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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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Tayy__ Pregnant, suffering with PTSD and partner continually sides with his family over me
  • replies: 1

My partner and I have been together for over 2 and a half years, 10 years ago I was sexually assaulted by a family friends child, about a year ago it started taking a tole my outbursts and depression really bought a wedge between us, so I finally tol... View more

My partner and I have been together for over 2 and a half years, 10 years ago I was sexually assaulted by a family friends child, about a year ago it started taking a tole my outbursts and depression really bought a wedge between us, so I finally told him what I had been keeping as a secret for the last decade, was diagnosed with PTSD, began seeing a councillor and was put on medication. Things were back on track except for my partner is extremely close with his family to the point were it was unhealthy, he would do anything to please his mother even if it meant making issues in other parts of his life. He has always lived at home, since we started dating he has been told by his mother he can't go out and see me because she thought we needed a break, that we need to break up because she believes he can do better, when she found out I was going to counselling she said to him that he was young and still had a life ahead of him why would he want to waste it with someone who was messed up. Any time we have tried to move on with our life as a couple such as living out of my wage and saving all of his, moving out, going on holidays, she has told him no and he bails at the last second. She has called me a gold digger, hurtful names, ignored me. Now after over 2 years of bad behaviour from her I am pregnant (4 months along) and we were waiting to get our own place before telling them but he freaked out and got scared to move out, he was terrified they would be upset with him and told his parents he was thinking of moving out and when asked why he would do that he panicked and said that I was pregnant. Now they want to be involved with everything, he wants me to forget everything she's said and one to me and I'm not comfortable with that. We have fought every day I haven't been eating or sleeping I'm so stressed all the time this is my first baby I already have so many issues of my own I don't want to be forced into having them be such a big part when I haven't been treated well by them. They can still see our child thats no issue they are still grandparents but I do not what to have to do everything based around what they want or their schedules this is mine and his child no one else I just want to enjoy it and not get yelled at for not making his mother happy. I just feel like i don't want anything to do with any of them he would do anything to keep his mum in his life even if it meant losing me and his baby. I just don't know what to do anymore? He's never happy.

Yikes007 What do I do when an older sibling is physically abusive
  • replies: 1

My older brother tends to beat me when he gets angry, slams doors, the whole deal. He hits my mum and my dad is as well. He's not 18 year but will be in October and I don't know if I can go to the police about him. On top if that I think I have depre... View more

My older brother tends to beat me when he gets angry, slams doors, the whole deal. He hits my mum and my dad is as well. He's not 18 year but will be in October and I don't know if I can go to the police about him. On top if that I think I have depression and I know that mum won't let me see someone about this because she doesn't want people to find out about my brother. What do I do.

Beccahadz I've broken up with my ex who I think sexually assaulted me
  • replies: 4

Hi all, Recently I've broken up with my ex who I think sexually assaulted me. He woke me up at ridiculous times in the morning, for sex. However I kept saying no, he wouldn't give up, after I said no several times. However, I had no other choice but ... View more

Hi all, Recently I've broken up with my ex who I think sexually assaulted me. He woke me up at ridiculous times in the morning, for sex. However I kept saying no, he wouldn't give up, after I said no several times. However, I had no other choice but to eventually say yes to having sex otherwise he would've continued doing it and I only said yes to stop him. He's done this three times, and I've finally dumped him. Its been three weeks since I left him, and I still get nightmares sometimes of what happened. Thanks for reading though, I just needed somewhere to tell my story.

Guest_2350 Yggy’s life with PTSD
  • replies: 10

To all who knew me a couple of years ago, I apologise for not staying in touch and I hope you are staying safe and keeping well. To everyone else, Hello. I will write an introduction and update some time tonight or tomorrow. Take care all, Yggy x

To all who knew me a couple of years ago, I apologise for not staying in touch and I hope you are staying safe and keeping well. To everyone else, Hello. I will write an introduction and update some time tonight or tomorrow. Take care all, Yggy x

sara111 Living in a dream
  • replies: 19

Hi I'm living life in my tv, laptop and dreams. They're where I feel normal. My home's untidy to the point I have no clean plates or utensils and I don't even want to shower or look after myself. I do things when I'm feeling good but mostly I'm lost ... View more

Hi I'm living life in my tv, laptop and dreams. They're where I feel normal. My home's untidy to the point I have no clean plates or utensils and I don't even want to shower or look after myself. I do things when I'm feeling good but mostly I'm lost in pretend worlds that offer make believe and fantasy. I live alone and don't often receive visitors. My dressing gown's the clothing of choice most days. I'm not happy but I'm not unhappy either. Numb. My psychologist's away for a couple of months. I can't really afford her anyway. I'm getting rid of myself slowly with cigarettes and bad food and lack of exercise. No more money for cig's soon. I'll be lost without them. I'm ashamed but when I try to force myself to get into things I feel like fading away into a peaceful endless sleep. thanks for listening Sara

