Ptsd?

[LovedSparrow]

Hi all,
I'm LovedSparrow, new to this forum. I have Aspberger's (autism) as well and was on the Christian Forums for a few months but just found this group.

I don't know what to say about myself, I don't want to trigger anyone, but I'm 28 and married, and was in an abusive relationship many years ago with an ex-boyfriend for about 5 years.

I was diagnosed with PTSD which I have suspected for a while. My question is, do any of you have it? What have you learned to help you cope? I could really use some help with this. Does it ever subside?

I have all the classic symptoms of PTSD and repressed memories. I am going to a counselor that is helping me deal with the memories.

If there is another thread with this subject, feel free to point me to it, I didn't see one. I don't want to repeat a thread and make you all bored.

Take care and God bless,
LovedSparrow

 

[Kristen.NewCreation]

Hi LovedSparrow,

PTSD is pretty common with abuse survivors it seems. I know I've been diagnosed with it, and am finally making some headway with treatment so it doesn't interfere with my life so much.

Welcome!
Kristen

 

[LovedSparrow]

If I can ask, are there tips that you have in dealing with being in public? Being an aspie, I've heard wearing a wide hat can help, or having a stress ball to hold. I find I freak out in public, and can only look down at the ground or at a fixed point ahead of me. I don't feel safe unless I stare at one spot.
Thanks for your welcome!

 

[Kristen.NewCreation]

I don't know about the wide hat, but definitely a stress ball can help with your attention and keep stress at bay. I've used one before, but my fear of going out isn't that great, so I'd say you just need to experiment with what might help. Definitely talk with your counselor about your struggle with going out and not feeling safe.. she might better be able to give you some ideas for coping with it, such as managing your thoughts when you go out.

 

[BlondieLashes]

LovedSparrow...Welcome! I too have PTSD. As far as being in public, deep breathing helps me. I also like the idea of having a stress ball with you. Sometimes for me doing things on the spur of the moment helps as opposed to thinking about going somewhere for a long period of time before the event.

My son is also an aspie so I have a soft spot in my heart for aspies!

Hope you find the answers you are looking for.

 

[Lilymay]

Hi, I have PTSD also. I really don't have an issue with being out in public so I don't have any advice in regards to that. Just wanted you to know you are not alone ((hugs))

 

[LovedSparrow]

Thank you!! That's good advice, to not think about the place you're going to go to for a long time, just do it. I get so caught up in mentally planning and preparing myself to go somewhere that I freak out and don't go. Deep breathing is good too, its hard to remember to do so to calm down.

 

[Christianfantasy]

Hi, lovesparrow. I survived an abusive marriage, and I have PTSD. It's getting better with time, but from what I've experienced personally, I would say there is no quick fix. What I've found most helpful is to pray each day, ask God for healing, and accept the fact that in most cases it doesn't come overnight. If you are better today than you were six mos ago, then the process is working. One extremely helpful thing for me has been to thank God for His patience. He doesn't expect us to come out of very bad situations and get better with the wave of a magic wand. He walks patiently by our side, showing us day by day the path to healing and wholeness. He is very good and faithful, and He will give you your heart's desire in the long run.

It's out of print now, but if you can find a used copy on Amazon or Ebay, you could consider reading Finding the God Dependent Life, by Joanie Yoder. She details how it got to the point where she could barely shop for food for her two kids even when there wasn't much left in the house, due to her panic of going to the supermarket. It is a very God-centered, strengthening and uplifting book. It helped me more than anything I have read, short of the Bible.

Blessings to you and yours.

 

[LovedSparrow]

Thank you Christianfantasty, I really appreciate it. Thank you for the book suggestion! I love reading. I'd like to check it out. Your post was much needed today, thank you!!

 

[Christianfantasy]

You're very welcome--and thank you for the gracious and uplifting reply. I said special prayers for you.

Many blessings!

 

[LovedSparrow]

Thank you!! They are needed nowadays.

 

[cweinstein]

I too survived an abusive marriage and have PTSD. At first I could not be around more than 3 people at a time without freaking out, large crowds sent me into panic attacks. With therapy, meds, and time I have improved a lot. Now I can be in large crowds, and am no longer in therapy or meds. I still deal with PTSD, but I can do it on my own now.

 

[Colleen1]

Just wanted to share this song. It's something I'm constantly wanting to remember when I feel very hurt and want to isolate myself. God bless!

Any Other Way-Tenth Avenue North with Lyrics - YouTube
​

 

[Emily99]

Hi LovedSparrow,

You were very brave to post about PTSD. I have it too, and was looking for a post about it myself. I was in an abusive marriage for 20 years that ended in my husband commiting suicide in 1990. (We were both Christians.) We had three children, one of whom has since committed suicide, also. I am 59 years old now, and the PTSD symptoms are a lot worse for me now that I'm older.

You were lucky to get out of your situation as soon as you did, and that you are getting coulseling now. I waited way too long. Talking about the memories is one of the best things you can do. It is so healing to get them out. Are you on an antidepressant? That also helps.

I also have trouble leaving the house. My husband had a job where he drove a van around town, so he would often follow me and question me later about what I was doing.

Often times I repeat the name of Jesus over and over, and this brings me calm. Reading His Word is the best possible thing.

I truly understand where you are in your heart and mind, and I will pray for you, LovedSparrow. God can heal you of all those memories, and I pray that He will!

 

[Colleen1]

Hi LovedSparrow,

You were very brave to post about PTSD. I have it too, and was looking for a post about it myself. I was in an abusive marriage for 20 years that ended in my husband commiting suicide in 1990. (We were both Christians.) We had three children, one of whom has since committed suicide, also. I am 59 years old now, and the PTSD symptoms are a lot worse for me now that I'm older.

You were lucky to get out of your situation as soon as you did, and that you are getting coulseling now. I waited way too long. Talking about the memories is one of the best things you can do. It is so healing to get them out. Are you on an antidepressant? That also helps.

I also have trouble leaving the house. My husband had a job where he drove a van around town, so he would often follow me and question me later about what I was doing.

Often times I repeat the name of Jesus over and over, and this brings me calm. Reading His Word is the best possible thing.

I truly understand where you are in your heart and mind, and I will pray for you, LovedSparrow. God can heal you of all those memories, and I pray that He will!

I think you too are brave for posting. It's an important issue to discuss and share with people who understand.

 

[cweinstein]

Hi Emily99
You too are very brave for posting about PTSD. I have it too, I was in an abusive marriage for 21 yrs. I've been divorced for a year now.