Symptoms Go Back Further Than The Diagnosis 3 Years Ago

[TagsJay]

I am a new member to this site and just wanted to say hello. I was diagnosed with PTSD about 3 years ago, however, I believe my symptoms go back much farther than that. For 10 years I worked as a medical Technician in a community where I grew up. I found it really hard to continue in this profession as I just didn't seem to get a break anymore from the worst of this job. I left the job and decided I needed to do something different.

So I decided to become a police officer and have been for the last 10 years. It seems I am a glutton for punishment, because I went from dealing with friends and acquaintances suffering in the worst trauma they will ever suffer or could ever suffer, to another profession that with even more trauma.....emotional and physical......some of the worst society has to offer.

I have learned that I can never return to who I used to be and have accepted this fact. I also know that my PTSD will never go away. I can only deal with symptoms....most of the time are manageable. I was introduced to this site and I thought what a great place to go for some extra needed support. Something that has been lacking for some time. Thank you PTSD forum.

 

[BethRSA]

Hi TagsJay!:hello:

First of all, thank you so much for your many years of service in the medical and police professions. We know that you deal with so much. Thanks for putting yourself "on the line" for others.

I'm glad you found us. I trust that you will find many who have been in your shoes (some medical, some police, and many of us that just understand PTSD.

Look around and post when you're ready. See you around the forum!
Beth

 

[amethist]

Hi TagsJay

Welcome to the forum.

You seem to have come a long way so far, maybe now with help and support from members on here who have been, or are still in a similar place you are now, you will be able to move even further forward on your journey.

You could also be able to help others as they move forward too.

Good luck and take care.

Amethist

 

[Deleted member 541]

Welcome to the forum.....Acceptance is a huge step in your recovery, and knowing that PTSD is life long is another.....

This site is an invaluable source for information, and support. I Hope you use it as much as possible.....

 

[Manic11]

Welcome TagsJay! :hello:
I hope you find a lot of help and support in this forum. Good for you for confronting this and continuing the steps to heal.

Manic

 

[bonnecanyon]

I have learned that I can never return to who I used to be and have accepted this fact. I also know that my PTSD will never go away. I can only deal with symptoms....most of the time are manageable.

TagsJay

Your awareness of ptsd and how it affects you is awesome - it will serve you well as you move forward in the healing process.

Welcome!
BC

 

[TagsJay]

Thank you all for your kind words of encouragement. My recovery is an ongoing process. I had been seeing a therapist for a couple of years, however, have not been in over a year. We both decided that I was at a point where my symptoms (Intrusive Dreams, short term memory loss, loss of concentration, fear of crowds, etc.) were manageable as long as I continued with exposure therapy. This is a hard thing to do alone and that is why I was happy to have been referred to this site. Thanks again everyone.

 

[tryintobreathe]

TJ,

Welcome to the forum. This is most definately a great place for support. I can tell you that it's helped me so much.

Jen

 

[helena]

Hi TagsJay,

Welcome to the forum, you made the right choice as there is a wealth of information on ptsd (however it was caused)

I suspect that it is your compassion that keeps leading you into public service work... soldiers often feel the need to 'protect' in the same way that police officers do so the starting point is likely to be the same.

Look forward to seeing you around the forum

Helena