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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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Bee007 PTSD and work
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, I'm new here and was hoping to get some advice as to how to cope with PTSD and a highly demanding job. I am a lawyer and a year ago I was hit by a car who ran a red light whilst crossing the road just outside of work whilst on my way to ... View more

Hi everyone, I'm new here and was hoping to get some advice as to how to cope with PTSD and a highly demanding job. I am a lawyer and a year ago I was hit by a car who ran a red light whilst crossing the road just outside of work whilst on my way to court. I'm trying to get back into the swing of things but I find it really challenging when I have to cross the road where I was hit to go to court and find I am unable to cope with any stress/pressure at all. Does anyone have any strategies they use that help them to refocus and/or get through the day? Does anyone have to revisit their accident site every day as part of their work and if so, how do you cope with it?? Thanks for listening.

Slipperyfish Group therapy. What are people’s thoughts?
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone. this week I’ve just started a 10 week women’s complex trauma program and I’m just wondering if anyone has previous experience with group therapy. I found the initial interview process (to see if the group would be a good fit) really grea... View more

Hi everyone. this week I’ve just started a 10 week women’s complex trauma program and I’m just wondering if anyone has previous experience with group therapy. I found the initial interview process (to see if the group would be a good fit) really great and I was super excited to begin. But since the first group session I have been completely overwhelmed. I’m sure this is somewhat normal but honestly the past week has been a struggle. My body has literally shut down on me and I’ve been crippled with pain from what I can only assume is body memories from past trauma. I’ve also been so emotional. Like it’s out of control. My housemate killed a spider and I cried all because I felt like she took the choice away from the spider about whether it wanted to live or not. I’m just at a bit of a crossroads. I want more then anything to get better and I 100% want to keep giving the group a go. I just don’t know if this is my body and brain telling me I’m not ready. I don’t know. A lady in the group actually made the comment that what she wants to achieve out of the group is how to really live and not just survive. And I feel that way too! I just don’t know if I’m going to cause myself more damage if I put myself through 10 weeks of this if I’m not ready. anyway. I’d love to hear if people have had any previous experience with a similar situation. Like I said, I am so ready to move forward in life and actually start living a life that I really enjoy being a part of instead of just telling myself I can make it through the day one step after another to then continue to tell myself this on a daily basis. I’m so ready to move forward!

Haunted77 How to stop feeling worthless..where’s the light at the end of the tunnel?
  • replies: 4

Hi everyone, I’ve reached a point of not caring but somehow caring enough to log on to this site. 2.5 years ago my Narcissist husband of 22 years cheated on me with three prostitutes, one of which he now lives with. My son, who was 15 at the time fou... View more

Hi everyone, I’ve reached a point of not caring but somehow caring enough to log on to this site. 2.5 years ago my Narcissist husband of 22 years cheated on me with three prostitutes, one of which he now lives with. My son, who was 15 at the time found graphic photos and messages between his Dad and said women. this led to divorce...I left quietly broken and walked away with nothing but my children. 2.5 years on, he still continues to tell everyone I ended the marriage and he was crushed and he is happy he’s found love again... this of course angers his children who have expressed their concerns however their Dad has chosen his happiness with her and has not seen his children for 2 years. its hard to try and support two teenagers through University on one income... they study full time and work casually when they can. My ex says he’s “no longer obligated to support them” im financially destitute, left with debt I ran up to pay for psychology appointments when we split as my then 15 year old tried to take his own life. I can’t release super, not entitled to debt help as my debt is under $10,000. I can barely pay rent or buy food. i am literally all my boys have. Where is the light? narcissistic abuse is consuming and I feel impossible to ever heal from.

