Sufferer Newly Diagnosed - Child Abuse

[Cmorlan]

From child abuse

I was recently diagnosed with PTSD a few months ago. It’s still new to me. And I’m not sure how to deal with it or what steps to take to manage it.

I always associated it with soldiers so it never occurred to me that I could have it. And then my doctor equated it to childhood abuse. PTSD plus anxiety and depression have me on some downward spirals most days.

 

[Abstract]

Welcome. Its very hard to absorb at the benign if its something you didn't predict. There is a lot of information on here if that would be helpful to you. Make sure they equip you with the basic skills to deal with your symptoms.

Its a real fallacy that PTSD is just about combat. I suspect the majority of people on here are due to childhood stuff,

 

[EveHarrington]

Welcome!

 

[Missycat]

Welcome to the forum. I was diagnosed many many years of having symptoms and not understanding what was wrong with me. I started in therapy and it was a consultant clinical pyschologist who gave the diagnosis. It was scary at first but i had a good therapist and found this site which provided loads of info and everyone was happy to share thier experiences and knowledge.
Have a look around the forum and im sure you will find loads of info to give you at least an insight.
All the best.

 

[littleoc]

Welcome to the forums! I’m glad you found us.

I’m glad you saw a doctor as well. Do you have a therapist?

 

[WillyKat]

The very reason it's called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is because it doesn't just apply to combat trauma. When it became clear that the trauma associated with child abuse, rape, accidents, you name it had the same symptoms, experts realized that "battle fatigue" and "shell shock" wouldn't work any longer.

Welcome to the forum. An awful lot of us suffered as children, me included. You're in good company.

 

[sunshineandmoonshine]

You're not alone.
Welcome, welcome.
Let it all be known for what it is. Let yourself recognize the aftermath, and your incredible strength for surviving to today.

 

[Cmorlan]

Welcome to the forums! I’m glad you found us.

I’m glad you saw a doctor as well. Do you have a therapist?

I don’t have a therapist. I haven’t taken that step yet. And I’m not quite sure what is holding me back.

 

[littleoc]

It can be pretty difficult to get started. It’s not really fun to talk about trauma and our lives.

For me, the first step was actually researching who looked trustworthy and available for new clients. Because I made it all shopper/business-like with a goal, it made it way easier for me. It got easier after the first day of actual therapist.

If that’s helpful at all? There are a lot of reasons it’s hard to go get a therapist at first. Somehere here is guaranteed to understand your personal view on it

 

[WillyKat]

When considering a therapist, my advice is to start with the notion that you are hiring someone to help you. They will be your employee in a sense.

Second thing is to shop around. Set up meet-n-greet meetings with at least two, then pick the one you feel there's some useful chemistry. Look for trust and communication. Without those, it won't work as well as it should.

Third, I always recommend a psychologist, a Ph. D, and not a psychiatrist. You may find a perfectly good psychiatrist, but I think the odds work the other way. A psychiatrist is an MD and they tend to think in medical terms and don't get the same level of training in how to talk to people.

Fourth, sometimes, therapy isn't easy. Sometimes it feels like you're taking a step backwards or treading water. Hang in. It is the journey of a thousand miles and you'll be crawling.

Fifth, you'll spend less than 50 hours per year in therapy, assuming one 50 min. session per week. There are many thousands of hours that you'll be on your own. We're here to help.

Finally, ignore everything I just told you if it turns out its not working for you. This is *your* project.