Saw my ex for first time in a few years. I think I have PTSD

[Mrskeats]

As per title.
He was abusive to me and now I feel ill.
Is this a normal reaction?

Yes, especially if you haven't moved past the event/situation.

Have you tried counselling?

Yes, it’s normal. I’m in counselling for this currently (among other issues) and the relationship was a long long time ago. Do it sooner rather than later

Hi. My ex was emotionally abusive. Never anything physical. It's about 15 years since we broke up. 12 years ago, thinking I was over is, I moved into a house not far from where he lives. Meaning every now and then I'll drive past him in his car. To this day it still makes me shake.
A handful of times I've passed him in the street. I end up in tears.

And the abuse I suffered was mild. I don't think I'll ever get over it. So I can totally understand people ending up with ptsd. Is counselling an option?

I’ve seen an ex who wasn’t at all abusive (but I was heartbroken to break up) and have felt physically sick and had to get away quickly to recover myself. So no, I’m sure your reaction wasn’t abnormal at all. If his past behaviour towards you still affects you, could you perhaps seek support from a counsellor? It is perfectly understandable that going through something like that might have left you with lasting adverse effects, but you don’t have to just push those feelings aside. That abuse should never have happened to you and you do not have to accept feeling fearful as a result. Support is out there

I have done counselling before but maybe I should go back.
Thanks for the flowers. It was 5 years ago so I am shocked by my reaction tbh.

I'm 8 years out of an abusive relationship and I rarely think about it these days. I still felt that burst of adrenaline when I thought I saw him a few months ago and had an overwhelming urge to run away. It wasn't even him, but I was a bit suprised at the force of my reaction as it's been so long, and I'm confident he wouldn't do anything in public if I did see him anyway.

Counselling might help you cope better if you did see him again, but to me it seems like quite a 'normal' reaction for your lizard brain to tell you its a threatening situation and to avoid it.

I think that’s a very normal reaction
I’m not sure how much you can do about it. Talk about it. That will help. Here is good.

It’s amazing how much people affect us. Even years later. I don’t know how you get over that.

I saw my ex. And I cried. I left him. So if someone caused you harm then it’s going to be a lot worse.

Thanks guys. It was horrible but feel a bit better now.
He was not what he appeared and no doubt has gone on on to abuse other women :((

I will never be able to see my ex without feeling that so long as I live. No amount of therapeutic work or time or anything else will ever stop me having a strong, physical, guttural negative reaction. I can't tell if I would run away or try and kill him (depends on the day and if I've got children with me). Even when I see people who remind me of him or people mention his name I feel a surge of rage and fear shooting through me. You can't tell externally any more, but it's there.

Blimey amazing that's awful

You don’t necessarily have PTSD, you could just be experiencing shock. I saw my Ex regularly during mediation but when I saw him at the contact centre with DD, I could feel every cell in my body scream. I kept my shit together because DD was with me but once the shock had passed, I was ok.

PTSD is a specific diagnosis, not a general term for MH issues after an event.

But if you are concerned, see your GP. Whatever the issue, seeking support early can be beneficial (even if the advice is 'wait, self monitor and return in 6 weeks if you remain concerned')

I tend to agree with the posters who say this is a typical reaction to an actual reminder of the past.. Have you been having flashbacks at other times or with less obvious triggers?

Yes rose to flashbacks. I think moving would help as we lived in the house I am still in.
Still feel ill today and had awful dreams.