know we are not alone and others are dealing with the same issues. I am sure this will be a help to you!

 

[layned]

Hi

I have just joined. I was triggered 3 days ago and the anxiety and fear hasn't stopped since then.

I have been doing family of origin therapy for over a year and am working on a 12 step program. I grew up in an alcoholic environment and have awful memories of scary events when I was kid. I think that what happened on friday made me re-live those events. I spoke to my therapist today and she agreed. At the moment I am sitting in the feeling but I've also got a new job that I cannot leave. The anxiety and the fear is making me feel weak and sick. where to start?

 

[anni]

Hi Riley,

I know what you mean-seriously-with the surface stuff. It IS great to make sure all that trauma and shattered childhood is properly dealt with in therapy, but what about now, as in today? I have this private, seemingly silly sounding little bunch of things I use to get past things like that persistant fear of firing thing which is making you crazy. It sounds ridiculous, that's all and might be of zero help to you because everyone is different. I DO make up these little mantra-like things, and repeat them in my head, they kind of chase those fears out for a bit and reassure one at the same time, mostly.Your office one? I'd first breath in 5, hold 5 and breath out 5, several times, then just keep repeating 'I'm ok I'm ok I'm ok' or "Everything's fine' 'Everything's good' ( this one's religious so not for everyone) 'God is here' ''All is well', you get the idea, whichever pops into my head at the time. It just works for me most times, is all, and although I'm not completely sure why thought I knew what you meant about wishing to know how to deal with those fears day-to-day. Whatever works! :)

Take care,

Anni

 

[Iam]

Welcome Riley. Working on the surface stuff will help you get to the underlying stuff since they are all interrelated. From what you describe the surface stuff you are experiencing now is as a result of past traumas being triggered. It's hard work but well worth it! As others have said, you will find lots of info and support here. Welcome to the forum!

 

[suzie q]

Hey, glad you found the Forum!

Try not to overwhelm yourself with all the issues..take baby steps, or as I do, take it one day at a time. It helps with the anxiety and allows me to process the memories so that I can let them go.