Hi - Struggling With PTSD

[PTSDd_Off]

Hi everyone. Good to find a safe place to meet others in a similar situation.

I'm 43 and have recently been diagnosed through DSM IV and ICD 10 with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) following nine months of Clinical Depression. My CPTSD is overlaid with a Panic Disorder. All of this was brought about through child abuse and it's taken me this long to acknowledge something was wrong and to do something about it.

I'm currently seeing a psychiatrist and am on Zoloft for the time being.

It's a difficult journey but I remain positive and driven in my determination to control this thing.

I'm looking forward to discussing this with others in the forum, mapping the journey and, possibly, meeting up with other local sufferers - after all, there's strength in numbers and mutual support is one of the best therapies.

[cookie]

welcome to the forum, po.
cathy

[willing]

Welcome Pstd'd off,
Funny clever name. I am glad you found this. Isn't the internet a miracle worker when it comes to finding good stuff. And I see you are from Anthony's area. There are people from everywhere here. Anyway, I too am 44 but still in diagnosis stage...I think my current psych doc doesn't like labeling with diagnosis'. Also I suffered from sexual abuse. I am on Resperidone right now. The Lexapro pushed me into a manic so now perhaps Bipolar is in the picture. Just keep posting and you'll be even more positive how this site can help.
Patty

[willing]

This is the article on Complex PTSD (http://www.ptsdforum.org/thread4287.html) that I found to really help and gave me something to really dig my teeth into. I am going to give it to my therapist tomorrow. He specializes in PTSD.

[PTSDd_Off]

Thanks guys. The internet is a great tool - found the Wikepedia articles enlightening also although nothing beats a professional opinion. Now that I know what I'm dealing with I can work with 'it' - know your enemy as the saying goes - discover it's weaknesses and through that you can defeat it but of course, also know what resources you have so you can develop the most appropriate strategy to win (bit of Sun Tzu's "Art of War" there).

Willing - sorry to read about your own experience. I can only imagine what such abuse must do to someone. Mine was physical & emotional by my Father (now deceased) all the way throughout my childhood. I saw a great movie last night - by way of homework from my psych - "Life as a House" - have a look but do so on your own at first as you should experience 'the message' personally rather than being influenced by other's opinions. Take notes as to how it made you feel, who you identified with and what was said that meant something to you.

[anthony]

Welcome to the forum PTSD'd.... like the name by the way. Look forward to chatting with you more.

[willing]

Ptsd'd Off,
I a have seen that movie but I can't remember much. What I related to was the movie Mysterious Skin and Shortbus. Really good and both touched me deeply. I too look forward to chatting more.
Patty

[PTSDd_Off]

Thanks Patty - I'll have a look for those titles tonight.

Anthony & Patty - look forward to talking more also.

[map9]

Hi PO, I'm new too and have many similar problems that you do. Welcome aboard. For years I struggled trying to find a place to fit in. Honestly, this place is like a dream come true. I can't thank Anthony enough, plus I laugh every time I see the dog on the forum logo. Take your time and read the posts, let us know how your doing and what helped you the most. We all need every bit of help we can get. Glad you found the forum and hope it helps you as much as it has helped me. Love, map9

[PTSDd_Off]

Thanks Map. The name seemed appropriate :)

[YoungAndAngry]

welcome PTSD'd Off, I like the name too, lol

[NotDepressed]

Hi PO, I'm new too and have many similar problems that you do. Welcome aboard. For years I struggled trying to find a place to fit in. Honestly, this place is like a dream come true. I can't thank Anthony enough, plus I laugh every time I see the dog on the forum logo. Take your time and read the posts, let us know how your doing and what helped you the most. We all need every bit of help we can get. Glad you found the forum and hope it helps you as much as it has helped me. Love, map9

Is it a dog or a pig? I thought it was a pig.

Welcome PTSD'd off. I'm new, too.

[veiled]

Welcome. I hope you post more often and see that PTSD is PTSD. I have "complex" PTSD and have been labeled with PD too with a few other conditions. Here you will learn that none of this would be here without straight up PTSD, it is all PTSD. Here it is all treated the same and relief is still found. I know what PD feels like, it is only a symptom (you have to trust that) of PTSD. I am in debt up over my eyes from it and lost all of retirement on docs over time. But this forum and guidance here has brought me down from 10 mg xanax a day to control it to 3/4 mg a day. Plus I am off zoloft now and a dozen other drugs. This place can turn your life around if you are ready. I have been in your shoes and I know light is at the end of the tunnel. You will slip and sometimes fall but you can get better. I hope you want to.

[PTSDd_Off]

Thanks guys - I'd love to get better - it's all I hope for. It's good that I can now give this thing a name and a face - now I know what I'm dealing with. I feel like I've taken my first real step on the path to recovery.

[veiled]

Coming here is a real step if you stay. You will be pushed and at times pushed down. And damn it hurts as you feel you start over at times... But if you stick it out those of us who have walked and continue walk this path will help you up and point you in the right direction, only you can do it though. Just let those here guide you and know the pain we walk you into is temporary and you can be better. I have had this a long time and I know first hand. I have shocked doctors and was considered the worst case scenario, but even I am healing. I am relapsing (and it happens as it is normal) still I am healing and I swing to good days much more often.

[RNning]

Hi PTSD'd Off
I am not sure besides the medications what you are doing, I have found "bodywork" to be helpful - try to look for a therapist that is familiar with Haokomi or Redenfeld methods. In the mean time, hang in - you have a right to be PTSD'd Off - anger is part of the process, as is pain, depression, tears. This is a rollercoaster ride!

[PTSDd_Off]

Thanks RN. We're all in this together - experiencing the same ride at the same time - I'm honoured to be sharing this experience with everyone on here?

[Marlene]

Coming in a bit late...welcome to the forum!

[porkyrees]

Hi Mate I have finally found someone on Zoloft.I think its a good drug and have been on it for 7yrs.Hang in with it as it can take up to three months to have an effect what dosage are you on I am on 200mg per day the highest recomended by doctors.I honestly believe if I had been on it a lot earlier life would have been a lot different.It only looks after depression you will have to take other things for the other problems.If you get the depression under control you are half way there.Porky Rees

[PTSDd_Off]

HI PR - I'm on 100mgs but am looking at switching onto a different drug. I'm finding that Zoloft has a sexually inhibiting effect although I'm working with my psych on the switch.