New Member - Suspected PTSD For A While

[NativeRose]

Hi All:

I just found this forum today. I have suspected PTSD for a long time, but it helped me for the psychiatrist to confirm the diagnosis a few months ago. For the first time in my life, I feel like I'm ready to deal with the twenty years of abuse. However, that means there is a resurgence of PTSD symptoms: flashbacks, nightmares, dissociation, hypersensitivity, hyperarousal and increased anxiety and depression. I'm a psychology major, and I have studied PTSD, so I know this stuff is normal. I guess it just helps to receive validation from others who experience problems with PTSD.

NativeRose

 

[Deleted member 541]

Welcome to the forum......Facing your trauma, will make you sick, but if you keep at it, work hard and steady, things will get better......

 

[Pixie]

Hi NativeRose and welcome! It sounds like you have a great start having studied psychology and PTSD but yes, it is such a relief to connect with others and share and understand firsthand.

I have to second what She Cat said too. Facing it will increase symptoms but upon the road there are so many things to learn and discover. Not only about PTSD and others but about self discovery.

Rell

 

[anni]

Hi,

I might be wrong but it seems to me that when people show up here it's because they're actively looking for solutions and healing.That does tell me you are working hard and need to find some positive thing to do for yourself. You don't often see people who just endlessly whine or feel sorry for themselves. I see mostly people in pain of varying amounts who just do not wish to have this thing control their lives anymore. I have to say that just reading posst when I first discovered the forum made me feel SO much more positive than I had for years. Being here triggers the stuffing out of you, but it's ok. I'm in my favorite chair, laughing because my husband is swearing mildly at the football game and the dog is snoring. The work has to be done so it might as well be here where it's beyond safe.

You'll see lots of people spendng different amount of time here, too. I'm like you in that it was long term domestic violence, and things related to that. There was also a situation last year which ticked off more trauma and I foolishly ignored it so am having a little bit of a tough time getting the PTSD head above water. I include the biography only because there seems to be all kinds of 'normal' in healing. The common theme and the biggest one I think the forum has helped with is facing the triggers and knowing how much you should push yourself ( but that you just have to). That couldn't be done without all the support and kindness you see here, either.

Hope you are having some peace today. I just saw your post and your story is so similar to mine that I wished to at least say hello and welcome, albeit in a slightly wordy way.

Take care,

Anni

 

[tryintobreathe]

NativeRose,

Welcome to the forum! I was just diagnosed last October, but I've had PTSD most of my life. It helps to arm yourself with as much information and support as you can. This is an excellent place for both! I wish you all the best on your journey.

Jen

 

[seaworthy]

Welcome NativeRose...I just found this forum last month. I too am ready to resolve the last 20 years of Trauma
and am coming to grips with the motivation and commitment it will take to bear flashbacks, etc.

seaworthy