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PTSD and trauma

A space for discussing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), domestic abuse, sexual abuse and other trauma. Please note some content may be distressing.

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Sophie_M If you need to talk about Bondi Beach - Our community is here
  • replies: 8

Hi everyone, After the heartbreaking events at Bondi Beach on Sunday night, we know many people in our community may be feeling shaken, distressed, or unsure how to make sense of what has happened. Religious and political violence has no place is Aus... View more

Hi everyone, After the heartbreaking events at Bondi Beach on Sunday night, we know many people in our community may be feeling shaken, distressed, or unsure how to make sense of what has happened. Religious and political violence has no place is Australia and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the individuals and families affected by this tragedy. We wanted to create a space where you can share whatever you’re feeling - whether that’s fear, shock, grief, or anything else that has come up for you. If you need support from others in the community, please feel welcome to post here. Violence and acts of terror can bring feelings of shock, grief, profound sadness, anger and fear. It’s normal to experience these emotions while trying to make sense of distressing events. It may take time for these feelings to ease, but it’s never too early to seek support if you are feeling distressed. Beyond Blue is here for you anytime, by phone on 1300 224 636 or via webchat: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/talk-to-a-counsellor You can also support those around you by being available to them and listening. Thank you for being such an important part of this community, and for the kindness, honesty, and wisdom you continue to share with each other. We remind the community that Beyond Blue is here for all people in Australia, no matter what you believe, how you live or who you worship. Kind regards Sophie M

A_Tech PTSD for Medical and First Responders
  • replies: 276

Hi, Well obviously this my situation. I was hoping to find others here that might have a similar background to chat with, it can be so hard to talk about this stuff with non-med people (and I mean no disrespect, it's just often graffic or upsetting t... View more

Hi, Well obviously this my situation. I was hoping to find others here that might have a similar background to chat with, it can be so hard to talk about this stuff with non-med people (and I mean no disrespect, it's just often graffic or upsetting to others). Im a 40 year old female that has spent the last 10years in the State Trauma Hospital as an Anaesthetic Technician. My PTSD was brought about after years of exposure to shocking traumas, deaths, and no support from management. I would love to hear from anyone that has a similar story, or just wants to chat. Cheers

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Picture Coping with trauma
  • replies: 2

Hello Following a trauma last year I went through a mental health crisis, and I am now feeling more stable and calm but not yet normal. The things I think that have helped are seeing a psychologist to talk openly to (she was very empathetic and had s... View more

Hello Following a trauma last year I went through a mental health crisis, and I am now feeling more stable and calm but not yet normal. The things I think that have helped are seeing a psychologist to talk openly to (she was very empathetic and had some useful suggestions); the crisis lines; getting medication to help with sleep; support from family/friends and this forum. I will carry the trauma I have been through for my life but I now feel it is not overwhelming me in the same way. I still feel a lot of sadness and regret, flashbacks, rumination, social anxiety and a feeling of being a bit separate from myself. I am able to function a bit better with family and others though. So far I have just been speaking with a psychologist but will look at some other therapies as well. I may also try yoga. I will also try and do more exercise. Just thought I would post to show what has helped me in case it helps others. For me it is a slow process but I do feel it is moving in the right direction. I hope others experiencing trauma are also coping.

ComplexPTSD Complex PTSD
  • replies: 4

I have had a history of Trauma throughout my life (including childhood trauma), and I do believe I am suffering from complex PTSD. I do get attracted to Chaotic people and situations, to fix them, and other people's problems become my problems, and r... View more

I have had a history of Trauma throughout my life (including childhood trauma), and I do believe I am suffering from complex PTSD. I do get attracted to Chaotic people and situations, to fix them, and other people's problems become my problems, and relationships get damaged/destroyed, or something terrible happens to people around me or me, for example, recently, when I had to get the police involved (case now closed) and move from my area/go into hiding. Has anybody else had this problem, and how do you fix it? I do get blame and guilt from my family when I go through these situations, which doesn't help me recover and fully work through the trauma. I'm starting with a clinical psychologist in the new year, and I'm doing another round of EDMR for the most recent event. I want to set myself up better for the future. I'm a well-trained professional and an expert in my field, and I know I can have a better life going forward if I make better choices.

