(((Rachel))),

Have you been diagnosed with PTSD? You are describing some of the symtoms, but a diagnosis has to come from a professional.

I have a therapist that specializes in treating patients with PTSD. There is a difference from him and a regular therapist that may not really know how to treat PTSD patients.

What I can say that for me personally, it wasn't just "living in the now" and talking about my problems. I had to learn to understand where my problems come from and how "abuse" in my past affected me in ways I didn't realize. It isn't "just having anxiety" for me, I have had to understand my triggers and anxiety to see where they come from and learn how to understand and develope ways to address it.

I am very sorry that you are dealing with an abusive father who now also has demencia. That "is" a challenge because people in the first stages of demencia can really be mean and even strike out. They also lose the filter of holding back their thoughts about anyone they encounter, they simply just say whatever comes to their minds.

Do you have to provide the care for your father? That can be quite a challenge if you do suffer from PTSD, especially if he was abusive in your past.

I hope that if you are the caregiver and you have siblings you can get help with this challenge. You have to make sure you are taking care of yourself too.

(((Gentle supportive hugs)))
Open Eyes