Multiple traumatic events

[Shelly333]

Hi my name is shelly im new here and not sure where to start but im looking for help as im not sure who to reach out to for a diagnosis or help and feel like suddenly its all too much to deal with i was abused by my best friends father at about 8 years of age i blocked it out and only starting thinking about it constantly at the age of 50 after finding said childhood friend on Facebook it was consuming my every thought so i decided to go to police and report matter and miraculously was no longer consumed by thoughts of it until i was advised at end of it all that the matter couldnt proceed due to no evidence and time passed i pushed it down cause at the same time i find out he was not gonna have to face what he did i found out my son was addicted to drugs and living a very dangerous lifestyle but thats too big of a story so i became consumed with saving him organising rehab etc which went on for months and of course nothing worked because i wanted it not him until eventually he did after he harmed himself in front of me and numerous other traumatic events he come home and asked for help and everything was great i went back to work first day i did his old friend came around and took him within 45 mins he was admitted to hospital was in coma 5 days but all good home recovered well and things looking great but now all bad thoughts have returned i wont leave my house if i do i start to get physically sick i make excuses not to go to even the shops i wont answer friends calls i make up excuses like my phone broken etc and im embarrassed to say all i seem to do is smoke marijuana but i feel everything closing in and its affecting most of my relationships any direction anyone can steer me in would e greatly appreciated

[Hotchips]

Sorry to hear that there are multiple traumas you are coping with at the moment.

[Sophie_M]

Wishing you a very warm welcome to the forums, Shelly333. We are so sorry to hear what you've been through, but we are so grateful that you decided to show immense courage in reaching out and sharing your story here. We can hear the love and concern that you have for your son, and understand that these experiences in combination with struggling with past abuse, must be so difficult to cope with. We think you are so strong for reporting this abuse to the police, and helping to support your son through an incredibly difficult time, but please know that you deserve the same love and support that you give out also. You've taken a really important step in reaching out here, and please know that our community are here to offer as much support and advice as you need through this- you're never alone in this.

Please also know that extra support is always available to you, and we'd strongly urge that you contact our friends at 1800RESPECT, who offer confidential information, counselling and support 24/7 for people impacted by abuse. The lovely, supportive counsellors have a lot of experience offering advice to support to those who have been through trauma like this, and you can contact them anytime on 1800 737 732 or also through their webchat at: https://www.1800respect.org.au​​​ The friendly counsellors at our Beyond Blue Support Service are also here for you 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or through webchat 1pm-12am AEST at: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport They will be able to offer you support through this difficult time, as well as advice and referrals for ongoing support if this is something you may be interested in.

We hope that you can find some solace in these forums and please feel free to keep our community updated here on your thread throughout your journey. We're all here for you, Shelly.