Hello Im new here

[Bella001]

Hello

ive been diagnosed with anxiety, depression and ptsd, and im feeling really alone even when around other people. im in my early 20s and I hope to meet some others who might feel the same way as me.

[Guest8901]

Dear Bella,

Thank you for all that you said in your posts to me. You are very kind and very understanding. And yes, I gratefully accept the hug you sent me.

You have been so very brave to open up and speak of your trauma here Bella. Well done to you. That must have been so awful for you to go through what you did. Please be assured that what that fellow did to you was wrong on all counts - certainly legally and morally. I am so pleased for you that you sought necessary help at the time, and that you are now on the road to recovery. It takes time of course, and it is not an easy road. I'm glad you did not do what I did - to keep it a secret and bottle it up for almost 20 years. It festers within you, it grows and becomes worse. Your early intervention through a psych and meds will prevent this from scarring your whole life. You will be okay Bella, you will recover from this.

My thoughts will be with you as your anniversary approaches. Its good that you have a psych apt scheduled for the week prior. Better than closer to the day, as I find psych apts are triggering in themselves.

I'm sorry this is somewhat brief, but the topic is somewhat triggering for me. I am happy to see that you have posted on the PTSD thread I suggested, and that you found it helpful. I saw you on several other threads around the forums too. Well done for getting out and about. Its always a pleasure to see you.

Gotta go. Giving you a gentle reassuring hug in return.

Amanda

[Bella001]

Hello Penguin

Welcome to you too 🙂 you are right, here had been really wonderful.

Im sorry youve got anxiety, it really can be awful cant it.

Have you got some supports for yourself too?

[Bella001]

Hello Pepper

It is lovely to see you again.

There is no need to apologise at all 🙂

Oh yes i very much love my animals all except spiders, definently not a fan of those!

Vulnerability is very scary esp when talking about sensitive topics. I guess a thing to consider is our own comfort levels and to just go at a pace that suits ourselves too.

Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts, that is very kind of you. Amanda has helped me in working out how to manage the upcoming anniversary as well which im grateful for do maybe it wont be to hard if i can keep myself distracted..

Thank you for your post 🙂

[Bella001]

Hi Amanda

Im so very sorry it triggerred you 😞 to be honest it triggerred me abit too its the first place ive spoken in detail besides with my psychologist. Please dont apologise i very much get how you would be feeling. Thank you for even listening, that really is very much appreciated.

I think ill ask my psych if we can just make the focual point of our session on ways to cope rather than going into details as you are right they can be quite triggerring.

Yes thank you for suggesting that thread as well, it was helpful to read 🙂

Do you have a thread i could come and support you on as well?

Its a loveley day outside so i think i might try to get some more of my backyard cleaned up. Id love to make up a spot for some plants.

Thanks again for your considerate post i do hope youll be ok after reading that post..? please know that you can talk here too, i care about you too

[Guest8901]

Thanks Bella. Its okay, there is no need at all to apologise. This thread is yours to say and do whatever you need to help you through a tough spot.

Normally I would not be triggered by reading your post, but I think at present I am just feeling very vulnerable. My trauma anniversary is Feb/Mar, it was a leap year. But I do have other stuff happening and other somewhat lesser triggers thoughout the year. But right now I am not feeling the best in general, which always makes me more vulnerable to triggers.

Yes I do have my own thread. Its in the Long Term Support section. But I wouldnt suggest you go there, so please do not feel you need to. Its not necessary. And thanks for saying I can talk here any time too. You are very sweet.

Amanda xx

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Bella (waves to all your lovely supporters here),

Thank you for such a thoughtful and gracious reply 🙂

I think you’re onto something when you said that the way to approach vulnerability is to pace yourself based on your own comfort levels. Very wise...

I’m so glad the ever caring Amanda has been helping you out with how to cope with anniversary dates. You’re very lucky to have her in your corner 🙂

Kind and warm thoughts

Pepper

[Bella001]

Hello Amanda and Pepper

Thank you both for your messages. I thought i would be Okay for this aniversary but im not so sure i am.. i spoke to my psychologist and it went ok but putting things into action is much harder than talking about what i can do.

Do you guys have any suggestions?

[Guest8901]

Dear Bella. Good to hear from you again, I'd been wondering how you were getting along.

Happy to hear your psych apt went okay and that they have helped you put in place some coping methods to help you through the rough patches. Can I just point out that it is very natural to have a reaction to your trauma anniversary. Don't be too hard on yourself for finding this period so hard.

Our individual reactions to trauma anniversaries vary widely and can sneak up on you. You may expect to feel sad on the day, but instead, you feel angry or agitated. You may be tired and have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning. You might think you are healed from the trauma and the anniversary won't mean anything to you. You might start to experience strange or unusual symptoms in the days leading up to your anniversary, and not know why. You may find it difficult to focus or concentrate.

In short, trauma anniversary reactions are an intensifying of anxiety and other symptoms associated with PTSD. This can include isolating yourself, increased anxiety, flashbacks and negative thoughts.

Here are a few coping strategies which may help:

Replace bad memories - In time, you can choose which parts of the memories you hold onto and to let go of the more painful details. Try to find a positive to what happened, eg it made you stronger and more empathetic.

Talk to family or loved ones - Let those who are close to you know how you feel about the anniversary. By talking about the trauma anniversary, you may be able to release some of your anxiety around it. It will also reassure you of their love and support for you at a time you really need it.

Ensure your needs are met - What do you need to get through this anniversary? Do you need a loved one to acknowledge your struggle, to celebrate a milestone in your healing or do you need to grieve some more? Do you want to ignore this anniversary and concentrate on something happy? Decide what you need and enlist the help of friends and family to make it happen.

Care for yourself - This is the basis of emotional healing. Recognize your trauma anniversary is a difficult time for you and balance that with some extra care for you. Get adequate sleep, exercise regularly and reduce other stress in your life. Treat yourself to some special activities, and be sure to include time with family and friends who are loving and supportive.

Talk to your psych - their guidance in the lead-up, can protect you from a relapse in your healing.

Amanda

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Bella (waves to all),

It sounds like you have been really struggling. I know anniversaries can be huge triggers or really difficult for some people...

I feel Amanda has offered some excellent suggestions. I have little to add but I just wanted to offer some gentle comfort to let you know that you’re not alone. You’re in my thoughts today...

Kind and caring thoughts,

Pepper