Newbie - Near Death Of Friend

[blueangel371115]

I was diagnosed with PTSD on 1/10. I developed symptoms about 15 years ago but they got worse due to me witnessing the near death of my best friend. That same frend tries to be supportive but he does not undersand. He knows my background. Any links to recommend for him to read. he says he wants to research so he can help me.

 

[Gloria]

Welcome Blue Angel!

I'm new on the site also. Like you I have had symptoms of PTSD for years but the symptoms were worsened by a recent trauma. I'm sure you are going to find a lot of helpful information and supportive friends here.

Glad you found the site!

Gloria

 

[kriskats]

Hello blueangel,

I found a book called The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Relationship by Diane England PHD It is comprehensive and offers a bibliography as well, which is how I found this site. Best wishes...

Kriskats

 

[onebravegirl]

Tons of info on the home page here. Welcome to the forum!
O

 

[Clydiechick]

Welcome

Should find the forum very useful. When you are ready to share more info, you will get some helpful hints/info from the members.

Take care
Clydie

 

[amethist]

Hi Blueangel

Welcome to the forum.

There is loads of helpful information for your friend to read. There is a lot of links on the home page, then the main forum has more. The carers section will be the place for him to find information for ways to help him, help you.

Take care and good luck to you and your friend.

Amethist

 

[windwalker]

Welcome BlueAngel

I'm new also and didn't have any symptoms for years and then bam an over night changed person. I find this forum very helpful.

Positive and Healing Energy ~~

 

[blueangel371115]

Thanks guys, this has been difficult. My mother had a drinking problem and could get violent at times. She wouldn't hit us kids but she would push my dad around. I witnessed her threaten my father on multiple occcasions.

I have issues trusting people and in social situations. I have developed issues with alcohol myself as a way of self-medicating. When my friend would drink I would would get upset and freak out. He wouldn't understand why. It was like I was ten again.

When I get upset or feel like I am not in control, I drink. I feel the anger bubbling up at times. I am hyper-vigilent, like everybody is out to get me. I hate it.

 

[blueangel371115]

From age 10-15 this occurred ( then Mom quit). Then age 19 I was sexually assaulted then I was in an abusive relationship 2yrs later. Then to top it all off (at age 25) I thought my friend had died. I found him on a bridge, half passed out. I thought he was dead. This was 1/18/09. That's when my worst symptoms started. I would wake up screaming his name. I didn't get a full night's sleep for months. I was in and out of the ER with chest pains and stomach problems. All tests negative. It took 15 years and an observant therapist to figure it out. And that's my story.

 

[blueangel371115]

here's an update. This friend's drinking escalated a year ago. He got violent with me and wound up in the ER. Not only that but his girlfriend started threatening me. My drinking escalated and things got ugly but now I think I'm on the right road.

 

[glasgow]

Hey blueangel, I have just read your story and realised that you are fairly new here yourself. I thought you were an old hand!
The alcohol is a terrible thing to go through, and it was how I got diagnosed in the end - following numerous trips to ER with broken limbs! I'm almost embarrassed to admit it...I broke my leg twice and both my ankles then my foot. The hospital didn't put 2+2 together but a therapist did. Even at my very worst I think it even raised a red flag for me haha. After years of no accidents I'm suddenly presenting at hospital with various broken limbs, over a short period of time. My body was clearly sending me messages.
I have been alcohol free for 7yrs now, and don't miss it. You will get there too, just keep hanging in. If you are ever struggling with it talk it out with someone. It is only a symptom, but a symptom can become the main problem if my experience was anything to go by. It has been a long time since I have thought of all of this, and it helps me to realise how far I have come, it's not perfect, but heaps better.
Hang in.
Glasgow

 

[blueangel371115]

I just reread my post. Not good. It was me that wound up in in the ER. He tried to kill me. I was in serious pain.