I went through a traumatic assault a few years ago and since a few months after that I've been experiencing some troubling symptoms. For example I get flashbacks. One was caused by a type of hold my sister's boyfriend put on her. It was the same as my attacker did to me. The flashback was very vivid and I experienced the same helplessness I felt then. I also have reoccurring nightmares. I also flinch very easily if someone makes a sudden movement of really any kind. There is also the issue of panic attacks that I used to get regularly. They happen much less often now however.
I remembering hearing some of these symptoms connected to Post Traumatic Stress, but I'm not sure.
I remembering hearing some of these symptoms connected to Post Traumatic Stress, but I'm not sure.
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Answers
Tarina, it does appear that you could be suffering with PTSD. The sooner you receive treatment, the sooner and "easier" it will be to get back to a more normal life.
PTSD doesn't get better on it's own. On the contrary, the longer you wait to seek help, the more it will continue to "misfile" new experiences, and anger, anxiety and even depression may increase.
It's sad to hear of your assault, but it is in the past, and that's where you need to be able to put it, as horrible as it was. I hope you find someone who is trained in working with PTSD patients, and begin healing soon.
TC
drjean
It does sound like PTSD to me as well. You do definitely need to seek help for treatment. As Jean said, the longer you wait, the worse it can be.
Good luck!
Best,
Clyde