Support
Support

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.

Start a conversation

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Categories
Start a conversation

Pinned discussions

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

All discussions

Start a conversation

Goldenribbon Ageing women value
  • replies: 14

I’m hoping I won’t offend anyone with my post ad I realise what I’m thinking is a product of my experiences and thoughts but I’m really having trouble or getting past themsince a very young age perhaps 9,10 I recall older men being inappropriate towa... View more

I’m hoping I won’t offend anyone with my post ad I realise what I’m thinking is a product of my experiences and thoughts but I’m really having trouble or getting past themsince a very young age perhaps 9,10 I recall older men being inappropriate towards me . A man exposing himself , many many inappropriate comments , leering , sometimes ‘accidental touching , then at 11 sexual ‘relations’ from a 17 yr old boy That went on for a year or so . I’ve never known what to make of it as he wasn’t technically an adult . I have raised it with a couple of counsellors but both were reluctant to say much . I’m extremely angry and tearful when I think of it and ashamed . I went completely off the rails and into abusive relationships from there anyway , my issue is I have zero trust in men and a huge obstacle believing I could ever have a real relationship , even though that’s what I truly want , because I believe deep down all men truly care about and want is youth. All my examples in life have confirmed this in both my personal experience and friends around me . I hate porn as In my mind it confirms mens obsession with youth and beauty with older women being relegated to a fetish .My closest friends tell me that men on dating sites their age block women their own age even though they say they don’t want children in their profile and I read that men’s optimal age for a partner for their entire life is 22 even through women prefer men within a few years of their own age . Apparently that survey was taken from over 200k people so it’s not small I look around me for some examples to try and give me opposing views and think ok I’ve found a man standing by his wife then I find out he left for a 21 yr old ....I just feel women are only valued for youth and looks and so discarded and that any of a relationship of you didn’t get it right in your youth is decreased for a woman just because she losses the thing men value most . I feel like I’m permanently damaged . I mean if I can’t be through these thoughts by this age . Everyone else is living in the same world as me and either doesn’t see these things or isn’t bothered by them so there’s clearly something very wrong with me and I don’t seem to get anywhere talking to therapist . In another thread a psychologist was suggested but I’m apprehensive as my experience is no one wants to hear this ... o guess I’m venting and wondering if anyone has ever felt this

lazycalm Recently diagnosed with psychosis from PTSD
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone! this is my first post on this forum, I have been in intensive therapy for a bit over a year, last year I was hospitalised for a suicide attempt as a result of my depression and anxiety, along with my developing psychotic symptoms. I am d... View more

Hi everyone! this is my first post on this forum, I have been in intensive therapy for a bit over a year, last year I was hospitalised for a suicide attempt as a result of my depression and anxiety, along with my developing psychotic symptoms. I am doing a lot better than I was last year, but recently I was officially diagnosed with psychosis, and it's taking a toll on me. I have used up my therapy sessions, but I don't think I want to return to it for a while because I think I can cope by myself now, but I'm just looking for a bit of support on these forums. I had an extremely bad acid trip on new years a couple years back, and I've never felt the same since. I have 1st episodic psychosis and PTSD as a result. It drives me nuts.. I'm often very paranoid, and I have slight auditory and visual hallucinations, though nothing too extreme, it makes me feel like I'm going crazy. I feel dissociated literally 100% of the time, and it makes my work life and social life quite difficult. For example, I get confused about my surroundings, it feels like I'm looking through a screen all the time, like nothing is real around me. It feels really scary but I'm just trying to accept that this is my life now. Sometimes I get so confused that I don't see where I'm going and I might walk into someone or something by accident. My vision is always fuzzy, and I can see halos around people. I know it sounds crazy, and I know it's just my illness but it gets so tiring having to act normal around people, like I'm not experiencing anything. I guess I'm really scared of this developing into something like schizophrenia. It would be reassuring to hear from people with psychosis or a similar experience to me. I feel there is so much stigma around it because people think you're crazy or will harm others because of it, which isn't true at all. I also have really bad depression and anxiety, and I have panic attacks a lot simply because I get anxious about the possibility of getting anxious. It's so draining Anyway, sorry if I have rambled a lot but I'd just like to get some reassurance that I'm not alone and I'm not crazy.

