New to the Forum and New to PTSD

[meghan]

Hi everyone,

My name is Meghan and I live in Seattle. I am very new to this particular club that no one wants to be a member of.

On December 29th, while on vacation in Central America, I was robbed by three men with machetes and a gun. I was convinced at the time that they were going to kill me and since that day I have experienced recurring terror that feels like it is going to take over my life.

I sought counseling almost immediately when I got back to the US. I have been doing CBT for the last 2 1/2 months and I think I'm pretty lucky that I am very close to a center that specializes in traumatic stress. I know I've only been at this for a very short time, but I'm frustrated that I don't feel like anything is working.

My job requires me to be constantly dealing with violent crime so I'm acutely aware of danger that seems to be lurking everywhere. I never used to be afraid of being a victim. Now that is always at the front of my mind. Every person out in public is threat, a potential criminal. I know this is logically not true, but my body is on danger alert constantly.

Anyway, I think I'll start a diary to go into the details in a space that seems a bit more "private" than in the general forums. I'm really hoping to find some support from others who get what I'm dealing with.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Deleted member 541]

HI Meghan & welcome to the forum....

You will find tons of support here and information too. The fact that you sought treatment so soon after your trauma is a plus. The sooner you get help, the better.

 

[kers]

Welcome, Meghan. It is very good that you started treatment so soon after the trauma. You sound motivated. I hope you find the forum helpful!

 

[nie]

Welcome to the forum Meghan.

 

[Tinyflame]

Welcome meghan, :hello:

I hope that you can find much relevant information and support here, I believe that you will and I think you are and having been taking the right steps to aid in your recovery. I have read but not finished some of your diary and am sorry for all you've gone through. -How terrifying it must have been.

On a side note, we share the same name and I hate to say it but the date of the particular trauma you are dealing with is my Birthday. A little spooky, lol. Think it means I must certainly try to give you a doubly-warm welcome.

Peace and healing to you.