Tomwce I hate my parents what do I do?
  • replies: 2

Before I start I just want to say I know my situation is no where near as bad as other kids but I could really use some help. i want to start by saying that I had a great childhood, my parents are among the wealthier people so I always had the cooles... View more

Before I start I just want to say I know my situation is no where near as bad as other kids but I could really use some help. i want to start by saying that I had a great childhood, my parents are among the wealthier people so I always had the coolest toys and nice clothes and for that I am forever grateful, but around the time I started high school is when everything fell apart. They would check my phone every night and go through my room once a week to make sure I wasn’t hiding anything and at the time I thought fair enough they’re just making sure I’m not doing anything bad but I’m 17 turning 18 this year and they’re still doing it. As my mates and i got older their parents became more relaxed but mine became unbearable to live with. I’m not allowed out past 7, I can’t go anywhere that’s too far from my house, they check my phone, my room, my phone plan usage, my bank statements and all kinds of things along the lines of that. Most people I tell just think I have overprotective parents but they aren’t like that to protect me, they do it so they can find something I’ve done wrong and get me in trouble for it. They seem almost desperate to catch me doing something I shouldn’t, last week my dad told me he wished I was never born because I left my ceiling fan on when I left my room to get lunch from the kitchen. They let my younger sister do everything she wants, she doesn’t have a curfew, she doesn’t have to hand her phone in or anything like that, and I’ve never done anything to give them a reason to. I hate them because they make me feel like everything I do is wrong, whenever I do something I worry about what they will say because they’re so unpredictable with what they will get mad at me for. Everything I do seems like an excuse for my dad to try and intimidate me and if I fight back or tell them how I feel it always ends up getting violent between me and dad. I don’t know what to do because I can’t keep living like this I’m in grade 12 and I’m trying to get the best marks so I can get a good job and move out but I’m failing and falling behind because the stress of school and my parents is too much. I feel hopeless and don’t know what to do.

To_be_FREE Speech and anxiety
  • replies: 2

I have been going through a hard time with domestic violence issues the last 3 weeks. My anxiety has been severe and some days I just don't want to get out of bed. The last couple of days ive noticed I've mixed up my speech. Almost like I am distract... View more

I have been going through a hard time with domestic violence issues the last 3 weeks. My anxiety has been severe and some days I just don't want to get out of bed. The last couple of days ive noticed I've mixed up my speech. Almost like I am distracted. Not slurred as much as crossing over words. But when I sing it doesn't happen, just if I am talking. I'm hoping it is just exhaustion and anxiety but my anxiety is getting to me and i'm worried it is something else more sinister. My heart rate, BP etc are all normal. I'm going to the doctor in the morning but wondering if this has happened to anyone else in times of stress and big change? Thank you.

Lizgal Neighbors have been stalking me for 3 years
  • replies: 5

So I'd just like to say since getting help initially I was place in Mental health and find it difficult to get help. I have been abused on multiple occasions by my neighbours and I haven't told anyone about the details of the abuse. I have a good cir... View more

So I'd just like to say since getting help initially I was place in Mental health and find it difficult to get help. I have been abused on multiple occasions by my neighbours and I haven't told anyone about the details of the abuse. I have a good circle of friends and family who are supportive but I don't share the details of the assaults with them. I've fallen pregnant recently due to the daily assaults and am unsure what I am going to do. I am planning to stay at a womens shelter to escape the stalking and assaults. I have no idea what to do though so that is what I am figuring out at the moment. I am dealing with ptsd after all the horrific assaults and noise harassment where they play videos of the assaults on loud speaker at all hours of the night. I was recently made aware the cause was because I had been slamming the back door but figure that that was a ridiculous reason.

new_beginning How do i go on?
  • replies: 9

The last 4 years of my life i have been given bread crumbs and discarded more times than i can count. The last time being yesterday, i was only wanted so he didnt have to pay childsupprt and to see his kids however he was supposed to have the kids la... View more

The last 4 years of my life i have been given bread crumbs and discarded more times than i can count. The last time being yesterday, i was only wanted so he didnt have to pay childsupprt and to see his kids however he was supposed to have the kids last night but the new gf has kids free weekend so that was more important. I have been lied to for 4 years and now im a mess wondering what to do now. I have no self confidence, no trust in my judgement of people and no hope for the future. I just get up everyday for my kids and try to make them happy. I dont feel happy. I cant remember the last time i did. I barely sleep and now just get to look forwards to the time when he decides to break me some more by coming after the kids.. What am i supposed to do?