bonvita_p Sexual Assualt, mental health, full-time work, support?
  • replies: 2

Hallo BB community, I am reaching out for advice. I experience very extreme ups and downs caused by complex trauma from childhood sexual assault. I went to a music festival in Nov 2018 and experienced assault again and haven't had a grip all year, I ... View more

Hallo BB community, I am reaching out for advice. I experience very extreme ups and downs caused by complex trauma from childhood sexual assault. I went to a music festival in Nov 2018 and experienced assault again and haven't had a grip all year, I started a new full-time job thinking a fresh start would distract me but ive had multiple break-downs and seriously embarrassing emotional days. I have recently applied for counselling and cognitive behavioural training through Victim Services but ive seen two psychologists in 6 months and really don't feel like they've helped. My mum keeps telling my it'll take time but I am burning out. I have spiralled AGAIN> displays of aggression to my boss and total anti-social behaviour with colleagues leading up to it. Felt like I was experiencing bullying all year and told myself I could talk it out with people before the holidays. A lot of the time they work in pairs and I never felt considered. I must have been too confrontational because I have been given a warning from my boss about it. Im really disappointed in myself for not handling it, im an only child and I think I take these things too seriously, I was so embarrassed and didn't know what to say to anyone. I feel sick and pathetic that this is how I feel. I talked to my GP about it and he gave me a 3 day medical note and said it sounds like everyone at work is stressed. Ive worked really hard all year and he knows I have. My boss wanted to know what was wrong with me, hes really old school and makes all the woman at work uncomfortable so this was really hard for me. I told him my GP says im stressed, he asked for a diagnoses, I said complex trauma, he said that has nothing to do with work and if its affecting me then I shouldn't be in the workforce and he would like to know so he can replace me. I want to crumble. I don't want to find another employer. I want to sit with myself and accept the world, study at tafe and do volunteer work for the planet. Does anyone know where child sexual assault victims stand under disability payments from centrelink? I don't feel like ive healed at all this year. I feel so tired and angry. I want to take time out to heal.

Bear1922 Does PTSD Ever get better?
  • replies: 6

The title to this post pretty much sums up my query. I felt like I turned the corner for a couple of weeks. But now - night terrors, flashbacks, physically painful sadness. Nights spent up just crying - more like a silent scream of anguish. Exhausted... View more

The title to this post pretty much sums up my query. I felt like I turned the corner for a couple of weeks. But now - night terrors, flashbacks, physically painful sadness. Nights spent up just crying - more like a silent scream of anguish. Exhausted & losing the determination to fight on.

Close I think my daughter has become so institutionalised it’s becoming too difficult to fit back into her home life.
  • replies: 4

She has been in a mental health care facility for pretty much 2 years and has been for home stays but usually only lasts a couple of weeks. She has 4 children and her interest seems to be waning - it seems to be too much for her. She also has become ... View more

She has been in a mental health care facility for pretty much 2 years and has been for home stays but usually only lasts a couple of weeks. She has 4 children and her interest seems to be waning - it seems to be too much for her. She also has become totally self absorbed and demanding. Any suggestions?

Chelle72 PTSD from an anaesthesia awareness trauma
  • replies: 14

I was diagnosed with PTSD recently due to a traumatic event when I was 2.5 years old and its been the most horrendous and strangely empowering journey. Memories that we block usually come back, however hard we try to keep that door locked tight. I re... View more

