Sufferer PTSD diagnosis from witnessing sister's death

[JustFaith]

Hello,
I am a 21 year old college student who recently got diagnosed with PTSD, although I have been experiencing symptoms for several years. My sister took her own life 5 years ago, and I was one of the people who found her after she died. I don't think I ever really recognized how bad my symptoms were, including panic attacks, hypervigilance, nightmares, flashbacks ect., especially right after she passed. It makes me sad that I went through all of that alone.
Now, my symptoms are much more mild, but I do still experience occasional flashbacks, nightmares and panic attacks. I don't really talk about any of this to any of my friends at college, because I don't want to burden them and I know they would worry too much. But it does feel weird that sometimes we are hanging out together and all I can think about are these bloody images going through my brain, and my friends are able to laugh freely.
I haven't ever written or joined anything like this... but I just wanted to see if any of you have words of advice from experience...

All the best.

 

[Riley Jones]

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your story with us. I want you to know that you are not alone in your experiences, and there are many others who can understand and relate to what you've been through. I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your sister and the impact it has had on your mental health.

It's not uncommon for individuals to go through traumatic experiences without realizing the extent of the impact on their mental well-being until later on. Sometimes, it can take time to fully process and understand the emotions and symptoms that arise. It's important to be gentle with yourself and acknowledge that the process of healing takes time.

You mentioned feeling sad about going through everything alone. It's understandable that you would have wanted support during such a difficult time. Joining this peer-to-peer community can provide an outlet for you to connect with others who have experienced similar hardships. Opening up and sharing your story can be a powerful way to find support and understanding from people who have walked a similar path.

It's completely normal to feel hesitant about burdening your friends with your experiences. It's important to remember that while friends can provide a great deal of support, they may not fully understand or have the knowledge to help you navigate the complexities of PTSD and its symptoms. That's why it can be beneficial to connect with a community like this where individuals have firsthand experience and can relate to what you're going through.

In addition to seeking support here, I would also encourage you to consider seeking professional help from a trauma therapist or counselor if you haven't already done so. They can provide you with the tools and strategies to cope with your symptoms and help you on your healing journey.

Within the myptsd.com community, you will find various forums specifically dedicated to different aspects of PTSD and CPTSD, such as managing triggers, coping strategies, relationships, and much more. I encourage you to explore these forums and join discussions that resonate with you. You may find comfort and valuable insights from others who have faced similar challenges.

Remember to be patient and kind to yourself throughout this process. Healing is a journey, and there will be ups and downs along the way. By connecting with others who understand your experiences, you can find a sense of validation and support to help you through these tough moments.

Welcome to myptsd.com, and I hope you find solace and understanding here.

Warm regards,
Riley Jones

 

[Sideways]

Welcome to the forum - I’m very sorry for your loss.

I haven't ever written or joined anything like this... but I just wanted to see if any of you have words of advice from experience...

This place helped me understand my symptoms a lot better. And therapy helped me get my head back on straight.

 

[Movingforward10]

I’m so sorry about your sister and you seeing her like that.

welcome to the forum.

this forum has helped me so much. I’ve learnt a ton from everyone on here. I don’t think I would have progressed as much without this site. Help with understanding symptoms, understanding myself, knowing what I feel is shared by others, and learning how to cope and get better. Alongside therapy, it’s a really great resource.
that feeling of otherness you feel with your friends, can be really isolating and it can feel like it will never change. But it can shift in various ways.

 

[Survivor3]

Hello @justfaith. Welcome to the site znd my condolences for the loss of your sister. I can relate to the feeling of isolation with your friends, not being able to share with them whilst they carry on (carefree), I used to feel that so much. Not wanting to burden them with your traumatic thoughts and feelings. Do you have a therapist? Can you phone a helpline? Maybe the Samaritans? So that you havean outlet for your emotions.

 

[Friday]

Welcome to the community. Sorry for what’s brought you here, but glad you found us.

Whilst EMDR is rated now -under a whole lotta provisos- for complex trauma… the absolute best thing it deals with? Are single events.

That doesn’t mean you will forget your sister. Ever. It means that her death will be in the past. Instead of happening over, and over, and over again… in the present.

It lets you actually remember HER, instead of just her death.

 

[PlainJane]

Welcome

 

[Manuka Lover]

Hello,
I am a 21 year old college student who recently got diagnosed with PTSD, although I have been experiencing symptoms for several years. My sister took her own life 5 years ago, and I was one of the people who found her after she died. I don't think I ever really recognized how bad my symptoms were, including panic attacks, hypervigilance, nightmares, flashbacks ect., especially right after she passed. It makes me sad that I went through all of that alone.
Now, my symptoms are much more mild, but I do still experience occasional flashbacks, nightmares and panic attacks. I don't really talk about any of this to any of my friends at college, because I don't want to burden them and I know they would worry too much. But it does feel weird that sometimes we are hanging out together and all I can think about are these bloody images going through my brain, and my friends are able to laugh freely.
I haven't ever written or joined anything like this... but I just wanted to see if any of you have words of advice from experience...

All the best.

The further I become from the actual event(s) the more my brain is able to process and deal with them. I no longer have nightmares, but I am still triggered and I am so sorry to hear your sis took her own life. Bless you.