PTSD-not war related.

[Kaiden'sMomma]

Hey, ladies. I was just thinking a lot lately with all of the different discussions about rape and different traumatic events so many of us on this board have suffered through.
PTSD is not something that only effects those who have been to war, but it also effects many, MANY more people world wide who have gone through something tragic and don't know how to cope.
It was brought to my attention in a DearSOS thread that rape is the second most common even to suffer PTSD for---coming second only to those who have gone to war.
I wanted to open discussion to anybody who feels they may be suffering through PTSD due to rape or any other even that involved abuse, loss, and/or suffering. I feel as if I have been suffering PTSD due to a rape in my past for a few years, now, and never had it properly diagnosed, but was instead told by counselors that I was 'depressed' and 'bi-polar'. One even labeled me 'ADHD' simply because of symptoms being mixed up and misread.
After something I went through this summer, and lots of thinking, I've realized that I need to seek some help before my son is born in June, so I can have myself under control and be able to completely concentrate on him.
If any of you feel that you are going through something similar, please talk to me.
There is another woman on here (SN-KateTheGreat) who is GREAT with resources for this type of thing, and I have quite a few, as well.
, , and to all of you, whether you remain silent or you speak out.
-Kelsi

[tifflovezyou]

I have suffered sexual abuse from a stranger, the loss of my husband, mental abuse from a boyfriend, and a near fatal car-accident. I definitely think I have some PTSD. I have MAJOR trust issues, and I stereo-type men alot. (I know it isn't right)

I have never been diagnosed by a mental professional, but Lord.. Thats just to name a couple of the tramatic things that have happened.

I am a pretty together person, despite all of the ****. I try to be the rock for other people. Im a survivor and a very strong woman due to the events that have occured. I have been thinking of some grief counseling though, I miss James so much, I sometimes think it's unhealthy.

[Kaiden'sMomma]

Oh, goodness. I can't imagine how horrible it must feel coping losing your hubs. I'm SO sorry.
You know, I relate to you a lot, though. I've lost about a total of 10 people VERY close to me in the past few years. More than 3 of them were due to suicide, which was incredibly hard to deal with. Then there's dealing with the rape, and the thing that happened to me this summer---something I haven't yet come to terms with on my own and don't feel comfortable admitting out loud, yet.
My parents divorced this summer after 20 years of marriage, I've lost a lot of my friends since I stopped partying, and nobody really seems to understand.
It's really hard, you know? That's why I started this thread. To talk, and to listen to those who need to talk. I love to listen.
That's another thing you said that I relate to. I'm EVERYBODY's rock. I only do my best, though.
---I just started reading your short story (on your blog). You already have me in tears, woman.

[tifflovezyou]

Originally Posted by KelsEllie Oh, goodness. I can't imagine how horrible it must feel coping losing your hubs. I'm SO sorry. You know, I relate to you a lot, though. I've lost about a total of 10 people VERY close to me in the past few years. More than 3 of them were due to suicide, which was incredibly hard to deal with. Then there's dealing with the rape, and the thing that happened to me this summer---something I haven't yet come to terms with on my own and don't feel comfortable admitting out loud, yet. My parents divorced this summer after 20 years of marriage, I've lost a lot of my friends since I stopped partying, and nobody really seems to understand. It's really hard, you know? That's why I started this thread. To talk, and to listen to those who need to talk. I love to listen. That's another thing you said that I relate to. I'm EVERYBODY's rock. I only do my best, though.

Im just very lonely without James. He was my soulmate, and hes gone forever. It's really hard for me to accept that. He's all I ever knew, and not to mention the only father my daughter has. I just wish I could see him one more time. I do get to dream about him, thats a big blessing. I go to his grave and I talk to him when im down. That helps.

The other stuff bothers me, but not nearly as much as that. When I get stressed about the bad things that have happened to me, I try to focus on the good things. One of my better qualities is the ability to forgive people and be positive.

[Kaiden'sMomma]

I just finished your blog, and I'm in tears. I'll be back to say more, later.
That was just so touching.
I think I love you. If that isn't creepy.

[tifflovezyou]

Originally Posted by KelsEllie I just finished your blog, and I'm in tears. I'll be back to say more, later. That was just so touching. I think I love you. If that isn't creepy.

Thanks! I really should write more, it's a good release. No, it isn't creepy! I you too

[goldilockz]

My Mom suffers from lifelong PTSD because of what her step father put her through. The woman can be downright nutty, and it isn't at all her fault.

[Kris]

I suffer from PTSD from multiple rapes growing up in an abusive household just to go from one abusive boyfriend to another.

I have been diagnosed with PTSD sense I was a young child, I think the first time was when I was 5 and called the cops on my dad. I am not sure, but I have been diagnosed with it as recently as a week and a half ago.

I have tried EMDR which is Eye Movement decensatiaion (sp?) to help with flash backs and nightmares it has helped some but not completely I still have flashbacks and nightmares they just don't occur every night now.

[Kaiden'sMomma]

That is helpful information. I'm sure other will think so as well.
I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that!
I can't seem to stop my nightmares/flashbacks. They usually come together. I'll have a horrible nightmare once or twice every night, wake up and not be able to fall back asleep...and have flash backs once I'm awake.

[MontanaSweetie]

I suffer from PTSD, but its related to a severe car accident.