Pip25 Feeling desperate
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, I have complex PTSD from a prior domestic violence relationship. I have regular flashbacks, nightmares and panic attacks. I usually think of work as a safe place for me. But recently, a new colleague has been bullying me and often trigge... View more

Hi everyone, I have complex PTSD from a prior domestic violence relationship. I have regular flashbacks, nightmares and panic attacks. I usually think of work as a safe place for me. But recently, a new colleague has been bullying me and often triggers my stress response: Someone of her behaviours remind me of my abusive ex-partner; she’s very aggressive and intimidating. I’ve reported everything for months but so far my workplace hasn’t supported me and I don’t feel believed by HR. I’m scared of returning to work but I also need the money. I don’t know what to do anymore. I feel hopeless.

julsey sexual abuse
  • replies: 11

not getting into to much detail i need to know how to forget about an incident.

not getting into to much detail i need to know how to forget about an incident.

Guest_2350 Lost and confused
  • replies: 62

Hello, A year into my journey to seek help I feel as lost and confused or more than when I started this. I know there was a trigger event at the beginning of the week, but I feel helpless to stop the helplessness. I want to do things that make me fee... View more

Hello, A year into my journey to seek help I feel as lost and confused or more than when I started this. I know there was a trigger event at the beginning of the week, but I feel helpless to stop the helplessness. I want to do things that make me feel better, but I also just want to hide. I've seen my psych yesterday and I don't think it has helped. Just as I thought I had a bit of clarity and a goal to focus on, the playing field has changed once again. I'm just so tired of it. I like rules and I like to focus on goals, and in this game there are no rules, my back up team (meds) is a big trial and error, the ref (doc and psych) don't know which game I'm playing and confuse me when they have a guess, then we have time out and during this the game changes - so with my studs I run on ice all of the sudden. I will as every day, keep some of my routine up, I don't give in that easy. Will it ever get any easier? What can I do to make me understand that there is no game plan? How did you break through the confusion?

Buttercup363 Post Car Accident Anxiety/Trauma - Normal Feelings or Consider Seeking Help?
  • replies: 2

In mid-April of this year I was involved in a serious car accident in which my car was t-boned. My passenger was uninjured but I suffered multiple serious injuries, plus suffered from nerve damage in my lower leg. I also have very little memory of th... View more

In mid-April of this year I was involved in a serious car accident in which my car was t-boned. My passenger was uninjured but I suffered multiple serious injuries, plus suffered from nerve damage in my lower leg. I also have very little memory of the accident but remember every small detail in the lead up. I have continuously been told how lucky I am, how emergency services expected me to be dead from first look at the car, and how close I was to having a majorly different outcome - possibly a broken spine or fatality. My partner has also spoken frequently about how he initially thought I was dead for a second and how he assumed I wouldn't be able to walk again. He and my family have been really protective of me since, making sure I'm being super cautious and that I'm not going to do anything that could risk a fall or make my injuries worse. Initially I knew I was extremely lucky and felt the need to live without holding back as you never know how long you have, but since then I have found myself carefully considering the possible outcomes of everything. Prior to the accident I had been pretty fearless. I am usually quite active, love going on adventures and trying new things. I've gone skydiving in past with no hesitation and loved every second of it, telling myself that one day I will do it again, yet now even just looking at photos of those times that I loved makes me feel anxious - my heart rate speeds up a bit and I begin to feel nauseous. I can't even begin to imagine doing any of these things again and often find myself thinking about all the things I have spent years wanting to do in the future that I now wouldn’t even consider doing as a result. I'm currently unable to walk much due to the pelvis injuries but am very slowly getting back to an everyday routine. My doctors have told me this fear is normal and nothing to worry about as it will pass when I am able to get out and about again. I worry that this is something that won't just disappear as it's making me question everything I've done in past and everything I've wanted to do in future. Has anyone had any similar experiences? Is this something has just gone away? Or is this something to consider speaking to someone about sooner rather than later?

Jayme Being in a relationship where it use to be abuseive
  • replies: 8

Hi I have no one to talk to about this. but I have been in a relationship with this man where it’s was abusive. He would lie about he’s work and family and when I question it I would be abused. i ended up getting a ivo on him. The ivo ends in 2 days ... View more

Hi I have no one to talk to about this. but I have been in a relationship with this man where it’s was abusive. He would lie about he’s work and family and when I question it I would be abused. i ended up getting a ivo on him. The ivo ends in 2 days and I have started seeing him again. I have a 6 year old daughter aswell, and I have let him back in her life, but I feel like a bad mum to put her through that again. He had gotten help and is doing Counselling sessions and I see the changes. but my whole family is worried for me, and Specially for my daughter. I want to breck it off, but I feel sorry for him because I have lead him on so many time. But he’s lies and past abuses behaviour makes me not be completely in love with him. Ans i I don’t want to make same mistakes again.