Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group
Find support with others who have gone through a traumatic experience. Whether you have chronic or acute PTSD, we are here for you.
Hi everyone!
I found this board while searching for PTSD support groups in my area.
I was diagnosed with chronic PTSD and OCD over a two year period from 2002-2004 following two car accidents that occurred within 15 minutes of each other. While clearing the mess from the first, a van drove out of control and struck me while I was standing next to the officer then continued driving another 30-40 feet before smashing us both through a building.
Since then, I have come to discover that I have most likely had PTSD since childhood when I was sexually molested and abused, verbally and physically abused and neglected.
It seems like I am all alone (except for God), and that even my wife doesn't understand. She's threatened to leave several times.
I'm 19 years sober from chemical dependencies (alcohol & drugs) and was just "fired" by my sponsor in AA because he states he's not qualified to sponsor guys with PTSD (which is probably true).
I just feel all alone. Medication has worked only to a to a degree, but since I started various anti-depressants it always makes me cry. I'm a 42 (soon to be 43) year old man and I have cried every day for the last year and a half. Some days worse than others.
Well, that's the abbreviated version of my story. I would like to meet people and make friends who understand and want to work in the solution.
Maybe one day I can be strong enough to support someone else.
I found this board while searching for PTSD support groups in my area.
I was diagnosed with chronic PTSD and OCD over a two year period from 2002-2004 following two car accidents that occurred within 15 minutes of each other. While clearing the mess from the first, a van drove out of control and struck me while I was standing next to the officer then continued driving another 30-40 feet before smashing us both through a building.
Since then, I have come to discover that I have most likely had PTSD since childhood when I was sexually molested and abused, verbally and physically abused and neglected.
It seems like I am all alone (except for God), and that even my wife doesn't understand. She's threatened to leave several times.
I'm 19 years sober from chemical dependencies (alcohol & drugs) and was just "fired" by my sponsor in AA because he states he's not qualified to sponsor guys with PTSD (which is probably true).
I just feel all alone. Medication has worked only to a to a degree, but since I started various anti-depressants it always makes me cry. I'm a 42 (soon to be 43) year old man and I have cried every day for the last year and a half. Some days worse than others.
Well, that's the abbreviated version of my story. I would like to meet people and make friends who understand and want to work in the solution.
Maybe one day I can be strong enough to support someone else.
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
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I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...
I just want to thank all of you for welcoming me and for your words of encouragement and support. It's a blessing to know that I don't have to feel alone with this anymore. Even just the few comments posted here have lifted my spirits enormously from last night so I am very grateful to you all.
Thanks again.
It might be a good place to start with finding the solution. In the meanwhile, there are a lot of people here who can relate to the sexual abuse and the struggle to find the right doctor.
In fact, TLCDaisy found a link that allows one to find a therapist certified in EMDR, which is thought of as one of the most effective treatments for PTSD. :)
This IS the BEST community on DS.
Definitely peruse the back posts...we've posted lots of useful info on meds and such.
Finding a GOOD therapist and GOOD Pdoc are KEY!
Also, I just found out that diet can play a big role...a "Brain Diet"...so I will be sharing that as soon as my new Pdoc unleashes all of his knowledge on me. I saw him for the 1st time today.
Welcome!
JMRH
Thanks for your encouragement and support. I've sent my wife a link to the site, so what she does from there is her business. She's been reasonably open about the issues, but of course, one can't fully understand unless they have the same issues.
Hopefully, she will take a closer look.
JMRH
Definitely check the link TLCDaisy found for EMDR *certified* specialists. Lots of people think they can help and are just a waste! Lots of "just forgive" "try acting normal" "get over it"... If that worked, we'd all be better RIGHT NOW, right? :)
I like the Alice Miller books. If you check out my profile and click on the pictures, they'll enlarge and you can read a little of what she says.
I TOTALLY hear you on the vacuum. Well, said. I finally feel more like myself and free with other PTSDers. SO looking forward to getting the nonprofit papers filed and official. Then I can surround myself with PTSDers. Goodness knows one couldn't have a more efficient staff! :)
LOL!
Thanks for the humor and some more info. While on the topic of humor, I don't know where I'd be if I hadn't been able to laugh my way through some of this!
JMRH