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Psych Says I Don't Have Ptsd Because I Don't Have Nightmares?

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The NHS psych service seems to be worsening rapidly due to budget cuts, although I get the impression it never was good.
:(
Actually having a PTSD diagnosis might make it harder to get help.
They would insist on sending you to a therapist qualified to treat it...but if there is none in your area, well, too bad.
 
I saw the diagnostic criteria for ptsd and the only thing I don't have is any in criterion C. So even if I don't have PTSD I definitely have a lot of issues associated with it for sure. I might be relocating to a different country soon with my partner so hopefully it'll be to somewhere that takes mental health more seriously.
 
I haven't read all of this yet, but will just leave this here:

There are two distinct types of PTSD. The first is the re-experiencing type, with nightmares, hyperarousal, etc. This is the "typical" pattern.

The second is the dissociative subtype, which is experienced by hypoarusal and withdrawal.

Both are valid. Both look different.
 
This site does support those with criterion A trauma regardless. I promise you that your feelings and suffering and legitimate and real regardless of if you have PTSD or not. Really. I hope you do see a trauma therapist. If you really want a diagnoses then the best to be properly evaluated by a psychiatrist. This t is beyond ignorant about trauma. EMDR can also be used for and help so called small t trauma too by the way. She's got so much wrong.
 
I only have nightmares under VERY specific circumstances. If that variable is controlled, no nightmares! (It's an easy thing to control.) But I assure you, my PTSD is still very much with me.

The back to the wall thing isn't major for me. It's not a requirement in public and actually I only do it in a few circumstances. I can actually sit AT a bar. I'm an extremely visual person and it's by far more important for me to control my field of vision to minimize stimulation so I prefer to be in the front of a room or be facing away from the crowd. It's counterintuitive if you have a strict view of PTSD but it makes perfect sense-------visual stimulation stresses me out so I need to minimize visual stimulation as much as possible.
 
I had one idiot psychologist insist that I didn't have PTSD because I could list my traumas without showing emotion.

I'm glad you have found a way to move on. The struggle for health is tough enough without professionals who don't know what they are talking about. Go to this assessment ready to explain what your life is like and how your symptoms affect you. I hope it will go as well as something like that can, and that yu find a good human connection.
 
This psychologist sounds incredibly stupid and you sounds like a lovely and intelligent and very open person.

I personally think being 15 and having an older man manipulate you into sex and then abandoning you is pretty rapey so don't feel bad about feeling that way. I think you are allowed to feel bad that happened.

I think your psych is very uneducated about PTSD. I had very severe PTSD and in therapy will occasionally tell my pysch I don't have it anymore because all the main symtoms are gone like agitation, nightmares, hyper vigilance. He insists I still have it from my reliving in emotional ways and avoidance of triggers. I truly don't think if I retested I would be given that diagnosis. But he's still showing me all the more subtle ways this affects me. I can't imagine having a therapist be so dismissive.

Stay on this site for support.we are here for you.
 
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