Sufferer Recently Diagnosed With Delayed Onset Complex Ptsd

[Shellbell]

Thanks ScaredOfLonely,

Yes I think focussing on the label isn't really necessary with regard to the therapy, although if I feel my counselling isnt going okay, I will push to be able to see a psychiatrist. Then I may need to get into the realms of further diagnosis. My psychologist metioned complex PTSD which I think is just probably easier to say.

I'm glad to be here too and be able to share with so many people that understand how difficult this all is but also that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

 

[anthony]

Some people have suffered from one trauma, which is horrible, and others have suffered over and over. The imprint of repeated suffering can be different and more ingrained.

Bee, whilst some of what you state is correct, I do hope you realise that just because you endure trauma over a period of time, doesn't mean it is complex trauma. You can be abused as a child for years, sexually, physically, emotionally, and not have complex trauma. You can have another child endure the same thing, and they do get complex trauma.

The difference lay in how the duration of the trauma affected the person, determined upon what symptoms are presented due to the trauma. If you just have PTSD, then duration trauma is just trauma. If you have dissociative disorder and/or Axis II disorder diagnosed in combination with PTSD, they are both indicators that your trauma is considered complex, because these aspects are a huge part of your daily symptoms in combination with PTSD.

This is why the sub-type exists in the DSM 5... and those diagnosed with that sub-type would be clearly stated as complex trauma. Soldiers are often stated to have complex trauma due to the longevity of deployments, even though an actual event may only be singularly traumatic, simply being in country around the constant threat is what creates severe dissociative / depersonalisation symptoms that aren't easily corrected. Can be... but it takes a whole lot more work.

Complex trauma really is about that heavy dissociative / depersonalisation aspect, that exists so much it near stands alone. Right now, the person is diagnosed with PTSD + dissociative disorder. Soon... it will simply be the PTSD sub-type. A few single events could cause a person towards complex trauma, without any constant duration with exposure.

 

[Shellbell]

I have my next counselling session next week and I am going to tell her how things have spiralled down into me feeling a mess now. I have wonderful friends (who I have only just told how bad things are), making us meals for the next few days and getting a roster together for future meals. I am so blessed. I'm surprised at myself for letting one of friends know how bad it's become. I find it so much easier by message than talking about it. I normally only talk to people when I am okay and then I don't need help. When I need help I withdraw and avoid. I know some of my friends thing I should tell them when I'm not okay and if I don't then I am not helping myself. But that's the problem - my anxiety levels soar and I just cannot pick up the phone. So I've explained this and messaging will be how I tell them now.

 

[BeeBea]

Shellbell I had a wonderful psychiatrist years ago, pre repressed memories recovery disaster years; the year when therapist were attempting to help people regain those “lost” or “repressed” memories so they could deal with them. A practice, which was a disaster and most creditable psychiatrist, have abandoned now. She told me something wonderful about lost or repressed memories – and it has served me well. The memories of the things I have gone through no longer cause me great pain and distress; they just are the facts of my life. That wonderful psychiatrist said almost word for word…I will never forget it.

‘When your mind is read to deal with any repressed memories you might have you will remember on your own. If you do not remember a trauma or an incident in your life, it is because you are not ready to handle that memory. When and if you are ready you will remember and if you remember you are ready to deal with the event.’

 

[Shellbell]

Thank you for that BeeBea, it scares to me so much to think of what I don't remember, as what I already remember is bad enough - so that must be all I can handle at the moment. It is amazing how your brain works to protect you.

So, at least if there are even worse memories stored away somewhere - I hopefully will be much stronger and ready to know them again.

 

[nimkekaa]

I've had chronic insomnia since being a child, and had nightmares and some anxiety, but functioned highly for the last 20 years, but the PTSD symptoms have worsened considerably in the last 12 months.Mt PTSD symptoms are severe now, to the point where I can't work, socialize, can't tolerate crowds, noise etc.
.

I so relate to a lot of what you are saying. My trauma is mostly from childhood and I had been doing so well for years. Although I did repress most of it. Now I too am suffering severe symptoms and can't work, don't want to socialize much, and any noise just drives me over the edge.

Apparently it's because I feel safe enough now to deal with it.

Anyway, welcome to the forum!

 

[Shellbell]

Apparently it's because I feel safe enough now to deal with it.

Yes, that's what my psychologist said to me, that as I am now in safest place and time in my life, that's why this is happening.

I thought I was going mad until I was assessed and told everything I am experiencing is normal for PTSD for multiple and severe traumas.

 

[nimkekaa]

It does feel like a kick in the teeth when your down though. I worked so hard to get out of the hell I lived in and create a safe place for my family and now it feels like I can't take the time to enjoy it because I now have to process all the trauma that I have been through.

On the bright side it means I am a fighter and surviver and I keep telling myself that after everything I have gone through I can do this too. Then life will be amazing and I can stand strong and say that my abusers didnt' bring me down.

So your not going mad unless I am going with you. :roflmao:

 

[Shellbell]

So your not going mad unless I am going with you. :roflmao:

That made me giggle!

We are fighters, my psychologist said she was humbled by how long I coped and functioned so highly before the PTSD started hitting hard within the last 12 months. I have always felt that I just coped as I had no choice, no family or anyone to help me or support me. But I must be strong and a fighter. We all are on here!

 

[BeeBea]

You bet we are fighter and survivors - - - now we need to become over-comers.

 

[Shellbell]

Yes BeeBea you are right. Most days though it's the 'how' to become an overcomer (trauma/exposure therapy) that scares me and makes my anxiety soar the most - I just want to fast forward a year! Anyone know how I can do that lol?.......anyone????