PTSD after childhood sexual abuse

[Samilee]

This is my first time posting on a forum so im unsure of how it works however here we are. Anyway it has been nearly 5 years since my abuser had be prosecuted and jailed, however he has recently gotten out of prison on good behaviour. At first i felt this did not affect me as much as it really did. Up until now my PTSD related problems had been really calm and have not been an issue for 2 or 3 years after going thought therapy and ect. But i have been experiencing seizers and other episodes recently that we believe to be associated with my PTSD im still trying to wrap my head around this diagnoses even years after. im not really sure where im going with this, i think i needed to write about it to get it out of my head. All i really know is that ever since hearing this news i have begin to relaps and im struggling to handle my mental heath along with just general life.

[_bethy94]

Hi Samilee.

I'm so sorry you've experienced that level of abuse and have PTSD symptoms in relation to this. Have you considered seeking out the help of a mental health professional re the emotional trauma you've experienced and are experiencing? Venting to someone with an objective stance can help to ease the burden.

Also 1800 737 732 are a great hotline with 24/7 access, free of charge. They also have the capabilities to direct you to trauma counsellors who specialise in sexual assault, and can help you with other issues associated with that. I've spoken with them in the past and they're amazing.

Feel free to reply on these forums if you also want to. Wishing you all the very best.

[Anna_L]

Hi Samilee,

You are strong and brave and you can do this.

I had seizures as a child whilst my childhood sexual abuse was happening (one grand mal and some simple partial seizures). I no longer have seizures at the age of 29 now but I do have a tic/facial spasm and pain disorder which I'm using anti-convulsants to treat. I'm about to try neurofeedback to see if this helps. EMDR was helpful for me in reframing my abuse and feeling stronger about it but would definitely recommend a trauma counsellor as a pose to a standard psychologist. Seeing a trauma-specific therapist was a huge positive turning point in my recovery. I found my therapist on the Blue Knot Foundation website and you can also inquire about Victims Services which is a way to get your therapy payed for by the government (if therapy cost is a barrier for you).

Best of luck 🙂

A

[paddyanne]

Hi Samilee. I hope you have found some peace from the replies re: abuse suffered. I have a form of PTSD, mine comes in batches, I'll be okay for months, then I'll hear or see something which triggers a 'flashback' and I can see my abusers face and hear him. The flashbacks don't last because I have learnt to focus on things that bring the 'sunshine' back. No two people suffer PTSD the same, for some the need to lash out and hurt someone is strong, for others it can be as simple as taking the dog for a walk and trying to keep it controlled. One thing that has helped tremendously, my abuser has no idea where I live, nor can he contact me. Perhaps it might help if you make an appointment to revisit your therapist and ask if there's a way of insuring your abuser can't find or contact you. I know mine is in Qld, where I don't know. All I care about is the knowledge I'm safe. I am separated from my husband, he is also aware of the abuse and he will never allow my abuser to locate me. Tell your therapist that you are starting to struggle and you are afraid.