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Centaureds story. TW
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I feel like writing down some of my story might help me ease some of the pain in my head right now. Ive been on beyond blue for a while now and had a few different threads but haven't shared much of my story, or the reasons why I have developed DID.
Be mindful this post mentions different types of abuse.
On the outside my childhood looked normal. I had a mum, a dad, a brother, and some extended family. And although we weren't well off, my parents still owned their home and we had food on the table.But behind closed things were falling apart.
It starts at just 5. My dad was diagnosed with a serious brain tumour. It mainly effected his emotions and his body's ability to regulate itself. He was very sick, spent over 6 months in treatment. The drs got rid of his tumour but he was never the same, with serious brain damage and vision impaired.
My mum became physically abusive not being able manage, or lock us up for days. I don't know what was worse.
At 5 I also had a big operation in my abdomen and with things going on at home began my struggle with eating and thus I later developed an eating disorder but that is only a side note.
In the years following I had issues with my grandfather, he was always touchy but I vague memories of this slowly getting worse.
Then at 8-9 I was the product of incest. My brother would touch me, but in the later period this left to much more and rape.
The next year my family moved states and I got away from grandfather and my brothers abuse stopped.
I would withdraw into fantasy and began to dissociate a lot.
Then High School came around and was difficult with very few friends and bullying and avoidance.
My mum had an affair when I was 13 and then left my dad. Forcing me and my brother to live week with her week with dad. It was very destabilizing.
Later on in school I became increasingly withdrawn, and began to self harm. My weight at this point was getting very low. By the end of high school my weight was critical and I made my first attempt.
Ive spent the next 11 years in and out of hospital, institutions, in various therapies, seen so many different professionals, struggling to come to the conclusion that I am not not what has happened to me
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Hi Centaured,
Thanks for the update. I'm glad you at least got a few good days in for your birthday. It is quite common to feel quite low after a big celebration. Try not to expect too much from yourself. Just keep the mindset that you want to make your thirties a new chapter and things will slowly come to fruition. Just don't rush things. You have plenty of time.
Bob
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Hi Centaured
Thinking of you and hoping your mood has improved over the week.
Kind thoughts to you
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My mood has been getting worse and worse. I'm over it.
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That’s really a shame, Centaured.
I know from my experience how frustrating and tiring it can be when you’re working really hard to heal, and yet struggling to get to where you want to be. It might help to remember right now that you are making progress.
You’ve made it through a tough few months—that anyone would find challenging—to experience happiness on your birthday. There is real strength in you.
Keep ploughing on. There are definitely more good days ahead and I believe you will enjoy them, too.
Perhaps it would help tonight to do something you enjoy. I know you love painting. Could you do some work on a project? Or, perhaps listen to some music and just try to relax? Maybe a hot bath?
You do whatever suits you and helps you through the night. Tomorrow is another day and hopefully you will be able to connect with a member of your support team.
Kind thoughts to you
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Thanks Summer Rose.
I made it through last night with colouring, music and an early night.
Im seeing my psychiatrist today. I think I'm going to ask to go back on an anti depressant.
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Hi Centaured
Good on you for getting through the night. Being able to self soothe is a great accomplishment. Another success for you!
Hope the appointment went well today.
Kind thoughts to you
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Is there anyone that you feel able to discuss this in person with? We’re reaching out to you privately to check you’re ok. In the meantime, we’d encourage you to give the Beyond Blue counsellors a call on 1300 22 4636 or speak to them on webchat here.
If you’re feeling suicidal or are having thoughts about harming yourself, it's important that you take immediate steps to keep safe. That might mean connecting with existing supports, following a safety plan, or you could connect with Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you feel unable to keep yourself from acting on your thoughts about suicide or self-harm this is an emergency, and you need to call 000 (triple zero).
We hope that you find our forums to be a safe and supportive space to talk through your thoughts and feelings. Our community is here for you, and we’re sure they’ll spot your post soon enough and have some kind words and understanding for you. Kind regards, Sophie M
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I feel tired of getting help. I am sure they are just sick of me. I feel like a burden.
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Dear Centaured,
I don’t see you as a burden, but someone dealing with an ongoing struggle and being brave. You have been dealing with some major challenges. I know from what you have written about that you are a creative and soulful person.
One thing I sometimes do when struggling, especially if I’m not well or stuck in bed or on my couch, is listen to podcasts on topics that really interest me. There are so many out there now. Sometimes it can be a way to inspire yourself in relation to something you love, such as a particular interest. Knowing you are an artist, I just looked up art podcasts and there seem to be quite a few. It’s just a suggestion, but I find it can be a good distraction if not feeling great. If I’m feeling isolated it can help me feel connected to the world and other human beings.
Take care and sending you kind thoughts.