PTSD from DV and possibly from bullying

[Mudcakes]

I have PTSD from dv and pretty much anything that reminds me of my father triggers me. I tried holding in a massive panic attack in a taxi as the taxi’s menu setting was the same as my Father’s car. I had to shut my eyes the whole hour. And then hour back. I could not breath for like hours after and been scared in a taxi since. I use uber but they are being weird. My mum can’t say certain words like nicknames for our dog as that triggers me also. Black bags. Tall men yelling. The bullying, well on my anxiety thread I go into detail. So I guess I just wanted to start a thread here for support when I have panic attacks etc.

Mudcakes 🐕‍🦺🎂

[Guest_4643]

Hey Mudcakes, I'm really sorry to hear you've experienced DV, and have PTSD as a result. I'm sorry the Taxi Drive triggered you.

Are you doing ok? I have PTSD also, so I can understand certain things.

[sunnyl20]

Hello Mudcakes,

I am sorry to hear about how much you have been struggling. PTSD can have such an awful way of affecting so many aspects of a person's life and functioning. I cannot imagine how distressing and exhausting it must be for you to be constantly avoiding triggers and trying to cope with what happened and its effect. Is there anything that helps you (or has helped in the past) when you feel panic? You may already know about them, but the Blue Knot Foundation (https://www.blueknot.org.au/) have some great resources for survivors of trauma - you may find it helpful to have a look through. Would you consider calling a helpline when you are in moments of distress? Sometimes it can be grounding to hear a supportive voice. Look after yourself. And please do not hesitate to reach out as and when you feel up to it.

P.S. I love your photo, it is very funny. Labradors are beautiful.

Take care.

[Mudcakes]

I had a nightmare last night but did not want to think nor talk about it, I was anxious to tell my mum because she always asks what did you dream about, any nightmares etc..... I feel bad I lied and said no and if I mention it now she’ll ask why now and even now I don’t want to talk about it. I just don’t want to talk about it at all.

[sunnyl20]

Hi Mudcakes,

I'm sorry to hear you're struggling with nightmares. They can be very exhausting and disruptive. I don't think you need to feel bad that you didn't tell your mum - it sounds like it was an instinctive response because you really didn't want to talk about it. If you said "I had a nightmare, but I really don't feel like talking about it right now", do you worry that she would push you to talk about it? Is there anyone that you feel able to talk to about your nightmares?

Take care.