New to C-PTSD and learning to cope *Trigger warning: Self harm*

[Rosie321]

Hello,

I am quite new to C-PTSD, I was officially diagnosed 4 months ago. In that time I've spent a week on a psych ward and a month at a Step up Step Down/mental health rehab accommodation. I've also weaned off a medication I've been on for the last 15 years, under the guidance of the hospital Psychiatrist.

I had quite a traumatic discharge experience from the mental health rehab two months ago and things have spiralled since then. In this time I've also been assaulted and gone to police over an indecent assault but neither had enough evidence to charge.

I feel I have exhausted the mental health system and have given up hope of any recovery by utilising it. My counsellor had told me it's not a good system to have to rely on and now I can see why. Especially being in a rural city, I went to school with half the nurses in ER and I am over having my issues spread around publicly by going into the tiny ER. I was sectioned and my abuser found out about it because there was someone in ER he knew. He then used this as evidence that I'm crazy and to further degrade my self esteem.

I have found self harm is helping as is casual sex where I don't know the person and they don't know anything about me or what I'm going through, I can pretend I'm not unwell for a few hours.

I have PMDD and will be getting symptoms this week. I don't want to go to the ward.

Does anyone else have any coping mechanisms I can use at home during this time?

Thankyou for reading this far 🙂
 

[Sophie_M]

Hi Rosie,

Welcome to our valued community forums. We're so glad that you have reached out here today. There's a lot in your post, and we're so sorry to hear that you've had such a long and difficult journey. Hopefully over the next few days some of our members will have some suggestions for coping mechanisms at home during this difficult time.

It's concerning that you have been self harming. You might be interested in our page on "Self harm and self injury" -  https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/suicide-prevention/feeling-suicidal/self-harm-and-self-injur...

We would strongly urge that you get in touch with your GP for assistance with managing your PMDD symptoms. While coping at home you also might find it helpful to get in contact with 1800RESPECT. They offer 24/7 confidential information, counselling and support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. The lovely supportive counsellors have a lot of experience offering advice and support to anyone who has been through trauma like you have. You can contact them on 1800 737 732 or visit  https://www.1800respect.org.au/

Thanks again for reaching out here and starting your own thread. You might be interested in reading through some other threads for ideas on how to cope at home.

[Guest_1643]

hi rosie

the system is retraumatising and imperfect but there are some good services out there

i like that ur counsellor was being realistic.

You are not crazy and no one has the right to call u that. I don't have advice but I am writing to hope that some others can join here and offer some.
Keep trying Rosie, and always stay safe.

[Katyonthehamsterwheel]

Hi Rosie

I'm sorry you're having these experiences, it sounds very difficult.

In regard to PMDD - I'm wondering if you've sought medical help for it at all? It's good that you're keeping track of your cycle so you know when to expect it, and can put things in place. I find exercise (yoga, walking, bike riding) helpful, and also CBT and journalling as a way of processing my thoughts is helpful. Is there anything that you have found helps? And can you find a way to put these things in place ready?

Also, if things get overwhelming for you at any point, please contact the helplines.

Kind thoughts, Katy