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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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VicA Trying to get better, not sure I'm so great at it.
  • replies: 2

I was diagnosed with PTSD over a decade ago now. It came with a dose of hyper-vigilance (not sure of the spelling). At the time, I was told by the government appointed psychologist that my hypervigilance was probably necessary for my survival, and it... View more

I was diagnosed with PTSD over a decade ago now. It came with a dose of hyper-vigilance (not sure of the spelling). At the time, I was told by the government appointed psychologist that my hypervigilance was probably necessary for my survival, and it could be treated later, but for now I needed it. I did end up needing it. The person involved was later convicted of threat to kill and breach of intervention order (convicted again on appeal to the higher court). My intervention order basically lasts (and was granted before all of this) for until we both die. I just don't know how to get better now. I have spent so long, looking for the danger, I don't know how to turn off, and just look at the pretty ... It was before now, this is just one. Before is probably about the same worse. Blah. how? How do I get better? I actually tried calling today - I got hung up on. And told off, before that. Yay. Apparently, if I mention what I am stressing about, that is confrontational to the person doing their job. And they are allowed to just hang up. When I am telling them that I am stressed about xxxxxxxx.

Elleleo3456 I did blame mum. Because she did do the wrong thing
  • replies: 1

I'm not too sure how to start this but for as long as I can remember 12-16 years maybe.. me and my sister have been the ones to witness my mother and her horrible choice in partners. its been a few years since she was with a very toxic person that ru... View more

I'm not too sure how to start this but for as long as I can remember 12-16 years maybe.. me and my sister have been the ones to witness my mother and her horrible choice in partners. its been a few years since she was with a very toxic person that ruined everything for my mother but also for me and my sister. After seeing my mum get physically and emotionally abused it sent me into a very lonely and sad place because I have always felt like if I were to tell someone that wouldn't be okay so I have kept it to myself for so many years. I hit breaking point and it all came back and hurt more than ever. Which was hard but I have never been one to make other feel like they are reasonable for my own personal problems. I have always been one to help others which point my own mental health into a serious spiral down hill which has been difficult to deal with but I have done it. i wish my mother didn't keep going back to such a toxic person because me and my sister are now struggling with flashbacks. I wish she knew I wish she knew because now I don't want to say anything because she just get angry at me..

Countrymusicgirl How to overcome nightmares and flashbacks
  • replies: 3

After 16 years of one assault and 7 years of another. I have finally opened up about it. It's the worst thing and best thing I've done. Finally getting a weight lifted of my shoulders. The worst is all these emotions I'm dealing with. I'm getting nig... View more

After 16 years of one assault and 7 years of another. I have finally opened up about it. It's the worst thing and best thing I've done. Finally getting a weight lifted of my shoulders. The worst is all these emotions I'm dealing with. I'm getting nightmares of one assault and flashbacks of the other. And vice-versa The nightmares are shocking that I've actually been scared of falling asleep because of them. Wanting to fall asleep on making my anxiety worse because I'm scared that they will come back to hurt me. (Which I know won't happen) So my question how do you deal with these. I'd rather have insomnia then nightmares

Mdn Rejection
  • replies: 6

I feel really guilty writing this or talking about this. I was quite young when one of my parents attepted suicide, I never felt like talking about it. I only saw them brievly before a family friend grabed me and took me out of the room. My parents g... View more

I feel really guilty writing this or talking about this. I was quite young when one of my parents attepted suicide, I never felt like talking about it. I only saw them brievly before a family friend grabed me and took me out of the room. My parents got divorce short after. I always managed to deal with these things in myself. I lost someone close to me recently and it I dont really know how to explain it. I exercise regurly, its just like you can run until your legs give out from under you and it helps, in a way as weird as it sound I get a break from trying to figure out everything all the time...

Lexi4321 Living with PTSD and trauma
  • replies: 5

I'm always overly traumatised and I don't know how to recover things happened to me but why me no one should have to live in silence and fear

I'm always overly traumatised and I don't know how to recover things happened to me but why me no one should have to live in silence and fear

summerdays Can't even function
  • replies: 8

I am feeling so low and desperate and I don't know what to do. Honestly, what can I do? How am I supposed to ever feel better? I can't think straight, I can't do anything because my attention span is about 2 seconds long. I am feeling so disconnected... View more

I am feeling so low and desperate and I don't know what to do. Honestly, what can I do? How am I supposed to ever feel better? I can't think straight, I can't do anything because my attention span is about 2 seconds long. I am feeling so disconnected from my body and the world and my partner goes back to work tomorrow and I don't know how I am going to cope let alone ever thrive in this life. This is my shitty attempt at reaching out for help. I feel so alone and helpless and sad.

monkey_magic Being scared
  • replies: 6

Hi everyone, I decided to start a new thread. I'm sorry about deleting the two I had. Too much info about me. I felt I needed to say sorry to everyone that had written. I have had stalkers and there was too much personal information about me.... I wa... View more

Hi everyone, I decided to start a new thread. I'm sorry about deleting the two I had. Too much info about me. I felt I needed to say sorry to everyone that had written. I have had stalkers and there was too much personal information about me.... I was...being scared

Someone_call_the_pound_th Father's Day
  • replies: 4

Im not sure if this is correct place for this forum. My father very unexpectedly his own life this year. He hid his MH extremely well. Anyways for those left behind its been a tough year but I'm really struggling at the moment as Father's Day is appr... View more

Im not sure if this is correct place for this forum. My father very unexpectedly his own life this year. He hid his MH extremely well. Anyways for those left behind its been a tough year but I'm really struggling at the moment as Father's Day is approaching, it's become really overwhelming seeing all the cards and gifts in the shops knowing I can't give him anything. Not sure how to celebrate first Father's Day without him

act1810 Not sure if I have PTSD
  • replies: 3

Hi I will start with a little background but will have to be vague as it is hard to talk about. I am a 28 year old male who was sexually, physically and mentally abused from roughly the age of 8 to 13. I have always felt withdrawn from social environ... View more

Hi I will start with a little background but will have to be vague as it is hard to talk about. I am a 28 year old male who was sexually, physically and mentally abused from roughly the age of 8 to 13. I have always felt withdrawn from social environments and unable to build meaningful relationships. I have used drugs to get by off and on when other traumatic events have arisen in my life. I am seeking some kind of affordable help but don't know where to start. The only help I have ever got was misguided as I was unable to open up about what happened, so I was put me on medication. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

TrailRunner work related PTSD
  • replies: 3

Hi I have been posting in the first responder thread but thought I might start my own post. I have work related PTSD with the themes of anxiety and depression that come with it. I'm back at work- totally different role though. Back to my pre-injruy h... View more

Hi I have been posting in the first responder thread but thought I might start my own post. I have work related PTSD with the themes of anxiety and depression that come with it. I'm back at work- totally different role though. Back to my pre-injruy hours. I had thought that being out of there would solve all the problems, but I'm finding myself to be just as jumpy, startled and worried. Its exhausting to deal with the hyper vigilance, the door opens i jump, workmate talks to me all of a sudden and I get a fright, noise outside the office I'm startled. Exhausted. And not sure how much longer i can deal with it. Any tips for dealing with hyper vigilance? Thanks x