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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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Bec1995 Moving forward but still held back.
  • replies: 7

Hi Guys, So I'm new to this whole forum thing, but id love to get my story out and hopefully come across some new people who have been in a similar situation and who also are dealing with some similar issues. As a young child, I was sexually abused f... View more

Hi Guys, So I'm new to this whole forum thing, but id love to get my story out and hopefully come across some new people who have been in a similar situation and who also are dealing with some similar issues. As a young child, I was sexually abused for around 9 years, every second weekend and it has left me with serve depression, anxiety and PTSD. Everything started getting really hard after finishing school because there was no routine and my anxiety got to the point of not being able to go outside by myself. My depression took over and things started falling apart. With no idea what to do or how to help myself, I ended speaking to a family member for support and guidance. I was eventually guided and convinced to go to the police and make a statement, which 3 years later and many court dates has left me to my final court date early next month to finally put the perpetrator away for the time he deserves. During court, he had been found guilty for all 5 charges and I finally felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. During the whole court process, I have been studying online, completing a certificate 3 in animal companion services. I have 3 more electives to complete and work experience, but I feel like it all wont be completed in time- before mid July. I'm so worried and scared to start work experience because of being terrified about making mistakes and if I don't my course completed, I feel like I'm going to let my family down. But these past three years have been mentally draining, exhausting and everything in between. Anyways, this post was just to try and find out if anyone out there is in a similar situation as id love to hear your stories and hopefully gain some new friends who understand how I feel. Thank you for your time guys!

LeahSeekingHope Is recovery from PTSD even possible?
  • replies: 2

Hi all I struggle with PTSD, depression and anxiety. I had a very toxic upbringing in a cult with emotional and physical abuse, including neglect from a lack of nutrition and being denied education. I am now in my late 20's and I cannot think of a ye... View more

Hi all I struggle with PTSD, depression and anxiety. I had a very toxic upbringing in a cult with emotional and physical abuse, including neglect from a lack of nutrition and being denied education. I am now in my late 20's and I cannot think of a year I have not existed through that has not involved one trauma or another. Frequent Homelessness, bullying, sexual assault, grief and loss, social isolation, abusive relationships. These are just some of the things. I have engaged with psychologists over the years but haven't found a way to come to terms with my trauma. Currently I am on a low dose of anti-anxiety medication which takes the edge off and enables me to get out of bed to go to the toilet but I still struggle to leave the house unless I have been drinking. I self medicate on alcohol a fair bit. I have limited family support but I do have a support worker who sees me once a week and a good GP. I would like to be a contributing member of society and I'd like an occupation. But I feel numb and devoid of passion and I also have very low self worth, and have no motivation at all to care about myself, almost to a point I'm afraid of caring for myself. I did used to have a fight inside me to get past all the really bad things but I seem to have lost it and I don't know how to get it back. I live in regional WA so services are limited. I don't know how to move past all of this numbness and paralysing fear, this apathy and lack of motivation. I see a psychologist but I can only see him once a month due to his availability. If anyone has any ideas I would be open to them. Cheerio, L

Sj28 I Just saw my GP's mental health care for me and didnt understand what PTSD
  • replies: 11

Hi Im just new here and Im happy to read a lot of stories and learning new things. I thought I was completely well after 3 mons of rest after suffering with my abusive x partner for 2 and a half years together. I thought I've recovered already but wh... View more

Hi Im just new here and Im happy to read a lot of stories and learning new things. I thought I was completely well after 3 mons of rest after suffering with my abusive x partner for 2 and a half years together. I thought I've recovered already but when I went back to see a GP everything came back as fresh and new can't help but cry and now I'm back to being stressed and anxious and can't sleep feeling sad and lonely . I saw this website beyond blue and got interested in reading the forum until I saw what is the meaning of PTSD because I didnt know what it is I have it on my mental health care and need to see a Psychologist. Hope I can get over it

ElyseH Abandoned and dissapointed once again
  • replies: 8

I am currently dealing with childhild abuse. My mum has never shown she cares about this issue considering it was a family member i was abused by. As she was abused by her brother when she was a child as well. I had a few traumatic relationships over... View more

I am currently dealing with childhild abuse. My mum has never shown she cares about this issue considering it was a family member i was abused by. As she was abused by her brother when she was a child as well. I had a few traumatic relationships over the years. I never felt the support of my parents or understanding growing up and to add to that dealing with rejection, abandonment and anxiety issues from relationships. I recently started dating someone. I was anxious about dating but he must have gotten into my head. We werent dating for long before he told me out of the blue we would be better as friends. This has been extremely traumatising because he made me believe that i was actually worth it. He was the luckiest guy. He really liked me. Everything seemed botmal one day then the next it was all unexpected. Some of my friends dont seem to understand. None is around for me but when they need someone im always the person to put everything down. So to not have your own mother care about your situation, to go through the same issue with relationships over again. All i have experienced is abandonment and disappointment and shown that my feelings are not valid. How am i meant to continue like this. Yesterday i cried in bed all afternoon woke up through the night crying and so far today cried in bed all morning. On a cancellation list with both my psychologist and dr today and i am completely alone.

grieving_mum my son
  • replies: 20

my son Dan died on the 21st August 2016 it was suicide he was 21 and I am numb. He was my youngest child and my baby. I am taking a time out to gather my thoughts and regroup. I have 3 three other adult children and I know they need me but my life is... View more

my son Dan died on the 21st August 2016 it was suicide he was 21 and I am numb. He was my youngest child and my baby. I am taking a time out to gather my thoughts and regroup. I have 3 three other adult children and I know they need me but my life is at an impasse. What do i do next? where do I go from here?