Picture TV Shows to distract from trauma
  • replies: 9

Please suggest some light hearted shows that help distract you from focusing on trauma. Thank you

Please suggest some light hearted shows that help distract you from focusing on trauma. Thank you

Headintheclouds Emotional Abuse
  • replies: 5

Hi, I’m not sure this is the correct location to add this discussion. I am struggling at the moment trying to workout if I have been/am being emotionally abused by my partner. I have been with my partner for 2.5 years, throughout the relationship the... View more

Hi, I’m not sure this is the correct location to add this discussion. I am struggling at the moment trying to workout if I have been/am being emotionally abused by my partner. I have been with my partner for 2.5 years, throughout the relationship there has been many ups and downs. Pulling me in, pushing me away, I love you, I don’t know if I love you, you make me feel like a real person, this relationship is making me unhappy, let’s have a baby, let’s never speak of having a baby again, let’s move in together, let’s break up. Last year after being together for 1.5 years and him withdrawing, the first of the I don’t know if I love you, ignoring me, refusing to look as me etc I found drugs in a bag he was taking to and from work. After this, he withdrew further and it felt like he punished me for finding out his secret. He eventually admitted that he was/is a drug addict 8 years ago and has started using again casually. I know that it wasn’t casually because we would be at dinner and he would almost fall asleep while eating, almost falling asleep while driving, 1 night he did fall as asleep, with his kids in the car. A couple of months after, he had an epiphany that he really does love me and the relationship was the best it ever had been for a few months. 3 weeks ago, a switch flicked in him again and he withdrew completely. He’s constantly angry, he ignores me as though I don’t exist. More of I don’t know if I love you and I don’t know why I’m treating you like this. He is treating me like he suddenly hates me. Saturday night I was comforting him because he was down and that night was the nicest he’s been to me in weeks. He was rubbing my back and then tried to lead to sex and I pushed him away because I didn’t want it. He stopped after I pushed him away the second time and I eventually woke up to him behind me pushing into my back. I tried to ignore him but he continued. I knew if I didn’t let him do what he wanted, he’d treat me even worse. When it was over, he didn’t touch me or say a word to me and he hasn’t since. I am at a point now where I do not know if I am being abused. I cannot sleep properly, I’m forcing myself to eat and I’m genuinely questioning myself. I feel like I am in slow motion most days, and I am filled with anxiety to the point I am about to be physically sick. He tells me that he is depressed and I don’t doubt that, however, the constant turmoil makes me wonder if there is something more than depression. Not that anything would justify his behaviour to me right now anyway. It feels as though the silent treatment is like he is controlling me and keeping me in a constant state of confusion and disarray. I feel humiliated that I gave him another chance and here I am again. It’s a pattern now.

Guest_71804972 Worried about plurality
  • replies: 4

I'm concerned I might fall under the term of someone who is plural, I've done a lot of research on the subject of DID and OSDD and worry my symptoms could be lining up, but I'm unsure as I've dealt with things like delusions and hallucinations in the... View more

I'm concerned I might fall under the term of someone who is plural, I've done a lot of research on the subject of DID and OSDD and worry my symptoms could be lining up, but I'm unsure as I've dealt with things like delusions and hallucinations in the past, and my brain could be convincing me of something that isn't real. I don't have money to spend so I'm not very sure how to go about figuring it out with a professional either

Nix I feel like I should be entitled to compensation for my C-PTSD
  • replies: 3

CW* CSAI, like the title very much suggests, feel like I should be entitled to some kind of compensation for my C-PTSD and the fact that because of it I have not and will not be able to work or function in society. I was CSA by no less than eight peo... View more

