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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NiqBel03 My Abuser is Getting Married to a Friend
  • replies: 6

Hi everyone, So this is my first post so I hope it’s okay. Thank you for taking the time to read and respond to my post, I could really use your help! So I was sexually assulted by someone who I considered to be one of my closest friends when I was a... View more

Hi everyone, So this is my first post so I hope it’s okay. Thank you for taking the time to read and respond to my post, I could really use your help! So I was sexually assulted by someone who I considered to be one of my closest friends when I was at university. The kicker: He was my best friends boyfriend. I have been physically, sexually, and mentally abused by past boyfriends and he used my PTSD and fear to overpower me. I never told my friend about what happened between her boyfriend and I. I simply withdrew from the friendship, mainly because I felt ashamed for what happened. I felt like I betrayed her and our friendship, even though I was forced into it. I felt so awful, I couldn’t even look at her in the face. With that being said, I have always been afraid that if he could do something like that to me, not under the influence of anything, what could he do to her? I have always wanted to tell her what happened, but have never had the courage to...She always thought I was jealous of her and her relationship so I honestly don’t think she would have believe me if I did. We have since lost touch, but social media just announced she and my abuser are now engaged. When I saw this, my entire body went limp. I completely regressed into the fear that she is marrying and spending the rest of her life with a monster. I don’t know if I should tell her or just leave it. I am afraid it is too late as this was a few years ago and we haven’t spoken in over a year, but I feel like she has the right to know. I just feel like it is too late. I am so lost and so confused. I can’t sleep. I can’t eat. I especially can’t go on social media without bursting into tears. This thought and the memories are consuming me. I have no idea what to do...

Harpermillie Struggling Through..
  • replies: 3

Hi all - I'm new to this forum. I've been really struggling for a few months, my old employer sexually assaulted me in November last year and it had a bigger affect on me than I thought it would. I have been seeking help and finally worked up the cou... View more

Hi all - I'm new to this forum. I've been really struggling for a few months, my old employer sexually assaulted me in November last year and it had a bigger affect on me than I thought it would. I have been seeking help and finally worked up the courage to formally report this, only to receive a threatening letter from her lawyer in response to my claim. This is incredibly disheartening and hurtful, they claimed I am mentally un-sound to have made 'such accusations' and now I'm not even sure if I should have taken action or should be so hurt by what she did. Has anyone ever been through something similar? I'm feeling so stuck and flat, and would like to move on.

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?