My thyroid gave out while I was still with my H, the doctor said from stress. I still have sleep disturbances, though things are much better than before, I'm tired a lot and my hands shake often. Before I left, I have no idea why, but the whites of my eyes were always yellow, strangely. Now they're not.

I would say that one thing you can do that doesn't take a lot of money is to take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Eat good food with mindfulness. Sleep enough and at the same time every day. Go for walks in pleasant places. Get a yoga DVD and do it a few times a week. (Rodney Yee is good!) Don't expose yourself to stressful situations or violent images. Be only with people who make you feel loved and accepted. Go to quiet places like the library. Listen to music that makes you feel happy. Just treat yourself gently and lovingly, whatever that means to you. (My suggestions may be colored by my advanced age... :-)) Come up with your own things to do that bring you peace. It may take a while, but it could help you recover.

Sandra Brown calls this 'living the gentle life' and recommends it for survivors of abuse and those with PTSD.

When I met Manny, I was fit and size 0-4. I was happy, healthy, and optimistic.

Now--I've gained 40 lbs, that I can't seem to get rid of. I have little energy or drive to do anything. I started smoking and drinking more. Even if I'm not technically sick yet, I will be if I don't change my path (which I am--I just started taking Chantix and am really excited about finally quitting smoking.)

I'm now trying to focus back on myself and what I really care about. I'm trying to find the way back to my old self--trying to find what motivates me and makes me feel alive. Trying to get my old, optimistic thoughts back, and my contentment in life.

I started drinking smoothies of fruit and vegetables to get healthier, and taking some vitamins. And trying to remember why I felt excited about life before.

I lost God knows how many pounds..I became weak and felt brittle. I lost tons of hair, my appetite, the ability to sleep..

now, 8 months out, have gained back a bit of weight, my hair stopped falling out, I sleep awesomely, and I've been doing house cleaning, so my upper body is getting pretty awesome and 'cut'..

but...

but...

I think I may be getting an ulcer.

in fact, I'm pretty damn sure that it's an ulcer I have. I'm going to go to the doctor's next week...

it is more than likely a combination of stuff-stress, not eating properly, or not eating at all, too much caffeine, smoking...not enough fibre..

all of this due to the stress of living with, and then leaving an abuser..

and then there's the torn muscle in my shoulder from when he 'made me turn around', and the pinched nerve in my spine from when he made try to help him maneouver a heavy couch into a room it couldn't fit into, with me being the one standing on the stairs...

sometimes I feel as if abuse is the 'gift' that keeps on giving...

but slowly, surely, I am getting better...will get this ulcer checked out and will deal with it..will focus on eating better...and being more mindful...

I use to have constant headache.
My blood preassure was high.
I use to feel down.
Now.....7 month down the road w/o him:
no headache,blood preasure- perfect
and I'm happy with tons of energy.

Ladies.....constant acumulated stress will destroy our health!

I know exactly how you feel. In the last few years I have been treated for gall bladder, high blood pressure, depression, and now what is looking like rheumatoid arthritis .

I am feeling more positive now that I am on medication for the pain. My doctor knows everything going on with my H. So he attributes everything to stress.

All we can do is take the best possible care of ourselves and continue to be hopeful.

Take care.