[polyprotic]

As I'm going to college next year, I will be given the opportunity to get free mental health services. I'm not sure whether it will help at all, because I'm not to the point where I can talk about the trauma and it is difficult for me to even acknowledge my symptoms with another person (I still haven't even told my closest friends that I have PTSD). But I'm beginning to feel overwhelmed by them.

I have also had some bad experiences with therapy and psychiatrists. When I was younger, I had to go to a counselor that caused me almost as much trauma as my original issue. At the same time I was going to a prescription-writing-happy psychiatrist (who prescribed a large dose of seroquel for insomnia and flashbacks). Since I was last in treatment while part of the trauma was still going on, and I had my mother to explain things for me, I'm not really sure how the process would go.

So could someone please give me a little insight into how the typical process goes for PTSD therapy? Also would it be at all beneficial for me to go even though I can't really talk about things yet?

Hello, polyprotic. I was in therapy for PTSD and other disorders. We addressed the triggers and worked on how to handle them. A major point for me was reaffirming that it was unlikely I would be in that situation again. Others, I am sure, will be more helpful and informative on the treatment.

What I wanted to point out is that therapy is a joint venture. A good result in therapy is best achieved when the client is open and honest. You will not benefit from the therapist's best work if he/she is unaware of some of the issues you facing.

Good luck.

[VickiesPath]

I have PTSD but have not been in treatment "specifically" for this as I have other issues and they all just kind of melded together and we worked on the specific symptoms.

One thing I would like to point out is that you are older now and will have more control over what you contribute to the treatment. You will not have your mother "hovering" over you nor will there be a psychiatrist writing prescriptions that you do not want to take. You always have the right to refuse to take any medication that is recommended to you if it does not seem like the right thing for you to do (although medication can be an important part of therapy when done correctly). You will have the opportunity to build a trust with the counselor gradually and talk about things when you are ready to talk about them. Communicating this to the counselor is important and he/she should know that talking about any traumatic even is difficult and should not be forced.

I can only say to you from my own experience that my PTSD did not go away easily. I could reason things away but needed a lot of help with the emotional attachment to them. I am actually still working on the emotional part.

I would say give it a try. If it makes you uncomfortable, you can always say "enough".