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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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John_P Is it just depression or is it PTSD?
  • replies: 21

Hello. Throughout my 20's, (im 32 now) i suffered with a couple cases of bad times, but now i think it was depression. once is my early 20's. about 22 for 2 years and then 30 to 32. both to do with relationship breakdowns, (not initiated by me),,,,, ... View more

Hello. Throughout my 20's, (im 32 now) i suffered with a couple cases of bad times, but now i think it was depression. once is my early 20's. about 22 for 2 years and then 30 to 32. both to do with relationship breakdowns, (not initiated by me),,,,, both situations left me completed destroyed as a person as I Love fully, but then crash after a breakup.....both occassions resulted in flashbacks, serious withdrawls from social situations, inability to function propoerly, constand brain fog. not able to feel good. bad sleeping patterns.....etc......is it depression or something worse? maybe it is PTSD? my doctor gave me referral for a CT scan due to my constant pain in my head, or brain fog. Im concerned about the radiation side effects. Ans will it find anything? clarity would be appreciated

Lumpypumpkin Introduction
  • replies: 2

Hi my name is Caz and l am currently have that feeling that feeling of doom. I have PTSD, depression and anxiety. Taking medication and though it helps l still get concerned about my feelings. Nightmares are really bad and l feel so bad when l wake u... View more

Hi my name is Caz and l am currently have that feeling that feeling of doom. I have PTSD, depression and anxiety. Taking medication and though it helps l still get concerned about my feelings. Nightmares are really bad and l feel so bad when l wake up harming my partner. I

Ayisha Having difficulty using the site.
  • replies: 1

Can anyone tell me how to search for threads i have put up? Many thanks Ishy

Can anyone tell me how to search for threads i have put up? Many thanks Ishy

AmizAussieGirl1989 I have Physical Trauma from Abuse Neglect Abandonment and Coping Alone
  • replies: 3

and it just got worse I'm struggling with what I can see myself I'm yet to go to my GP I'm fighting with Anemia hats the side effects I can determine its that Bad I'm getting spots bruising I need VitC and Iron I hope once I see my GP I'll turn it al... View more

and it just got worse I'm struggling with what I can see myself I'm yet to go to my GP I'm fighting with Anemia hats the side effects I can determine its that Bad I'm getting spots bruising I need VitC and Iron I hope once I see my GP I'll turn it all around again I adore to smile even if I have no one to see it I have lot of love to give this world and I'm ever so intelligent so I don't wish for myself to waste away I'm alert coherent and it'd be nice to make new friends and see I'm not all alone maybe another sufferer or anyone would wish to talk? I'd love to be a help too. I do like to stay to myself however it's a comfort I just signed up today. mhm It troubles me each time I'm ill I get sick too fast to catch up on it I've never seen this before sometimes its confusing you're YES physically traumatized not of the mindset I understand to cope with things yet my body's struggling to cope on its own you don't know then it happens it just does I think from my own point of views finally its letting go of all the stress I just hope its not to come back and bite me when I need to be the strongest physically situations happen to me all the time I just cant always prepare for in day to day life or big obstacles I'd like to avoid.

HoneyBee13 I have been mentally and physically abused by someone i am still currently living with
  • replies: 2

Hi, I'm new and have a few questions In the past i have been mentally and physically abused by someone i am still currently living with. Now i am older the abuse no longer continues but if i were to tell a psychologist that im still living with this ... View more

Hi, I'm new and have a few questions In the past i have been mentally and physically abused by someone i am still currently living with. Now i am older the abuse no longer continues but if i were to tell a psychologist that im still living with this person, would they tell anyone. I dont know who maybe authorities. I'm just worried. Its the only thing stopping me from seeing someone and i really need someone to talk to.

Dotajoli Advice needed in regards to disclosing information about my ex husband.
  • replies: 17

Trigger Warning In March my daughter disclosed sexual abuse from my husband and his 2 sons over a 6 year period.At this stage it is still under a lengthy investigation but after extensive counselling whilst in denial in the beginning there is now no ... View more

Trigger Warning In March my daughter disclosed sexual abuse from my husband and his 2 sons over a 6 year period.At this stage it is still under a lengthy investigation but after extensive counselling whilst in denial in the beginning there is now no doubt in my mind what so ever and counselling has also been a massive self discovery journey to the domestic violence I accepted from a very narcissistic,manipulative man and the impact this had on my children and I bravely admit to my parenting incorrectly.The advice I need tonight which someone may or may not be able to advise me but any assistance will help is my husband and one of his sons who stayed in our home of 2 years who have never made friends or socialized and have always kept to them selves have made friends with some of the neighbors who have 2 young children and they have started having BBQ and meals there plus he "accidentally"sent me a message tonight saying I hope the kids liked the presents I bought them! I almost vomited & felt that these kids are not safe.My physiologist has said until they are charged its not my job to save the world but I strongly feel i need to let them know to protect their children!I have lived an absolute nightmare with my daughter and son these past 9 months as everything unfolds and we try to process everything that my daughter has endured ,the self harm and suicidal thought she now endures my sons misplaced feeling of him not protecting his little sister and my guilt that I failed as a mother for bringing in a father and 2 boys to our lives that decided and broke our trust and my inability to protect my children or notice what what these monsters were doing right under my nose. I now have two very fragile children who will become warriors and i will not let this determine our future hence why the psychologist has said just concentrate on us BUT I have enough guilt hanging around ATM for something that was not in my control and I had NO KNOWLEDGE off HOW could I cope and live with myself if something happened to these innocent 7 and 9 year old children?? I understand what the psychologist is saying I dont want to get involved BUT i feel 100 % obligated to drop an anonymous letter in the mail box telling them to protect their children and making them aware there is an investigation under way.. Please help

