Reactive Trauma - PTSD

[ContactNightmare]

Hello I am seeking some help for a complex situation that I need to manage. I have a DD13 who has complex PTSD and I am now her sole carer. She is under CAMHS.

However a lot is coming out now about the trauma she suffered via my ex husband. It is horrific by that time we were divorced. I did not know, she could not say. He terrified her into silence. Now she is able to say. And sometimes she is triggered and it all comes out randomly.

What she sometimes is able to say is horrific. I find myself with nightmares and guilt and my own mental health is being affected. I am already on anti anxiety meds but this is not anxiety, it is traumatic nightmares.

I will be looking after her for many years, but hoping not to upset anyone, how on earth do you cope?

Any advice welcome. I had some counsellling. It did not do much for me.

You need therapy not counselling. They are totally different. If you think you have PTSD I would recommend emdr. It is amazing. If not then cbt may be better for you? I was using better help online for a while and that was really helpful.

I've had CPTSD since I was 9 due to brutal treatment from my stepfather which my mother pretended wasn't happening. I was chucked out of the home at 16 to fend for myself. Nice professional .middle class family to outward appearances. Then they moved abroad so I haven't seen them for years. I'm 62 now.
Looking over my life which has been surprisingly successful career wise the most important thing is to have support, she has you thank goodness, I had nobody.
Therapy is a must. Encouraging a "can do" attitude and a good routine of school,work, activities and outing gs...no bed rotting.
Relationships can be a huge problem. I can't cope with them at all.
CPTSD people easily become hermits who never go out so it's really important to encourage outings and friends.
They can be very successful if they find a job they really like and a lot of us find huge security in work.
Show her lots of love, she needs it, encourage pets. They can bring her out of herself.
Good luck.

Thank you for your responses. In a way it’s alarming because it suggests I have got so much to do! But better that than nothing or nothing to be done.

Caring for your daughter through this is incredibly difficult. It's important to prioritize your own mental health, as well as hers. Talking to a trauma-informed therapist could help you process the nightmares and feelings of guilt, and ensure you have tools to cope. It might also help to find a support group for parents in similar situations, as connecting with others who understand your experiences can provide comfort and guidance. Regular self-care, even in small ways, is vital, and remember to lean on the professionals in CAMHS for support as you navigate this challenging journey.

It feels very stressful and random. As my life is on hold. It makes it hard to enjoy things; I need some therapy, and to build up my resilience.