Ptsd Causing Other Problems And Illnesses

[Anna]

There is a thread similar to this about abuse causing cycles of abuse.

I have noticed a pattern in my life, which I have thankfully now broken due to being able to cope with living with PTSD and raising my self esteem.

My emotional neglegt in childhood led me into my trauma by being abused by a psychopath. This caused of course the PTSD, but then lack of self esteem caused me to put myself into dangerous and stupid situations such as heavy drinking, casual sex (which led to unplanned pregnancy and abortion). Systematic self abuse etc etc....

Why is it that therapists, or in general society do not nip this in the bud so to speak to stop the individual from abusing themselves or causing harm. Is it so bad in our mental health systems? My impression from the hospital after my trauma from the psychopath was stitch you up, kick you out to get the bed free. Therapy helped but did not help with the self esteem issues. In a way I felt like I got over and dealt with my problem myself.

If someone has diabetes for example they need insulin and they get the treatment they need. My impression is that a lot of the time people are left alone, especially children. This is causing a massive problem in our society. Or people coming out of trauma and not getting the treatment they need, including those serving in war zones.

What are your views on this?

 

[ItsAllGood]

Hi Anna

im so sorry about all thats happened for you. I walked past some kids playing on some swings yesterday and they looked so cheeky and happy. It was all our birthright to be one of those, yours too. So I really am sorry for whats happened for you.

You rasied a few questions there maybe? I wonder if your talking about 'traumatic reenactment': Reenacting traumas that happened to try to master them, which is a healthy unconcious compulsion but also very dangerous. I relate to that. Some times Ive been triggered and ended up hanging out with strange men who look exactly like my Dad and then I kind of 'wake up', realise where I am and run. Its terrifying and indescribably expensive.

I think people dont realise whats happening some times if you appear to be doing something of your own volition, other adults respect your right to do that as though they cant intervene like parents. Ive also had the experience of hospital doctors who treat you like a file and address the symptom without even looking at the cause. Thats horrible that that happens. Its like the doctor or whatever is more focused on self preservation than the patient so the important stuff gets skimmed or ignored.

Ive had that a bit in the past. These days I try to be the intervening adult that asks for what she needs that I wish my own mother had been. It takes practice but Im slowly getting better at asking for things and including my perspective. Hope you get heard as you need to these days and stay safe.

 

[Lionheart]

People become victims of trauma faster than they can be healed from that trauma. I think shame and self-blame keeps a lot of people from ever admitting their own trauma or reaching out for help. I think more public information is needed to stop the stigma of mental illness.

As a man who was abused as a child, I think the very way we are socialized to be "men" is a part of the problem. There are stereotypical ways to be a "man" that we are taught and being a victim is not conducive to being a "real man"...."real men" are supposed to buck up and take it and not show any feelings (other than anger). I think this then leads to a lot of men who are reluctant to admit that they have been victims of trauma and when it comes to males being victims of sexual child abuse, I think that under-reporting is a giant factor. By and large, I think that men in general are not getting the healing assistance that they need.

I think it takes time to heal low-self esteem that has grown out of trauma and I don't know that therapists can "nip it in the bud" when a person is acting out against themselves or others, but you do present an interesting question. Clearly there is more that needs to be done to help people heal at all stages and especially when they are acting out.

 

[ItsAllGood]

I watched some of the videos on Oprah's site recently of people disclosing child hood abuse. There are several about Men speaking out. They are bound to be extremely graphic so consider that before checking it out but I found it really inspiring. I think its so true about the under reporting and particularly for men. Take care of yourself .