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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

3 replies

farnham · 18/11/2010 13:47

Hi, Are there any Mumsnetters out there with PTSD? I have been suffering from it for a bout 16 years and it would probably be good to connect with others who suffer from it so we can offer each other support, exchange info, tips, advice.
It does cripple me every now and then. I can be fine for ages, then something will trigger it off and I can' think straight, can't prioritise, lose my memory, feel prtty unsociable, get vivid nightmares, struggle to complete work or any tasks really.
I'm a Mum to a lovely 5 year old boy. Wife to a DH who has Aspergers, so the emotional support from him is ZERO!
The PTSD is the result of a relationship I had when I was in my 20's (early 40's now) with a man who was very charming, but turned very violent. I was in fear for a long time while I tried to get away from him. He then stalked me and had me in fear for a long time after I got away from him. In fact I had to move, start using a different name, etc. He still every now and then tries to find me, so even though it's been 16 years since I last saw him I still am fearful sometimes. I know he tries to get old friends to give away my whereabouts; I know he trawls the internet looking for me sometimes. Anyway, whatever the trauma, I think the symptons are similar and maybe we can help each other.

OP posts:
scurryfunge · 18/11/2010 13:49

This is a good site here

Have you tried EMDR?

farnham · 18/11/2010 13:58

Thanks Scurry, I have only just heard of EMDR this morning while googling. I shall look into it? Have you tried it? Where would you go for it? Is it a form of therapy?

Thanks for the link to that site. I have contacted them once a few years ago, bit I may do so again. I was in touch with Anxiety UK this morning and they do phone counselling which I'm going to sign up for. I have been offered counselling on NHS which I'm waiting for. Also I have had various bouts of therapy in the past, with varying degrees of success.
It amazes me that what happened so long ago can still be affecting me. I mean I think of him at least once a day and he turns up in ALOT of nightmares. Git...

OP posts:
scurryfunge · 18/11/2010 14:04

The EMDR certainly helps with reorganising your memories and tries to minimise the disturbing flashbacks. You have to be referred for it but I think waiting lists are long. If you can afford private I strongly recommend it.

CBT is sometimes useful and of course medication can help too. It is a question of mixing and matching various remedies to find out what suits.

Sixteen years is a long time - you deserve a break Grin

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