PTSD?

[BisleyBoy]

I have also posted this on the mental health board , but wanted to post here too as more traffic.
I think it's possible that I have post traumatic stress disorder from prolonged sexual abuse as a child. I Just happened to read an article about it and so much of it seemed to fit with me.
I'm just wondering if it's worth my going to my gp about it. I'm a bit worried that if I say I think I have it they'll say 'been consulting Dr Google have you?' And that they will think I'm stupid and then I'll feel stupid and not believed.
I'm not sure what they can do exactly, but I'm thinking maybe I should at least raise the possibility of it in case there is some treatment. Just worried I won't be believed and that I'll be laughed at.

Just to clarify, the article I read was not found on Google.

If you've suffered sexual abuse in the past and are still suffering the after effects in your mental health, it is not unreasonable to ask your GP for help. I wouldn't necessarily go in saying 'I have PTSD' but rather describe the issues you have, and ask for some help. There may be other causes for your issues too, so don't direct them down one diagnostic path too quickly. Alternatively, why not seek out an abuse survivors support group?

You do need to see your GP, describe your symptoms and (maybe) ask for a referral. Ask if the GP thinks your symptoms fit PTSD, and see what they say. It's a specific diagnosis, not a catch-all for everything that can happen as a consequence of trauma, so they may be thinking of other possibilities too and you need these properly investigated (hence suggestion of referral).

I hope you have a good GP, and find the right way forward.

This is supposed to be really excellent for it xx www.emdrassociation.org.uk/home/index.htm