CW* CSAI, like the title very much suggests, feel like I should be entitled to some kind of compensation for my C-PTSD and the fact that because of it I have not and will not be able to work or function in society. I was CSA by no less than eight people, four of them being adults, from practically birth to 17. Pictures were taken of me and that fact haunts me to this day. My mother was also CSA by some of the same people, one was her foster father. Because it happened to her in foster care she was able to access the national redress and get a payout and an apology from the government. But guess what?? She left me there. She left me in that situation with her foster father, who might or might not be my biological father, and she just left. It wasn't until I was 11 and he was imprisoned that I was able to get out. She got money and lives guilt free despite what she brought me into. I don't think I qualify for the national regress because I wasn't in foster care myself. And I don't think I qualify for a TPD payout because I never worked to begin with. I feel stuck and alone and angry and sad and tired and I wish she had just aborted me rather than let me grow up like that.

Mudcakes Time moves fast but I feel stuck. I cant explain.
  • replies: 1

Oh shit. Ever since mum came across my father in the ED in march last year and then seeing on the news his company logo sponsoring his football team, then learning its their charity and involved with a well known charity that runs their program and t... View more

Oh shit. Ever since mum came across my father in the ED in march last year and then seeing on the news his company logo sponsoring his football team, then learning its their charity and involved with a well known charity that runs their program and then them doing how he gives back and highlighting just him and trying to work out what to do about this and how the ivo ends in may this year…. Time has not felt normal. How is it that I havent seen my gp since august last year? Or my other doctor for my sleep meds the consult was from feb last year? Im kinda freaked out. Time has felt frozen for me but I feel like its dragging me along with it. How do I explain this to my gp next time or the other doctor? No wonder around july I stopped doing stuff like going out as much or my board game group. I mean every-time I go outside I automatically scan and imagine him walking up to me or I see him. It’s like purgatory. I hate it. It feels like he’s everywhere. I mean he will contest my application for another IVO(avo in other states) and I cant go through that. I can’t. He is like slenderman that’s what it feels like. Im also like, freaked out by the news and stuff and dont feel safe in my state or country anymore honestly. Mum turns 60 in a few days and it just reminds me how fast time is going and Im not ready or feel stuck. Im 21 and yes I have a learning disability and like a bit developmentally delayed so I’m behind peers my age I guess but I cant get over 2018 was like 7 years ago I think? Like it freaks me out. Anyway. Sorry its so all over the place my post.See less

Sophie_M If you need to talk about Bondi Beach - Our community is here
  • replies: 8

Hi everyone, After the heartbreaking events at Bondi Beach on Sunday night, we know many people in our community may be feeling shaken, distressed, or unsure how to make sense of what has happened. Religious and political violence has no place is Aus... View more

Hi everyone, After the heartbreaking events at Bondi Beach on Sunday night, we know many people in our community may be feeling shaken, distressed, or unsure how to make sense of what has happened. Religious and political violence has no place is Australia and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the individuals and families affected by this tragedy. We wanted to create a space where you can share whatever you’re feeling - whether that’s fear, shock, grief, or anything else that has come up for you. If you need support from others in the community, please feel welcome to post here. Violence and acts of terror can bring feelings of shock, grief, profound sadness, anger and fear. It’s normal to experience these emotions while trying to make sense of distressing events. It may take time for these feelings to ease, but it’s never too early to seek support if you are feeling distressed. Beyond Blue is here for you anytime, by phone on 1300 224 636 or via webchat: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/talk-to-a-counsellor You can also support those around you by being available to them and listening. Thank you for being such an important part of this community, and for the kindness, honesty, and wisdom you continue to share with each other. We remind the community that Beyond Blue is here for all people in Australia, no matter what you believe, how you live or who you worship. Kind regards Sophie M

Mudcakes Feeling unsafe after conflict at home – trauma response, not coping well
  • replies: 3

