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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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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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badooli Sibling abusing entire family
  • replies: 1

Hi, this is my first post. My brother physically, emotionally, and verbally abused my mum and dad. Often I was told to wait in another room while my parents tried to calm him down. This went on for 7 years. My brother has several mental health issues... View more

Hi, this is my first post. My brother physically, emotionally, and verbally abused my mum and dad. Often I was told to wait in another room while my parents tried to calm him down. This went on for 7 years. My brother has several mental health issues. He has finally moved out of home but he argues constantly w my parents and threatens to kill himself if his demands aren’t met. This has left my parents stressed and exhausted. But now mum, dad and I all have PTSD. i just wanted to know if there’s anyone out there who’s experienced the same thing? All the research is geared towards sibling to sibling. also does this come under the ‘domestic violence’ aspect of ptsd?

josh123456475 Struggling with PTSD from sexual abuse, attempting to find solution to nightmares
  • replies: 4

I was sexually abused at school and bullied horrendously, im now 19 and this all happened when i was 13-15. I started working in the health sector and had something trigger my PTSD. I am seeing a pshycologist and on anti depressants but it hasn't don... View more

I was sexually abused at school and bullied horrendously, im now 19 and this all happened when i was 13-15. I started working in the health sector and had something trigger my PTSD. I am seeing a pshycologist and on anti depressants but it hasn't done anything. I can't sleep at night due to nightmares, I have trouble leaving the house during the day due to anxiety. I have been told for the last 4-5 years by all my medical professionals and parents that its going to get better however if anything it has only gotten worse. When i reproted it to the school they just pretended it didnt happen and covered it up. Does anyone have any suggestions on getting to sleep or getting over nightmares, I was looking at the possibility of a service dog, but dont know what to do.

EagleFreedom Im still here
  • replies: 1

Hi I have a severe case of cptsd. Long term isolation. Can't seem to find a way out. Im going back to therapy. This is pure hell.

Hi I have a severe case of cptsd. Long term isolation. Can't seem to find a way out. Im going back to therapy. This is pure hell.

Lana_1 Relationship with psychological abuse. How to end up?
  • replies: 9

Hi. Im scared to end up our nearly 3years relationship. We set up a date for wedding, but I’m not feeling it’s the right decision. I’m getting more and more depressed. I tried to end up our relationship before , but my fiancé always stopped me firstl... View more

Hi. Im scared to end up our nearly 3years relationship. We set up a date for wedding, but I’m not feeling it’s the right decision. I’m getting more and more depressed. I tried to end up our relationship before , but my fiancé always stopped me firstly saying that he will change but recently he is threatening me to sue financially, by saying that all his friends from interstate booked their accommodation, and he would not let it happen. Also he won’t let me get my belongings from his house, saying that he will call police on me. Thanks. I don’t know what to do. Help me, please.

Christi Suspicious letter at work, stressed after incident
  • replies: 2

I received a suspicious letter at work and walked it (a bit half harted) to the mailroom from there it escalated very quickly, next thing I know I was isolated in the first aid room, police, ambulance and fire brigade on their way. Ambulance advised ... View more

I received a suspicious letter at work and walked it (a bit half harted) to the mailroom from there it escalated very quickly, next thing I know I was isolated in the first aid room, police, ambulance and fire brigade on their way. Ambulance advised first aider to roll me on my side should I become unconscious (not nice to hear that, worried me heaps) police turns up, the ladies from the mail room join me in quarantine. The ambulance turns up, vital check everthing fine but asked me to come with them just in case. Tried to find out my chances as I am not keen on hospitals and was worried that it would cause rumors at work. We all decided to stay in the work first aid room. Fireman opens the door and advised that they found a powder, we all start to panic and second guess our self for not going to hospital. Few minutes later police confirms that there is nothing to be concerned off and gives us the all clear. We are not poisoned and will not die today! Since then I feel so drained, empty and stressed, I am just a temp in the company...will I loose my job? Police advised me that I could have harmed people in the lift when I walked the letter to the mailroom and I should not do that. My direct manager didn't even ask if I am OK this morning one up from my manager just asked half heart (racing past) you alright?

KLOVE Not Able To Feel Closure-Child Sexual Abuse
  • replies: 6

I was the victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a pedofile in my church when I was a teenager. 10yrs ago I proceeded with legal action against him & as a result other victims came forward, reported him & we've successfully had him charged, convicted... View more

I was the victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a pedofile in my church when I was a teenager. 10yrs ago I proceeded with legal action against him & as a result other victims came forward, reported him & we've successfully had him charged, convicted & jailed. He has also been dealt with by our church & removed as a member. He has been exposed in the press aswell. However, my pain & PTSD still remains. Rather then being able to "enjoy" the fact that justice is being served, I can't feel any relief or peace. Why am I still hurting emotionally & mentally?

