the same thing for me too. I have complex-ptsd plus depression. My depression has gotten worse for me and I really can not distinguish which is which.

I dont believe for a normal for ppl who stuggle with ptsd. In the symptoms for it, these are all normal reactions. Normality is something we all struggle for, strive for. I have never felt normal and with the experiences that have transcribed over the years, i have more reason to believe that there is nothing normal for us. I might sound cynical, but i think experiences makes us see the dark side of life a little more.

You can do research for ptsd and the different types that exist. there are at least 4 different types of them- each with different stages. I dont know what you may have gone through but ptsd is common for ppl who have experienced abuse, natural disasters, combat warfare, etc. I've always had the common notion that it is and was only for combat men and women.... not anymore.

I am the same way--not sleeping and snaping at people as well. I jump at every little sound.



ladydi1961

I'm neither jumping at NOR snapping at people.

I'm avoiding them. I'm choosing to be socially isolated -- not particularly healthy.

My diagnoses are C-PTSD and Disorders of Extreme Stress Not Otherwise Specified.

I don't think I'm depressed, but I'm sure hyper-vigilant (jumpy, extreme startle response), and ... sleep ? I've forgotten what that's about.

My Sister-In-Law has/had PTSD. She responded quite well to YEARS of EMDR (Google it) treatment, but ... since I'm really not out of the proverbial fire, yet, I'm not ready to seek out treatment.

I'm -- sincerely -- far more likely to just run away ... to some Latin American country ... and see to what extent I can leave ANY of this behind me.

I wish you peace, health, and strength.

What you are describing is normal. It gets worse when you don't sleep of course. You will also find that your are not functioning as well as you think you are.
You need to do something about this. I eventually got so exhausted and run down that I lost it and ended up in the hospital for 12 days. If you can avoid that experience do so. It helped me but I think it would have been easier to address the problem before it got that bad.
So, first things first...you need to sleep. Sleep is one of the most important things to someone with PTSD. Go see your doctor and tell the doctor what is going on. You may need to take something like Trazodone for help sleeping. The doc may also suggest some other meds to help with the depression, anxiety and other symptoms.
Next, personally I don't think it is possible to get control of PTSD without working with a therapist of some kind. Despite having a quack for my last one, I have had some good help from therapists along the way. One of my best is a counselor who has been able to help me find solutions to symptoms. I had to stop seeing him when I lost my job as I could not afford him anymore. I would class him more like a life coach. Awesome. Certainly one of the reasons I am alive today. What I trying to say is find one that works for you and you feel good leaving the office.
Lastly, and this one is the hardest. Learn to be aware of how you feel this way you can spot triggers and learn to deal with them before they get out of control. I am still working on this and it is has been a few years. I can spot some triggers, not all, and I cannot always stop the free fall. This spiral down hill lasted for over a month and I could not get it to stop. I think I got it stopped when I gave my doctor the boot for not helping me. I know I feel stronger and more able to cope right now and I am taking action on stuff in my life. I am engaging again. I have to tell you it is a frustrating ride when you have PTSD. Deep breathing exercises and visualizing a favourite spot helps.
I hope some of this helped a bit.

I went and saw a counsellor and we talked about my issues.
he said I had gone through a lot, I was raped and fell pregnant and now raising her, and the whole time we talked he used it and we ended up sleeping together and when I said enough, you used your position , everything we talked about he blamed me, it was my fault I was raped, my ex hit me and this so called counsellor said it was a pity he didn't kill me.
since then, I'm finding it hard to even to another one.

OMG-GROAN!!!! Abuse of power!

Ouch, a real abuse of roles. I admire you trusting anyone after that, and for being here. I hope you get the help you need with the respect you deserve here.

Amen.

Yikes !

And the abuse ... just KEEPS on comin'.

I'm so sorry for what you've been through.

My doc explained like there are highs and lows... when I get stressed, the symptoms come out of the woodwork strong. Maybe not right away, but eventually. Either it is mostly anxiety or the depression hits (that would cover all of the above actions you are mentioning). A lot of deep breathing helps me get through the rough spots. I hope that you find something to help you and also the support your deserve as well.

Yes, I had a similar experience, and all the signs you mention I went through. Think is normal reactions of ptsd. I was diagnosed years ago. but did not get help. ..I was raped also. stranger though. did not know. Plus sexually abused from age 5---?? teenager I think. and then verbal abuse even up to last month. I write my dad out of my life now. So yes the startle response happens. and I too think we will never really know what NORMAL is. for what we have been through.

It is so much easier now. to address my symptoms and triggers. . I have actually come a long way. There is a med called prazosin. it is called Prazosin. It helps me sleep. It is FOR PTSD. actually give to people out of combat....I am sleeping through the night.

But yes I know where you are at. and you can move on. It is hard. but so worth getting through it and have a different life. slow breathing helps me. I still have nightmares. but are manageable. I don't jump out of bed anymore. So just to let you know, you can get BETTER. and I hope you get the help you need. I had a couple of horrible counselors. but now have a awesome one.

And hypervigilant very notice things around me. keep me safe. some times I don't feel safe. because dealing with my dad, perpetr.
ator. I have a restraining order now. .....I wish you PEACE.