Eleni_B Don’t no what is wrong with me
  • replies: 1

Hi, i don’t no what has happened to me. For the last 6 months, maybe more I’ve been feeling empty with no feelings towards my kids, husband and no interest in anything. I work full time and I’m pretty busy, but a lot of the time I just want to cry. I... View more

Hi, i don’t no what has happened to me. For the last 6 months, maybe more I’ve been feeling empty with no feelings towards my kids, husband and no interest in anything. I work full time and I’m pretty busy, but a lot of the time I just want to cry. I can’t see a way out and I think I’m destroying my marriage cos of my anger towards everything. I have 7 children but only one left at home. I was sexually abused by my father from a very young age and it stoped when I ran away from home at 12. I never told anyone in my family what he had done to me (he is dead now) So they just thought I was a uncontrollable child. I was put in a children’s home because of it and I still never said a word. I was very young when I had my first child to a extremely violent man. It took me nearly 8 years to get away from him. Having 3 children to him, they suffered at he’s hands to. Then I meet someone who was a pot smoker very calm and caring not violent which I need in my life, even though I hated that he smoked drugs. But he started smoking so much that when he didn’t have any he’s moods were terrible and he’s abusive mouth was unbelievable, but I was no angel, I would abuse him back. After years of living total different lives but share the house and bed and 3 more children, I needed to get out. It became nasty and he ended up with someone else but kept trying to turn my kids against me and make as much trouble as they could for me. I ended up moving away to stop all the troubles. In this time I meet my now husband (we have been together for 11 years) who I was totally in love with, he changed everything in my life I was totally happy he was there for me when ever I needed, I told him every secret I ever hide. About 4 years ago he had a accident on he’s dirt bike. In hospital for 5days he had memory lose and was paralysed in one leg. In a few weeks he was walking properly, but had depression. He use to ring me 20 times a day stressed, angry sometimes crying while he was at work, and I stopped everything for him just so I was there for him.He is a lot better now not taking any meds But he has changed not completely but I feel it and we argue of stupid things. I feel we are destroying each other. Iv been such a strong person all my life did everything on my own, I could always rely on me. Now I don’t no what to do. I feel lost, empty, sometimes angry. I don’t no how to pull myself out of this black hole iv slipped into and can’t get out of.. help me

Lewwie Hypervigilance
  • replies: 5

Hi, I went through a period of sexual assault and dv for a few years and finally moved out, I met a new partner and there was a few times when my ex would still get to me. My new partner was furious and installed cameras which deterred my ex. Ever si... View more

Hi, I went through a period of sexual assault and dv for a few years and finally moved out, I met a new partner and there was a few times when my ex would still get to me. My new partner was furious and installed cameras which deterred my ex. Ever since then I have been unable to sleep well without medicine. If I am home alone I have everything turned down really quiet so I can keep listening for changes. We moved house and I thought it would be better but it is just as bad. Almost worse because this house has a lot of doors so I have to keep walking around the house all night checking locks. Because my ex and I share children I have to talk to him occasionally and see him on occasions, my partner always attends these times. I just don't know if I will ever get through it and move on. I hate having to take medicine every night in order to sleep. I tried Psychology but really struggled to even get to appointments without panicking. I am completely exhausted and had really hoped that this new home would be a fresh start but it's just the same stuff in a different space.

Mickii When you need help, but help is just too hard
  • replies: 11

I guess I just wanted to ask whether other people sometimes find help makes things harder. The last couple of days have been horrible and I have at times been quite suicidual. The thing is I know to ask for help, and in the end I went to online chat ... View more

I guess I just wanted to ask whether other people sometimes find help makes things harder. The last couple of days have been horrible and I have at times been quite suicidual. The thing is I know to ask for help, and in the end I went to online chat with lifeline, and although there are lots of good ideas about what to do when you feel suicidual, the truth is I felt so bad it was like I just didn't have the energy to do anything about it. Tonight a friend rang to see how I was, I didn't admit to how bad I felt, because I didn't want them to feel hopeless because they couldn't change how I feel. I see my psychiatrist every couple of weeks, and I never tell her the truth because then I have to deal with it, and it is too hard.