Hopee Need help telling my psychologist about past trauma
  • replies: 7

Hi, So I’m new here to beyondblue and I was wondering if any of you could give me advice on how to tell my psychologist about trauma from when I was younger. I currently see her for pretty bad social anxiety so I already find it really difficult to t... View more

Hi, So I’m new here to beyondblue and I was wondering if any of you could give me advice on how to tell my psychologist about trauma from when I was younger. I currently see her for pretty bad social anxiety so I already find it really difficult to talk to her, but recently over the past few months memories of the trauma have resurfaced causing me problems like flashbacks and sleep problems and other issues. I've tried to tell her a few times but I keep freaking out and end up not saying it, even though I know I probably should tell her because I have a feeling that it’s the cause of my depression and anxiety issues to some degree, since they started shortly after the events had ended. So yeah, I just came on here to ask if any of you have any advice or anything on how I could go about telling her, or even if I should tell her. thanks

MSGH631 Opening up about past sexual abuse?
  • replies: 2

Hi there, I'm a 17 year old boy - and today I am finally reaching out. In recent years gone by, I have started to confront a lot of my suppressed childhood trauma (which has been both difficult and enlightening). The most difficult aspect however, wo... View more

Hi there, I'm a 17 year old boy - and today I am finally reaching out. In recent years gone by, I have started to confront a lot of my suppressed childhood trauma (which has been both difficult and enlightening). The most difficult aspect however, would definitely be coming to terms with the fact that I was sexually abused from the ages of 8-14 by four different people - despite family & friends not knowing at all. I think that this realisation is mainly due to the fact that I have become less naive, and more aware. I have begun to notice that a lot of my deep-rooted fears surrounding intimacy stem from this, and all I want is closure and to overcome this. My main question is how do I open up to family & friends about being sexually abused on multiple occasions? It happened so long ago, and I fear that they won't believe me. More importantly, I worry that it will cause family conflict mainly due to the fact that one of my abusers was a cousin. Also, how should I go about revealing this to my psychologist despite having seen her for months now?

brownhairedgirl Does anyone have any advice on how to get the words out and allow someone who truly does care in?
  • replies: 4

hello discovered these forums last night during a sleepless night that seems to be a thing with my current depressive episode. i've never been successful in long term relationships. They get to about the 2-3 year mark and dissolve. My boyfriends are ... View more

hello discovered these forums last night during a sleepless night that seems to be a thing with my current depressive episode. i've never been successful in long term relationships. They get to about the 2-3 year mark and dissolve. My boyfriends are always lovely blokes, we don't fight and scream at each other and the relationships have ended amicably. After 5 years single, concentrating on staying well, living life and building my small business i met a wonderful man with 2 children about 18 mths ago. We all adore each other and i actually felt that for the first time in my life i was part of a wonderful happy functional family and that i had a happy future ahead. In October my beloved Dad passed away. The earth stopped spinning and my internal world imploded. He was elderly but in general good health for his age. His decline was rapid and his passing was a shock. Rationally i know that is the trigger to my current depressive episode. I am very very sad and can't seem to get passed his death. My sadness and emptiness has been going on since then and it is affecting my relationship with my boyfriend and his children. I'm no fun to be around, mostly low in mood and not chatty so i usually end up going home to my place so as not to make everyone else miserable. Sometimes i can fake a more positive mood but it doesn't last more than a week or so then i'm back low. i just want to be by myself. My boyfriend and his children have been pretty understanding giving me space and time to get over it but i can tell that he is getting frustrated with me and is almost at the end of his tether. The up and down of my moods are taking their toll on our relationship. I've tried to open a dialogue with him to explain how i'm feeling and whats going through my mind but i don't know how to really get it going into any depth.I feel that he also doesn't know what to do with me or how to deal with me. he says go to the doctor and get it sorted. Im in the process of that but it is taking time to get into an appointment via the ATAPS . I'm trying to get myself sorted but i'm very fearful i'm ruining a relationship i love very much and i don't know if i can live with myself if i do that. It would be the biggest regret of my life and crush my already bruised and battered heart. I don't want to lose another good man in my life. Does anyone have any advice on how to get the words out and allow someone who truly does care in? Peace x

ElyseH Not myself
  • replies: 5

A few nights ago the last thing I recall was turning the tv off and intending to go to bed....next thing it's 10am and I'm sprawled out on one of the single recliners woth the WORST headache ever and crying. My housemate came down from breaky at 8ish... View more

A few nights ago the last thing I recall was turning the tv off and intending to go to bed....next thing it's 10am and I'm sprawled out on one of the single recliners woth the WORST headache ever and crying. My housemate came down from breaky at 8ish and said I was in my bed then. She must have dozed off briefly cos she doesn't recall hearing me go down the stairs. I have been taking medication for a long time now and this is the first time anything like this has happened. I have never sleep walked that i know of. Since this episode I have felt strange. Not myself not real nothing is real to me. I have not been through any excessive stress recently, only when I was a child was sexually abused. Im going to see my dr today but then m freaking out and scared. Could it be delayed sorta feelings from childhood trauma?