I was diagnosed with PTSD recently due to a traumatic event when I was 2.5 years old and its been the most horrendous and strangely empowering journey. Memories that we block usually come back, however hard we try to keep that door locked tight. I realised that my body was always trying to remind me of what happened but I always stopped it until last year when, during an incredibly stressful period at work, those memories refused to stay in that black hole any longer. My trauma was what they call "anaesthesia awareness" and happened during a tonsillectomy. It has been a lonely journey because there is very little information and support for people like me. I do know that a lot of sufferers commit suicide and I can understand why. Sometimes it felt like I was tiptoeing through a minefield, defusing bombs (memories) and wondering if the next one was the one that would blow up in my face, the one I didn't survive. For the first time I was afraid to go to sleep because I naively believed that I could control my memories/thoughts while I was awake. Yes I thought of suicide, because trying to escape internal pain can sometimes make you feel like that is the only option. It isn't but it can seem like a blessed relief until you realise the pain it will cause your loved ones. It gives you the strength to get through one more day, and then the next... I'm lucky I guess in that the panic attacks come in the middle of the night and so don't affect my work. This trauma affected me in so many ways, a personality was created out of unbelievable terror and I wonder if the innocent little girl is still in there, the one who doesn't know fear and can feel joy and freedom with that fear constantly lingering in the background. My way of coping was to try to control everything around me, I felt it gave me a false sense of safety and when I got older, alcohol - it made the fear go away - temporarily at least. The trauma stopped me having a family as I couldn't be around young children, they terrified me and if they were upset or screaming it was even worse. Maybe its because it forced me to remember a little girls' internal screams that no one could hear.. My journey isn't over but I am getting closer to the end with the help of a wonderful psychologist and an amazingly supportive husband. I just wanted to say if anyone else is suffering from a trauma and internal pain that is threatening to overwhelm you - please don't despair - there is help and there is hope!

Jasmin15 CPTSD & Bipolar, but still trying to smile.
  • replies: 2

Wow, would you look at that. I’ve reached out for human contact... Hi guys, I’m a 29 year old mother of three. And clearly I use humour or sarcasm to mask my true emotions... sigh.. Anyways I thought I’d post my first time and introduce myself to oth... View more

Wow, would you look at that. I’ve reached out for human contact... Hi guys, I’m a 29 year old mother of three. And clearly I use humour or sarcasm to mask my true emotions... sigh.. Anyways I thought I’d post my first time and introduce myself to others who also have similar MHCs. I have been on a long journey with my mental health and it began when I was a child. Being sexually abused for 10 years til the strength to make my way in the world. However due to trauma, a lack of education and a rebellious streak I didn’t seek the help I needed til much later in life. When I found myself homeless, pregnant and alone. I endured many years a single mother, made some poor decisions had the worst luck when it come to my decision regarding my partners. I ended up suffering a great deal of violence, both physical and sexually in natural, in my early twenties. I managed to free myself after years of torment at the hands of the biological father of my youngest child. I’ve been in a safe, new home now for 2 years now. Just started to see my doctors and have my medicines fixed up. I still have really shit days. But today was a good day. I seen my psychiatrist and spoke about making a new plan to manage my bipolar. I feel sad sometimes, and wonder does the trauma ever go away? Does anyone else have similar issues? Hoping to find some hope, maybe some new cyber friends or possibly even inspiration. Much love to those who are suffering and their families.

Guest_9043 Experiencing immense grief, sadness, loss, loss of hope and angry over family.
  • replies: 27

Hi, I am an adult survivor of Childhood abuse and Trauma. I was abused by both parents growing up well into my adult years. I am now 40 years old. I let go of him (male family member opposite to a mother) I cannot even say the name. I let him go just... View more

Hi, I am an adult survivor of Childhood abuse and Trauma. I was abused by both parents growing up well into my adult years. I am now 40 years old. I let go of him (male family member opposite to a mother) I cannot even say the name. I let him go just after I turned 30 years old. I finally realised it was not my fault that my father did not love me. 18 years of my life completely wasted. It took me roughly ten years to deal with the grief, loss and abuse. It was so so so hard. I did not go to counselling. In hindsight maybe I should have but cannot be undone what is now done. I still have some things to work through in regards to him but nowhere near as much as my two remaining family members, her ( again opposite to a father) and my sister. I have made a choice that when he passes away (not that I will find out probably) that I will not be going to his funeral. He did not want me being alive, so really he does not deserve my farewell or respect. I already said goodbye to him. I know there is no chance left nor hope of ever having a relationship. So I have said my goodbyes in my own way. Sometimes it still hurts, like when I am going to do something that any daughter would love to have him with them and I feel sad for a moment. I guess no matter how much work I do there will always be a small part of me that feels a pang of sadness sometimes. I don't acknowledge Fathers day and I don't acknowledge his Birthday. I just get on with things. 5 months ago I left a same sex Domestic Violence relationship.Nobody knew I was in a Domestic Violence Relationship. I still have that to heal and recover from. When my remaining family members found out, I was not even going to tell them, My sister never did a single thing, not one single thing to help me or support me. My mother came to court with me once and I will not say what she did that day, I will just say that after many many many years of severe abuse and trauma from both of them, something inside of me said NO MORE. It was a real strong NO MORE and I meant it which changed my whole world. So to cut a very long story short, I am currently in a place now where the hope has died. I held hope for a long time. Hope for the family I needed and wanted. I have come to realise neither of them actually want to change and that is why my hope has gone. They don't want therapy and it is all about them. I am in therapy. I don't have any friends so I have no emotional support or people to talk to. It's VERY painful.

