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.

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Symptom?

G8tful
G8tful

Sometimes I get random thoughts about suicide or violence that seemingly appear out of nowhere. It's important to note that prior to my relationship with my ex-husband, I never had these. Two of my sisters were diagnosed with mental illnesses, so I was wondering if my violent thoughts are a symptom that I'm mentally unbalanced or that they are a symptom of PTSD.

Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
I think a thought can be simply a thought..... the violent thought may come from anger..... If you aren't feeling a compulsion to act on a thought or if 'fantasy' isn't overwhelming you I would just let the thought flow through..... Big hug.....xo
arfie
arfie
Inside my own strictly personals, I take random violent thoughts (I consider suicide a violent thought) as a flag that another anger bubble is surfacing from my suppressed memories. I have had serious anger issues which escalate to rage all too easily connected to my own PTSD. Life in a kiddie whorehouse will do that to you. I begin plying my anger management/channeling exercises as soon as I notice the thoughts/bitchiness. As I calm my anger, the source usually reveals itself in the process.

But that is me. . .

Continued support while you figure out what it is for you, G8.
Zoe
Zoe
We're not professionals here and can't diagnose. PTSD is a unique journey for each of us. I've never had the rage or anger. Quite the opposite gentle, meek. But I have the suicidal ideations in spades. I've tried numerous times to kill myself, I'll get it right eventually. If you don't have a therapist, get one. They can help you figure this out. Going to a therapist does not mean you are mentally ill.
Community Leadermujicaptsd
mujicaptsd
I've never attempted suicide, so I'm one of those folks arfie and SunCloud are describing for whom a suicidal thought is just a sign anger or some other similar emotion is bubbling up inside of me. They frightened me early on in my recovery, but my therapist trained me to respond in a more balanced way toward them.

That was what we called the Goldlilocks approach from the story of the 3 bears and the porridge being not too hot, not too cold, but just right. The little joke helped me not be scared of my own suicidal thoughts, so I would neither ignore then on the one hand, nor take them too literally on the other hand. It's an approach that has worked now for 17 years, so it's still what I'm going with. I'm no therapist, I just I passed it on to a buddy from back then, and it's still working for him, too. Much support to you.
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