Whitecross Hi my name is Lindy.
  • replies: 14

I’ll start off by saying getting diabetes at the age of 21 has been absolute nightmare. I’m now 52 and have been through the ringer with so many things. My story is huge and it’s left me not feeling good about myself. As a very young child I didn’t l... View more

I’ll start off by saying getting diabetes at the age of 21 has been absolute nightmare. I’m now 52 and have been through the ringer with so many things. My story is huge and it’s left me not feeling good about myself. As a very young child I didn’t like myself either .. 🤷‍

Emlm History repeats...?
  • replies: 11

I’m currently on my second stay in a private mental health hospital. First stint started in October, spent most of December at home and was re-admitted New Year’s Eve. I’ve had my 13th ECT today and feel like I’m getting better but there’s a pretty b... View more

I’m currently on my second stay in a private mental health hospital. First stint started in October, spent most of December at home and was re-admitted New Year’s Eve. I’ve had my 13th ECT today and feel like I’m getting better but there’s a pretty big obstacle that is interfering with my progress. my mother, as much as I love and appreciate her I have no idea how to let her no that her actions and talk is really making it hard to get better. And I’m worried for my daughters mental health. My partner works away, so the kids are staying with my parents while I’m in hospital. My mum favours my son, he can do no wrong (13yrs). Whereas my daughter (11yrs) gets in trouble for anything and everything. Even the looks she receives from my mum breaks my heart. It was similar growing up between myself and my older brother. i have tried all different ways of addressing this issue, 11 years of it. One time after she was really nasty to my daughter I got very upset and I exploded. My mum told me she might as well kill her self.... I can’t deal with that. i don’t no what I’m supposed to do to make her see that she’s being absolutely horrible, and unfortunately I’ve seen physical marks on my daughter too. My mum was abused by her father.... but that gives her zero right to do this to my little girl. My partner wants to say something, but if he does it’ll probably be the last time they talk. He won’t sugar coat it. My dad protected me growing up, and he does the same for my daughter, but my mum rarely does it around him. shes my mum, I shouldn’t have to protect my daughter from her. I don’t no what to do, is there a way I can get her to see what she’s doing? I’ve gone weeks/ months not talking to her before. Nothing changes. My priority is my children. I need to get better so I can get home. This is setting my anxiety off the charts.

Aleksandra Abused as a kid ,becoming abuser later in life
  • replies: 3

Hello, I am new here, just wanted to see if anyone has an advice or experience with similar situation.As a kid I was in family with alcoholoc person that was agressive and I was always scared and never really talked about it. I am 23 now, I have a wo... View more

Hello, I am new here, just wanted to see if anyone has an advice or experience with similar situation.As a kid I was in family with alcoholoc person that was agressive and I was always scared and never really talked about it. I am 23 now, I have a wonderful relationship and I have abnormal anger attacks, like I get really stressed out and I am not just into verbaly arguing with my boyfriend I am becoming an abuser, I am physically aggressive, my adrenalin rushes so fast I feel like my mind is not my own. After like 30 mins I get back to normal, I usually cry because I cant believe what I just did/ say. In the moment of my anger attack I am not able to stop myself, I can not think rationaly .. And I am so scared that my kids one day would live like I did..with agressive parent... I don't even know how to fix this problem..:/

Greys Trouble accepting complex trauma diagnosis
  • replies: 4

This is my post time posting and I’m kind of anxious about it. I’m wondering as anyone else struggled accepting they have complex PTSD. I got diagnosed a while ago now but I still can’t believe I have it. It doesn’t feel like what happened to me was ... View more

This is my post time posting and I’m kind of anxious about it. I’m wondering as anyone else struggled accepting they have complex PTSD. I got diagnosed a while ago now but I still can’t believe I have it. It doesn’t feel like what happened to me was all that bad. It just seemed normal family stuff but the psychologist has said it wasn’t normal. I feel like a fake and I’ve been hiding all my mental from my family no one but my husband knows. Which adds to my thoughts of this can’t be real if I’ve managed to hide it. I also get dissociation and I keep trying to find other reasons for it but the psych says it’s from trauma. I don’t know how to get past all this uncertainty. How can I accept that I have complex trauma?