PTSD & Narcissistic Mother

[mrskode]

After many years of growing up with an abusive mother and also enduring many years of school bullying, I was diagnosed with PTSD.

I feel as though I was robbed of my teenage life as it was mostly spent in bed, due to my body not being able to cope with daily trauma.

About 10 years ago, I wad forced to cut contact with my mother and later my whole family. Life has been tough. Every day is a battle.

I have just left a job due to constant bullying by a supervisor, which triggered off childhood trauma.

I am also about to start my dream job, which I wanted to do 25 years ago.

I am trying to get over my old job as well as prepare fo my new job. I am finding it overwhelming and emotionally draining.

Just trying to let go and move on, but it is very hard.

[PamelaR]

Hi Mrskode and welcome to Beyond Blue forums

Thank you for sharing your story. You are brave to disclose here so you obviously have a lot of courage.

I too am a survivor of a narcissistic mother. Life has been hard, however, it has also been very good. While I have PTSD, anxiety and depression, with the love and friendship of my husband and his family I have made a good life without the love of my mother.

I left my family home town in the 1980s and only returned to it in the 2010s. During that time I had little to no contact with my family. So I do understand how you feel, what you are going through, especially on the work front.

I have to go out now. Would love to talk some more later on if you want. In the meantime, have a think about joining some of the discussions on the forums that are going on about this type of situation. There are many. You can do this by doing a search in the BB webpage search field using keywords. Alternatively try a google search using the keywords and adding Beyond Blue.

Keep reaching out Mrskode, if and when you want to. You’re not alone.

Kind regards
PamelaR

[mrskode]

Thanks for you reply PamelaR. I would love to talk to you more too. It has been hard to find someone who has been in a similar situation. I also have to battle with anxiety and depression.

[PamelaR]

Hi Mrskode

You're welcome. Actually, I think you'd be surprised about the number of people who are in a similar situation, but don't talk about it too, because it's not the done thing. Slowly the lid is being lifted off this myth. We can talk about and we do.

There is a lovely thread here started by one of our Champion Alumni's Just Sara called C-PTSD What is it and How do we cope.It's easily found pinned to the top of the PTSD and Trauma forum. Just Sara has given a lot of information about C-PTSD that you might find useful along with other peoples experiences.

Coming from a dysfunctional family like I do has left it's mark, though I try to not let that define me as a person. It's not easy moving on, but it is doable. It took me time, effort and a personal commitment to want to improve. I did and have survived to help others. I know that many in our community have the support of their families, there are many of us who don't. In some ways I think this makes us stronger. We learn coping skills and problem solving skills to survive, that perhaps others don't?? Maybe this might be a topic to explore.

Our community here is very supportive, caring and loving, so reach when you want.

Kind regards

PamelaR