DharawalBoy Feeling trauma, grief, shame and a never ending headache.
  • replies: 5

I am sorry it is going to be a bit long but I would like to share what I am going through. I was in a long distance relationship for 4 years with my best friend from school whom I knew for 8 years. Things got a bit bad 2 years ago when I found anothe... View more

I am sorry it is going to be a bit long but I would like to share what I am going through. I was in a long distance relationship for 4 years with my best friend from school whom I knew for 8 years. Things got a bit bad 2 years ago when I found another charming girl here in Sydney but quickly I realised that I am doing something wrong, broke up with the girl and admitted it to her, obviously she heartbroken broke up and left me, I . The depression, guilt and shame completely crushed as I bunked uni classes and went behind a semester and thousands of dollars in Uni debt. I BEGGED for her forgiveness. A few months later she came back saying she has forgiven and wanted to spend her life with me. All things went fine for the next year albeit a few difficult days but things were going alright. She broke up soon before our wedding and then kept me on hold saying it is still a break. A few days ago she called me up and said she has found someone, which killed me. I made one last effort to sway her mind but it was to no avail and was instead abused for my mistakes. Meanwhile all this while, I was so concentrated on the relationship that I have fell so far behind in life, went into credit card debt of 10k and a mediocre career. I have had this headache for the last 2 years which won't fade away, and an intense feeling of guilt and shame (no one likes a disloyal person) which has developed in Insomnia and affects my day to day life. I have this array of unresolved emotions where I don't know what to do, also I did not look for any friend all these years and feel a lack of a support system. I don't know what I want from this post and it doesn't show the whole story either as it is too complex with my financial instability and responsibility towards family coming from a migrant background. I feel totally lost and helpless in life and have felt that for quite some time. I am scared to share my emotions with my friends again and again, and I feel so alone and I don't know if I should feel this weak. I don't know how to get rid of this shame and pain!

Jezza251 Compulsive Liar
  • replies: 27

Hi Wasn't sure where to start, I'm 45 and need help with my compulsive lying. I used to always lie when I was younger and it never stopped, there were times when the truth was being shown in front of me and I would still lie. I have a wife and two ki... View more

Hi Wasn't sure where to start, I'm 45 and need help with my compulsive lying. I used to always lie when I was younger and it never stopped, there were times when the truth was being shown in front of me and I would still lie. I have a wife and two kids and I don't want to accept this is who I am anymore. I'm not sure where to start so I am jumping on in the hope someone might be able to inform me of how I can stop this self destructive behaviour. I was abused as a child and part of me knows that might have been the start of this but I want to stop this defining who I am. I have a great life and it always feels like I get to a point where everything is awesome and then I go ahead and ruin it. please help as I don't want to lose my family as it's the only thing I've ever really had

As an organisation that supports people from across Australia, Beyond Blue acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present.

First Nations Peoples are advised that this website may include reference to and images of deceased persons.

Beyond Blue is committed to safe inclusive spaces, policies and services for people of LGBTIQ+ communities and their families.

Helpful information

Stay in touch

Sign up below for regular emails from Beyond Blue, filled with information, advice and support for you or your loved ones.

Stay in touch

Talk it through with us, we'll point you in the right direction.

Call 1300 224 636

24 hours / 7 days a week

Chat Online

24 hours / 7 days a week

Email us

Get a reply in 24 hours

Copyright � 2026 Beyond Blue Ltd

All rights reserved

Contact us Terms of use Privacy policy Site map