PTSD: What is it? Do I have it?

5 posts / 0 new
Last post
#1 Oct 19 - 6PM
Oct 19 - 10PM
malloryforest
malloryforest's picture

took the test

Itook the test and it seems that I have many of the symptoms of PTSD. What I don't understand is I thought PTSD need to me triggered by a sudden event, like a car crash or a fire, or a rape, not a long standing situation like mine. Can anyone shed some light on this?
Oct 19 - 10PM (Reply to #2)
Barbara (not verified)
Anonymous's picture

Complex PTSD caused by abuse

wrong! PTSD is done by a traumatic event. Not always sudden. As well LONG TERM, COVERT & PERVASIVE ABUSE Complex PTSD can potentially arise from any prolonged period of negative stress in which certain factors are present, which may include any of: lack of means of escape, entrapment, repeated violation of boundaries, betrayal, rejection, bewilderment, confusion, and - crucially - lack of control, loss of control and disempowerment. It is the overwhelming nature of the events and the inability (helplessness, lack of knowledge, lack of support etc) of the person trying to deal with those events that leads to the development of Complex PTSD. Situations which might give rise to Complex PTSD include bullying, harassment, abuse, domestic violence, stalking, unresolved grief, [emotional rape, involvement with a sociopath or narcissist, betrayal], etc. Until recently, little (or no) attention was paid to the psychological harm caused by pathologicals. Misperceptions (usually as a result of the observer's lack of knowledge or lack of empathy) still abound. Common symptoms of PTSD and Complex PTSD that sufferers report experiencing: hypervigilance (feels like, but is not, paranoia) exaggerated startle response irritability sudden angry or violent outbursts flashbacks nightmares intrusive recollections, replays violent visualizations triggers sleep disturbance exhaustion, adrenal fatigue and chronic fatigue reactive depression guilt shame feelings of detachment avoidance behaviors nervousness anxiety phobias about specific daily routines, events or objects irrational or impulsive behaviour loss of interest loss of ambition anhedonia (inability to feel joy and pleasure) poor concentration impaired memory joint pains, muscle pains (sometimes becomes permanent Fibromyalgia and/or Chronic Myofascial Pain) emotional numbness physical numbness low self-esteem an overwhelming sense of injustice and a strong desire to do something about it. been telling you for months you have PTSD, mallory. ;) ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Pathologicals only discard the best, most precious of gems of people... not the worst. They despise the strong, principled, decent & honest. Their discarding of you is then their highest commendation of your worth!" - A.V.
Oct 20 - 3AM (Reply to #3)
Ellen
Ellen's picture

I have some of these

I have someo of these so maybe i have it. I know i used to years ago from my childhood. I didn't realise i may have it now. It must be milder now. When i was with my ex after i had the baby i found that i ran outside when i heard a helicopter and i felt threatened. I didn't know why i thought it was cos i had the baby. Now i think it could have been hypervigilance. Even though my ex hadn't been physical i may have been picking up on his under the surface feelings cos he got physical after he left. I also can't concentrate for long on anything, irritability, fatigue, loss of interest, low self esteem, anhedonia,loss of ambition, guilt,shame, Is that enough?
Oct 20 - 6AM (Reply to #4)
Barbara (not verified)
Anonymous's picture

Ellen

I also can't concentrate for long on anything, irritability, fatigue, loss of interest, low self esteem, anhedonia, loss of ambition, guilt, shame, That's PLENTY. And that's NOT MILD! that is full blown! stop minimizing what he did to you Ellen! ~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Pathologicals only discard the best, most precious of gems of people... not the worst. They despise the strong, principled, decent & honest. Their discarding of you is then their highest commendation of your worth!" - A.V.