PTSD and Me - Complex PTSD

[shadowmedic]

welcome 2t2d. respectfully, SM

 

[Abelabelabel]

hello
I have complex PTSD; I've know about PTSD for years, didn't know about the complex part til recently, but it fits. I go through times when I feel 'fine' and try to live life, then times (like now) after a therapy session, when I just feel, well, broken. I'm 46, halfway through this life, haven't accomplished a d**n thing because of all the emotional baggage I've been trying to deal with. Don't know if this forum will help or be any different than abuse survivor forums; just know that living with this 'disorder' leaves me feeling empty. All the different emotions that come flying up from various places without warning. . . so draining, ya know? And the flashbacks; I'm so tired of those. . . anyway, that's me.

27 year old male. Many rough experiences as a child. Your paragraph perfectly describes how I feel after an episode, and perfectly describes how I came across complex PTSD too. For a long time (years) I couldn't even scratch at the surface of what was going on with me. Just letting you know, you're not alone pal.

Although disclaimer: As far as I can tell the flashbacks I have are purely emotional. Major out of whack emotional distress triggered by who knows what that does not "fit" my present. Bad enough to knock me off my feet and leave me, just like you said. Drained.

Lately after an episode I usually google complex ptsd, read something, see if it still fits my personal experience (which it does), and get a great deal of relief knowing that I'm not alone when things temporarily turn upsidedown. So thank you so much for that. And best of luck at getting through the cluster-f'd-emotional-fun-house that living with this condition seems to be.