Why So Late?

[Hocking]

I have been in therapy for years. Seen many psychiatrists. Been there done that.

I was diagnosed with PTSD NOS when I was accessed by the psychiatrist Social Security sent me to. Also a disability expert (certified) diagnosed PTSD.

What I don't understand is how this menace (PTSD) avoided being diagnosed over many many years of seeing psychologists, thearpists and psychiatrists.

When I found about the diagnosis I was shocked. But two experts in their fields came to the same diagnosis when I applied for SSDI in 2005. I was approved for disability first time around. My case got sent to Chicago for auditing and was approved again.

What I don't understand is how all the other mental health providers missed this PTSD. What were they doing?

I just don't know what else to say. I am baffeled and hurt that this went unnoticed for years.

 

[suzie q]

Hey there Hocking,

I too went through all kinds of therapy for years and PTSD was never mentioned to me until about 8-10 years ago. Even then, I was never encouraged to look into treatment and I think PTSD (besides combat PTSD) was a confusing diagnosis. It has only been recently that science has proved it's diagnosis as a disease and not just a symptom.

For me, I went through many years of CBT therapy which is supposed to help with PTSD symptoms. It wasn't until about 6 months ago, when I had to deal with some really stressful situations back to back, that I could clearly see the symptoms. I started out thinking I was just severly depressed and ended up here on the forum reading my symptoms.

I'm so glad I found this place and have learned so much on how to deal with the trauma. Talking to others about stresses and how to positively and in a healthy way deal with them has been a God send. I love being able to share here without judgement or critisim from anyone. Welcome and hope to see you around the forum.