[sherlock13]

I am in the process of pressing charges against a family member who was responsible for my trauma. In 3 weeks I will be going to court to give evidence. Throughout the legal process I have had difficulty in managing the progression of the investigation, my difficulties tend to be around managing my emotions, dissociation, memories and flashbacks of the trauma. This has lead to several admissions to psychiatric hospital over the past two years. I wondered if anyone had been through a similar experience of giving evidence in court relating to trauma, and if anyone had any advice or coping strategies that might be helpful. Right now it feels like I won't be able to get through it, I just don't feel strong enough to survive this.

[Open Eyes]

Is the PTSD a part of your case?

It is understandable that you would struggle with this, I have not gotten as far as a court room, but I have been deposed and did have a flashback during that so I know the challenge.

Keep in mind, it is your right to do this and you are doing your best to defend your boundaries.

((Supportive Hugs))

[sherlock13]

Thank you for your post and your support.
Yeah the PTSD is part of my case. The police have been really supportive, they've gone through all of my medical notes as part of the evidence to support the case - i had no mental health issues prior to my trauma, since it happened I've been in and out of hospital. It's effected every aspect of my life. I feel like a different person now. I just wish I could go back.

[Open Eyes]

Yes, I know what you mean, me too. I am very sorry that you were "hurt" this way with a trauma that is now challenging you. The faster you can get this court/legal experience behind you the better. You are doing the right thing, however, with PTSD the brain really tries to avoid any reminders because it's just protecting the injury that is named PTSD. Trauma overwhelms a person which in turn causes the injury called PTSD.

It is very much the same as injuring a leg and avoiding using it that aggrivates the injury, the brain is doing the same thing really. It does take time to slowly work through this injury and slowly heal too.

((Caring Supportive Hugs))