Sufferer When Is This Going To End? Traumatic Robbery

[GeorgiaOnMyMind]

Hi, I am new here, I was assaulted about a month ago by someone who was trying to mug me. He punched me all over my torso and I thought I was being stabbed. The next night, our porch was robbed, and just a few days ago, we had another porch robbery. I am living in a constant state of fight-or-flight, flipping out at the smallest trigger--loud noises, strangers walking too close to me, unexpected physical contact. It is exhausting and I hate living this way. If anyone has been in a similar situation, please let me know how long it took you to start to calm down...I don't know how long a person can be expected to function like this.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I suggest seeking professional help so this doesn't develop into full blown PTSD. I don't mean to scare you (and hopefully this will urge you to get help now), but sometimes people experience such symptoms for years.

Welcome, and I wish you the best.

 

[zaniara]

Welcome. I just have to agree with ScaredOfLonely! Seek professional help so that it doesn't have to turn into full blown PTSD! It's easiest to help in the beginning before it gets chronic. I'm sorry you had to endure so much stress in such a short time too! It's really no wonder you're experiencing those symptoms. But they don't have to become chronic. To seek a lot of support from friends or any person you can find that seem to be a good source for support is one of the best things to do. Isolating is the worst thing to do. Sometimes medical help to be able to sleep can be very important too. (But don't get addicted to the medication, they're only helpful for a short period of time; until the fear calms down.) Good luck!

 

[GeorgiaOnMyMind]

Thanks very much, both of you!

 

[Queen Boudica]

Welcome, Yes agree with all of the above, get professional help now before it develops into full blown PTSD. Best of luck.

 

[GeorgiaOnMyMind]

Thanks so much... Has anyone tried massage/bodywork (acupressure, etc) as a type of "professional help"? I've had a couple sessions and I feel great right afterward, but I'm don't know if it's long-term as helpful as therapy would be.

 

[intothelight]

Hi GeorgiaOnMyMind,

Welcome to the PTSD Forum! :)

There are some great threads on hypervigilance that you may find helpful. While anything you can do to help alleviate the stress is beneficial, it is still important to receive a diagnosis so that you know all of the options that are available to you.

Wishing you the best.

Debbie

 

[GeorgiaOnMyMind]

Thank you, Debbie! I will check out those threads. Have been going to a therapist and practicing some of the techniques I've found on here, and have been feeling MUCH better--thank god!!!!!

 

[Olivia Felton]

Hi Georgia, and welcome. I am a medically retired police officer with full blown PTSD. I waited too long to get help.

I am glad that you found a therapist!

You can also call the Victim's Advocacy Group. The Advocacy Group is generally a division of the District Attorney's Office. Hopefully you received a pamphlet ( it was required in the two states I worked in) about your rights as a victim. Sometimes the state can help you pay for therapy.

I can say that your feelings and reactions are completely normal and expected. I can also tell you that you are a survivor and you WILL get through this. We are all here for you.

 

[GeorgiaOnMyMind]

Olivia...thank you so much for that post. That last paragraph is exactly what we all need to hear. I actually got teary-eyed reading it.

No, I did not receive any pamphlets about victims' rights--nor did I know that I have any!! Can I find this online somewhere?

Sorry to hear that you waited too long to get help...and hope things are going better for you now. Here for you, too!! :)

 

[Olivia Felton]

Contact your District Attorney's Office, or check the website for the State Attorney General. At the very least, call the police station handling your cases and talk to a Sergeant. S/he should be able to point you in the right direction.

Your kind words remind me of why I chose that profession, and I am glad I can still be of some help. :tup:

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Welcome. :)