PTSD was triggered

[chunny]

Hi all,
I am new here, and was diagnosed PTSD earlier this year, and when i thought everything is going well, it was triggered suddenly. And I've started being so upset and having lots of negative thoughts. The reason I triggered is I saw heaps of guys seeing girls who have experienced raped or sexual harassment are trash or they are faking it. As my PTSD was caused by sexual harassment those post just make me feel more depressed and hopeless, also I lost all the confidences I gain back through out last few months. I don't know what i can do anymore.

[Sophie_M]

Welcome to the forums, chunny

We're so grateful that you have reached out to our community today, we know that it is not an easy thing to do but it is so important that you have. We're really sorry to hear what you've been through, and that your PTSD has been triggered. We can hear how upset you must be feeling, but please know that you've come to a safe, non-judgemental space to talk about your thoughts and feelings, and our wonderful community is here to help support you through this difficult time. 

We hope that being part of this community can bring you some comfort and help you to feel a little less alone. Can we ask, do you currently have any mental health support? We understand it can be really tough to cope sometimes, especially if these thoughts have become more overwhelming. Please know that you are always welcome to reach out to our Beyond Blue Support Service- which is available 24/7 by phone on 1300 22 4636 or on Webchat 3pm-12am AEST on our website: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport One of the friendly counsellors will give you support, and offer advice and referrals to help you through this.

In addition to this, our friends at Lifeline are always there for you on 13 11 14 or through online chat (7pm-12am) at https://www.lifeline.org.au/Get-Help/Online-Services/crisis-chat whenever these feelings become too much to cope with.

You are not alone here, many in our community have also been through a lot in their lives and will be able to talk through these feelings with you. If you would like to post further, please tell us more about what's on your mind and how we can best help support you through this.

[chunny]

Thank you for the information.

To be honest, I am not sure what is the best way for me to do in this stage. I kind of want to talk with friends about this circumstances, but I also worry that they could feel overwhelmed about my current situation. While I first felt upset about PTSD was triggered, I told 1-2 of my friends but the only respond i got was silence, which make me more worry about stigmatize or label on me. I also think of looking for psychologist, but I worry about the cost of counselling as I haven't found new job yet and still a student.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi chunny,

Thank you for sharing this with us and opening up about your PTSD. It can be so so hard when you're triggered, especially randomly.

I think it's a good idea to seek some counselling - given that you're a student, do you have a student counsellor there? If you contact student support they might be able to direct you to them, and they're always free.

rt

[Wishes]

Hey Chunny,

As someone who has also faced sexual harassment, you are not alone. And you will get through this- How brave of you to open up online and speak about such personal experience!

If you feel as though your past experiences opening up to your friends have not worked out, this is not a reflection of you as a person. Perhaps they needed some time to process, or, maybe they just weren't equipped in helping you out at that time. But as @romantic_thi3f said above, a student counsellor could be the perfect option for you!

Dependent on where you live, the government may also have a mental health plan available where you are entitled to a number of therapy sessions (at no cost). I would really recommend therapy, it can really help you process and prepare for your triggers as they come.

You will rise above this!

Best,
Wishes

[ecomama]

Hi chunny

Welcome to the forums, I think you may have already found out that here there are MANY people who have experienced what you have and also had trauma responses to similar things AND some also who have PTSD.

I completely understand WHY you would have triggered. Tbh the words and behaviours of 'those people' are disgusting.

You would be best to distance yourself from those people asap. At least until you have worked through your PTSD triggering and feel "in a better place" to deal with the shameless and cruel things some ignorant people say.

I don't associate with such people.

I wouldn't want to know them at all.

I've also experienced sexual harassment and still do at times... plus more and other stuff too.
I was also formally diagnosed with PTSD this year.
I sought specialist help from a Psychologist trained in the field of PTSD - but sadly it wasn't for events such as ours. She helped ALOT as triggers are triggers but her ignorance of DV and FV was too much to keep paying for, to educate her lol.

I have had a Counsellor for years.

Some Counsellors can apply for a Grant to help you for free for a certain number of sessions.

If you have reported said sexual harassment to Police then you can phone the Police Social Worker and ask for referrals to Psychs to help you. Also Victim's Services in your state. These sessions are also free - but you may not like the psychs (as we didn't so far).

Best wishes, you've got lots of lovely people here supporting you already, so know that you are not alone in your journey.

We are right here with you.

Best wishes
EM