Just Sara Is PTSD a new mental health epidemic or a psychiatrist's go-to diagnosis? (WARNING! May contain trigger content)
  • replies: 9

Is PTSD over diagnosed? Is knowing I have PTSD helpful for my recovery? Is there a science behind PTSD? Is PTSD the new Mental Health buzz word? Should PTSD from domestic trauma be called something different from that of war veterans or emergency wor... View more

Is PTSD over diagnosed? Is knowing I have PTSD helpful for my recovery? Is there a science behind PTSD? Is PTSD the new Mental Health buzz word? Should PTSD from domestic trauma be called something different from that of war veterans or emergency workers? Is there a difference? These questions have come up for discussion in my circle over the past couple of years since I was diagnosed as having chronic PTSD with anxiety/panic disorder. I've not only faced cruel generalisations, but also accusations of putting it on as an excuse and unkind comments about my lack of resilience. I would like this space to be one of relevant information, healthy/helpful/respectful discussion and wise/experienced counsel; my intent is to dispel myth and stigma about PTSD, so when the term is used on this forum, it can be understood better by those reading as well as people who post. WE ARE NOT MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS OR THERAPISTS AND CANNOT GIVE INDIVIDUAL ADVICE OR REFERAL as per the rules of posting. If facts are used, it would be preferable to reference authors, books, research or current study etc. Beginning a sentence with; "I heard once..." or "I saw a documentary/movie the other day..." should be taken/given as experiential instead of fact. When using personal experience from traumatic events, please try to keep to topic and be mindful of member's feelings. There are many other threads dedicated to trauma for people to share/contribute and ask questions. This thread is to discuss what PTSD means to society and psychology/psychiatry from a lay person's perspective. Do any of the above questions resonate with you? Please discuss... Sara

Emma77 Should I disclose sexual abuse to my new psych?
  • replies: 6

Ok, I know what answer my question is probably going to get, so I’ll rephrase it. Does anyone here agree that it’s ok to NOT disclose CSA to a psychologist? I saw a new psych for the first time last Monday, and of course, she wanted my family history... View more

Ok, I know what answer my question is probably going to get, so I’ll rephrase it. Does anyone here agree that it’s ok to NOT disclose CSA to a psychologist? I saw a new psych for the first time last Monday, and of course, she wanted my family history. When I started to touch on it, just a tiny bit, she had lots of empathy and pointed out how strong I was to survive it. Seriously, hadn’t even scratched the surface. I know the fact that I don’t want to talk about it shows that I haven’t processed it, but I’m just so tired of telling people about the abuse, and them telling me that’s what causes my anxiety and panic. Because I can’t change being a survivor of abuse, and if that causes the anxiety, then I can’t cure the anxiety, so what’s the point. Sorry, I know there’s a lot here. I’m still trying to digest my decision to not tell her.

Blondie1989 I was recently in a car accident and my symptoms have become worse
  • replies: 2

I don't know where to start, i feel like I have had so many events to bring me to what I have become I always try an stay positive an over come my negative thoughts but I let them take over. I just broke down an cry I have overwhelming pacnic feeling... View more

I don't know where to start, i feel like I have had so many events to bring me to what I have become I always try an stay positive an over come my negative thoughts but I let them take over. I just broke down an cry I have overwhelming pacnic feeling. Sometimes as a release I want to do is clean I become shakey an my breathing changes, I feel in control an I block any bad thoughts out by doing this, other times I just want to sit an cry in the shower an feel so numb. I recently was in a car accident an my symptoms have become worse. Yes I was lucky to walk away with just bruising an I am so grateful to be alive but I am also so angry this has happened to me an why me I wasn't in the wrong.

Sunflowerrs PTSD - Who do you get your support from?
  • replies: 7

so i've just been diagnosed with PTSD.. and coming to the painful realisation that my family aren't capable of understanding/supporting me through it at this stage. I have a GP and a psychologist.. i know you can't give specific referrals on these fo... View more

so i've just been diagnosed with PTSD.. and coming to the painful realisation that my family aren't capable of understanding/supporting me through it at this stage. I have a GP and a psychologist.. i know you can't give specific referrals on these forums, but is giving general advice of where to get some support okay? thanks in advance

Sarah245 Helping a woman who attempted suicide
  • replies: 2

On Wednesday 10th may I stopped a woman from attempting suicide. She was very upset. I told her I was going to phone the police and get her help. I had to talk to the police and the woman at the same time as well as being attacked. The police arrived... View more

On Wednesday 10th may I stopped a woman from attempting suicide. She was very upset. I told her I was going to phone the police and get her help. I had to talk to the police and the woman at the same time as well as being attacked. The police arrived after 15 minutes and told me to take a deep breath and go home. I fell apart and cried all the way home. I was very emotional for most of the next day until I got counselling through headspace. I'm still quite emotional and find getting to sleep really difficult. The counselling has been really good and helpful.

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