Blocked out my PTSD

[Cerebrum]

I have been feeling more depressed than ever - and I've been there before - and someone reminded me tonight that I probably have PTSD from an extreme accident I was in about 8 months ago. I honestly had blocked it out so well it never occurred to me that it might still be causing or contributing to any current issues. I walked away physically unscathed. All I want now is some very specific strategies and ways to cope to help me move on. Any practical tips most welcome. Should I try medication for a short term? Is it necessary to go back and relive the trauma as I really really don't want to do that. Also, how can I possibly get my partner to understand that it really rattled me and I can't just bounce back. I still seem to be fixated with death.

[geoff]

Hello Cerebrum, welcome to the forums and thanks for posting your comment.

I am really sorry that you have to cope with this type of illness, and please try to explain to your partner the symptoms you maybe having (such as anger and depression) and help him to understand what you are dealing with and it may take time for you to feel settled, but it's also possible that it might rub off onto your partner.

You may experience ups and downs and that healing takes time for you to overcome these feelings.

I would suggest seeing your GP and discuss whether or not you need to take any medication and get them to refer you onto a psychologist, where there are different ways for them to help you with PTSD.

When you start talking to a psychologist, they can help you try and overcome these past events that have unfortunately happened and tried what they feel is the best way to treat you and will know by your reactions.

Ask your partner, to provide emotional support and continue to show that he loves you and for him not to take things personally because you are suffering from something he may not even know what you had to go through.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[Cerebrum]

Thanks, Geoff. I did see a psychologist a couple days ago and I honestly completely forgot to mention the accident! (though I think it would've been in my file if she had done her homework!) Big oops on both of our parts. Next time! I'm going to talk to GP about some medication to give it a try too. Even if it just gets me through this bit. I think we fool ourselves if we think we are "over" something - just like an old mattress the springs can eventually poke through and get you in the oddest places!

[Wraith]

Gday Cerebrum

We tend to set up barriers to those little accidents we dont want to remember, I know I did and mine happened nearly 7 years ago, and tomorrow I go in for my 23rd surgery just to eliminate the nerve pain. The brain and mind are amazing , we can compartmentalize just bout anything and to some extent even forget things. But there is always the memory of it right there and sometimes we dont even realize it but a memory is triggered and we suddenly have it all over again, my wife doesnt understand my physical pain nor the mental anguish, she tries, but how could she. The fact she has stood beside me says it all though, and sometimes we men have to tell people exactly how we are feeling, then they can have an idea. Tell your Dr how you feel, the gp will refer you, see a specialist and be sure to explain what how and why, they cant make a diagnosis without knowing everything. Forgetting to mention the "accident" instantly puts them a step behind, how can you kick a goal if your blindfolded and facing the wing.

Open up talk about it with everyone, and tell them how your feeling.

Cheers