My Recent Diagnosis

[Phnx2405]

After 28 years of being diagnosed with depression and prescribed a variety of meds to no long term success I've recently been diagnosed with Complex PTSD. Which was something I was not expecting given my nearly 3 decades of being told otherwise.

Firstly I felt a sense of relief that someone listened and based on findings leaned towards a different path. I actually cried.
Secondly; I then found myself mourning all those lost years and moments battling and fighting without having the 'right' tools to survive and hold my ground.

Needless to say it's been a very overwhelming couple of months and through a mental health plan I've started sessions to attempt to unravel the knot that is the trauma and hopefully get a better understanding of my triggers, strengths etc.

Today has been very heavy and I just needed to vent I guess. So if anyone has any experience in being diagnosed later in life I would appreciate any hints and tips I could possibly use moving forward. Cheers.

[Croix]

Dear Phnx2405~

I guess finding out or being diagnosed later on with PTSD is a bit like coming home (I can't speak for CPTSD). For me at least having that label, seeing lists of symptoms I thought were things to do wiht me and not not realized they applied to many was a revelation

It did make life easier, though improvement was not dramatic straight away, mainly as that diagnosis and associated therapies were in infancy. Treatment and medications remained much the same for a fair while, still concentrating on depression, anxiety and a host of physical symptoms.

In time though things did change, therapy became more effective, symptoms became markedly less, and means of coping and dealing with them became more effective and eventually I was put on a medication regimen that exactly suited my needs - amazing!

So I guess I'd have say being on the right track is the big thing, and while this may result in taxing treatment at least you know there is hope, as there has been for me

Croix

[Sophie_M]

Hey Phnx2405,

Thank you for continuing your journey here with us on the forums and thank you for such an honest post!

We wanted to reach out to reassure you that you are definitely not alone in this. We see very similar thoughts and feelings reported by people diagnosed with ADHD or Autism in adulthood - that sense that time has been lost, or that so many things could have felt so much better or been so much easier if only the right medications, techniques, or self-awarenesses could have been applied. It is a genuine heartache that is truly normal to feel in these moments.

We do hope thought that moments of relief are coming - that all the days still ahead of you can be better and more hopeful now, knowing that you can begin to perfect your management of what is sitting with you. That the tools and the medication technology to be brought to bear will be so much more useful, accurate and supportive. 

The mourning is so SO necessary, Phnx - but so is the self-honouring. You survived WITHOUT the right tools - you endured and pushed forward with the wrong information. you are still here; you still have time. Make thorough use of the advantages and insights that are now coming your way!

Do not hesitate to reach out to us if we can provide extra care in anyway. You can call on 1300 22 4636 of course, but you can also click here to start a webchat.

Please stay in touch,

Regards,

Sophie M

[geoff]

Hello Phnx, this must be such a relief to get the recognition you finally deserve, even though it's still an awful experience to struggle with for such a long time.

Times have changed from nearly 30 years ago, with eduction, research and knowledge for those to understand and be able to investigate those underlying questions to finally be answered.

All those hidden questions that may not have been answered before, need to be asked again in many different ways so that you can be healed.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[Phnx2405]

Dear Croix

Thank you for the reply, It's always reassuring you're not the only one despite it feeling very isolating.
Early days have been brutal but I have a path and direction. I'm definitely not under any illusion it'll be easy.

step by step, day by day hey? it's all I can do.

Phoenix

[Phnx2405]

Thank you Sophie_M

I joined the forums back in 2016 but kinda lost my way for a while. It's good to be back; reach out and converse with those who can empathise and relate to my situation while also expressing myself with writing again. (hoping to get published again)

Funny you mention Autism diagnosis. It was mentioned in an initial assessment with a psych (I have 2 diagnosed younger brothers)... so as therapy continues we may lean towards trying to get a diagnosis. Which is another thing that scares me.

As far as relief goes, I think just being on a different path and beginning to understand what my issues are has been a massive relief, even though there hasn't been a great deal of result thus far. But I've gone into this process with the mindset of nothing to lose and open mind. Which was no mean feat after years and years of feeling like not getting anywhere.

One of the key words in therapy is 'Resilience' and I have to learn to love, respect and admire what I've been able to accomplish so far.

Phoenix

[Phnx2405]

Thanks Geoff

I for one am very glad that things are so much different from 30 years ago. Outdated doctrines and the such.

I'm open to any and every question especially if it leads to a better, healthier me.