Can a previous abusive, unhealthy and ultimately damaging relationship cause PTSD?

[DiscoPanick]

I wonder because I'm experiencing most symptoms linked to PTSD and whilst I've always thought it is a disorder specifically assigned to those who have experienced extreme negative conditions i.e. war, I'm beginning to think that following a very damaging relationship I had years ago and the pattern of triggers surrounding it over the subsequent years, that I could have PTSD.

In short, yes.

It's not just about the severity of the situation, but powerlessness, feeling trapped, etc.

There's a book by Judith Hermann about how PTSD can be caused by circumstances like you experienced, if you would find understanding more helpful.

Have you considered self referring to IAPT in the first instance? They can assess for trauma (in some areas at least) and hopefully refer you for some form of trauma focused support.

"trauma and recovery"

Thanks Anouk, I haven't considered referring myself to anything as of yet. I'd wondered mainly because I don't wish to hijack the term if it's specifically reserved for situations which aren't typical life events. I reckon most people have experienced a less than pleasant relationship in their lives but on balance most people haven't experienced front-line war.

Oh, if you are interested, somebody recommended this book to me as one that had made a huge positive difference to them in dealing with trauma:

www.amazon.co.uk/Keys-Safe-Trauma-Recovery-Take-charge/dp/0393706052/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&psc=1&encoding=UTF8&ref=ox_sc_saved_image_7&tag=mumsnetforum-21

The parts I've read seemed promising. It's a bit lighter than the other book.

Of course. I wondered if that might be something like that you were thinking.

That's actually the very idea that JH's book addresses, so if that's where you are in your mind, it might be a helpful read for you to make sense of things.

I don't want to hijack your thread OP but I've been wondering the same thing. Also, can you get PTSD as a result of severe remorse over something you've done yourself and deeply regret?

Have a look at Complex PTSD, it's from a series of events over time, like what happens in an abusive relationship

I've just seen I can get the book on Kindle.

That's exactly what I was thinking Anouk, akin to for example if someone is having a down day or week or whatever doesn't mean they have depression.

badday hijack away. I've been thinking about this a lot lately as I've noticed a pattern and thought there must be a lot more to what I am experiencing than anxiety and depression which are conditions I have previously experienced. For a few reasons this seems a lot more debilitatingly severe.

Complex PTSD
www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/complex-ptsd/

Disco oh god yes, I totally get where you're coming from. I've always felt it's something more complex, something that I can't quite put my finger on, something that goes much deeper than depression (not to demean the hell of depression).