Chat gpt wrote this for me, im quite distressed and needed it summarised. Hi everyone,I’m posting because I’m really shaken tonight and struggling to ground myself, and I could use some support or perspective. I live in a very small apartment with my... View more

Chat gpt wrote this for me, im quite distressed and needed it summarised. Hi everyone,I’m posting because I’m really shaken tonight and struggling to ground myself, and I could use some support or perspective. I live in a very small apartment with my mum, and both of us are currently sick with the flu. Tonight, something that was emotionally important to me broke suddenly and loudly right in front of me while I was already vulnerable and calm for the first time in a while. My body went into shock – shaking, freezing, crying – and I asked for help. What followed was an argument where things escalated quickly. I asked for space in my room multiple times, but it wasn’t respected, and voices were raised. Because of my past trauma, having my personal space invaded is extremely triggering for me. It sent me straight into a trauma response. During the conflict, I was called “abusive” because I swore while highly dysregulated. That word has hit me very deeply, as it links directly to past abuse I’ve experienced. I now feel overwhelmed with shame, fear, and confusion, and my nervous system feels completely overloaded. I want to be very clear: I did not threaten anyone, I did not try to control anyone, and I was trying to get space to feel safe. But right now my brain keeps looping on the accusation, and I’m struggling to calm down or trust myself. On top of that, the apartment is tiny, neighbours are having a loud party, and I feel trapped with nowhere quiet to regulate. I’m safe physically, but emotionally I feel shattered and on edge. I guess I’m posting because: I need reassurance that trauma responses and boundary panic aren’t the same as being an abusive personI’m struggling with shock and emotional fallout after conflict at homeI feel really alone and flooded right now If anyone has been through something similar – being triggered by family conflict, being mislabelled during dysregulation, or feeling unsafe in your own space – I’d really appreciate hearing how you got through it or what helped. Thank you for reading. Even writing this out helps a little. i even feel bad using ai

BoldSoul Organized Harassment in broad daylight and I'm the TI
  • replies: 2

I'm a victim of organized harassment - this is another term for "gang stalking" but has been respectfully and appropriately termed "organised harassment" in order to remove stigmatization and any persecutory or pathological references involving the v... View more

I'm a victim of organized harassment - this is another term for "gang stalking" but has been respectfully and appropriately termed "organised harassment" in order to remove stigmatization and any persecutory or pathological references involving the victim. My position is officially termed the "targeted individual" or TI. The techniques employed in an organized harassment campaign were originally developed by British Intelligence and are designed to wear down an individual's resilience, resulting in suicide or self-harm - what is termed a "long slow murder", involving psychological torture and torment, the isolation of an individual by way of the erosion of social, community and familial relationships and connections, the repeated interference, destruction and sabotage of an individual's goals, aspirations and efforts to better themselves through education, employment, community involvement or the development of new friendships or relationships. An individual will be blocked from advancing in any direction that is not prescribed by the control group, known as "operatives". Presently I am "blocked" from studying at university, from shopping at my preferred stores and mall having been herded or "corralled" and "contained" within my local neighbourhood, from attending my previous bulk billing clinic and seeing my familiar, general practitioner where I was poorly treated and made to feel confused and expelled by doctor, nurses and reception, from attending the local hospital where I've already been terrorized and where I'll be subjected to disbelief and discredited by staff and specialists, from attending Imaging services for essential tests, and from seeking services and supports in countless other organizations, such as my preferred Pharmacy, the NDIS, The Department of Housing, Australia Post, Victoria Police, etc. etc. etc. I understand that my wellbeing, my health and my safety are my own concern and my responsibility, but how is a person expected to continue when an entire population of some thousands of brainwashed and misguided people make a hobby and a pastime out of formulating new and continuous plots designed to destroy my happiness, my personal strength, to impact my physical health, to erode my sense of safety and belonging, my self-esteem, my beliefs and value system, and to undermine me in any and all manner they can derive in undetectable ways that confound and distort and even have the professionals fooled? It is called Organized Harassment