Newly Diagnosed To Ptsd I Believe I Have Suffered From For Years

[Paul Hartnett]

I am a 52-year old male who has only just recently come to believe that I have been suffering from PTSD since I left an alcoholic home at age 18.
This seems strange to me, but after reading up on PTSD, I find that this is not at all strange. My doctor has referred me to a psychotherapist who has confirmed this diagnosis. She is an EMDR practitioner, whom I have only just met with once.

 

[TLight]

Sorry, I just voted wrong. I should have said the 3rd one.

I am 46 and was had a nervous breakdown at 29, officially diagnosed I think about 34, didn't sink in. Finally got into therapy at 40, when I just couldn't tough it out anymore.

I remember some, most I don't.

 

[Tinyflame]

Hi Paul, welcome.

No, it isn't so unusual at all because sometimes alcoholism in a home really is like a war-zone, erratic, often abusive on different or many levels, worrisome, sometimes life-threatening, restricted in options of the situation, and always unpredictable.

I think things are going to make a lot more sense for you, good luck with your therapy! :)

 

[Paul Hartnett]

Thank you for responding TLight.

 

[Paul Hartnett]

Thank you for your message Junebug.

It released a torrent of tears . . .probably because you gave me some hope . . .and validation, more importantly, I realize. Yes, war-zone . . .from which I've never recovered.

 

[Tinyflame]

Yes Paul- how true- 'hope' I think is more frightening than what ('we') are used to.

You have made tremendous strides in realizing it was not something to be minimized- "Yes, it was traumatic" and likely helps to explain much of what you felt and thought over the years.

But you know what? Now it's 'new'- the necessary ('survival') fear and actions are no longer needed, so you can have the added benefit of understanding 2-sides of the coin, as well as anticipating a much brighter, happier future. :)

 

[Paul Hartnett]

Thank you again, Junebug. I might actually survive!

 

[Tinyflame]

(I feel you will thrive ;):))

 

[Lucycat]

Hmmmm. I am not sure where to mark my cross.

It was a series of events over a number of years that caused my PTSD.

So it is not linked to any single event, but was certainly very specific.

Not sure if I am making sense here. Sorry!

 

[Paul Hartnett]

Thanks, Lucy.

After having done some reading up, for me it seems more like back-drop to my entire life for me (with very early development from living with fear and trauma for a number of years).

But I knew nothing about it. Now perhaps I will be able to get some level of coping back.

 

[Lucycat]

Now perhaps I will be able to get some level of coping back.

I hope so. being diagnosed with (C)PTSD was the turning point in my life. Explained so many things about me. I too read a lot to try and get my head round it.

Therapy is hard work, but it really has improved my life - and that includes EMDR too.

Best wishes
Lucy x

 

[Paul Hartnett]

Lucy - You've done me a great favor! I know nothing about EMDR, and I hadn't even seen it mentioned until you did! (It made me worried, thinking 'What might I be getting into?". Thank you - I wanted to think it was going to provide some help. Paul