Raped By My Boss

[upstream]

The man incapacitated you, violated you, and traumatized you... you have every right to be scared of him. What you are describing is hypervigilance, quite common in PTSD. Spiritofnow wrote about it recently in another thread:
[DLMURL]http://www.ptsdforum.org/thread6991.html[/DLMURL]

If you want to write about your experiences we have a diaries section that is less public. I have found that writing about the trauma helps. There are plenty of us here who have been there too, and the more you write the more opportunities we have to help. Don't be afraid to ask questions either...

 

[samsara]

I note Anthony's post -- It's all there, not more to say really. He's a knowledgeable and wise man. He conducts this forum with tough love -- honesty. It's the only way. And I respect that. It's clearly why this forum is so safe and productive.

Concentrate on believing in yourself, you are strong, and you will believe it, in time. Knowledge is power.

 

[notjustfriends]

Thank you upstream/samsara. I will def check out the diary section. I've been told to write but can't seem to put pen to paper, yet.

 

[notjustfriends]

Tough week. I am proud to say I worked out every day and have really cut back on drinking. Considering the suit was finally filed this week and there is a possibility all were served today my anxiety has gone through the roof.

My doctor thinks I have chronic PTSD (doc states new onset of PTSD with prior PTSD from rape when I was a kid and the PTSD is now turning chronic).

What does that mean? I have read all what Anthony posted regarding thinking patterns and stress on your body which is very helpful. Just wondering if others out there can share.

Thanks.

 

[upstream]

309.81 DSM-IV Criteria for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Specify if:
Acute: if duration of symptoms is less than 3 months
Chronic: if duration of symptoms is 3 months or more

3 months is an arbitrarily chosen length of time. In the DSM-III I believe it was 6 months. Your doc is upgrading you to a fancier label, I'm not sure if it is anything more than that.

Congrats on the improved lifestyle and lawsuit :thumbs-up