[tonmaricas]

Hey there! I'm not sure if this is the right place,but after some research it seems like the most fitting place to seek answers. I recently lost everything in a house fire. My daughters and I were away and no one was hurt. It has been ruled arson and no one has been charged as of yet. It has not quite been three months yet and I recently have been experiencing extreme mood swings,irritability,sadness,tears as well as jumpiness and spurts of unexplained energy. It seems to be delayed,as if the reality of what has happened has set in once the survival mode wore off and we became settled again. Unfortunately, I find myself seeking reasons to disconnect myself from those I care about. Are these symptoms of post traumatic stress and/or depression and what can I do to regain a normal mental balance?

Hello, tonmaricas. I do not have the expertise to answer your query. My thought is that professional help would be beneficial.

I am sorry for the loss of your home.

[Elysium]

(((((Tonmaricas)))))

I'm so sorry to hear about the house fire. That's just awful. I'm glad that neither you or your daughter were hurt, but it's so difficult to lose your belongings....and your home.

Some of the things you describe, like the mood swings and wanting to disconnect actually sound kind of normal for your experience. It sounds like your are still in your grieving process. And it is a process....you are grieving your life. So much of who we are, and so much of our security and comfort are tied up in our homes, and when that is lost...it can be very traumatic for the spirit.

I think an important thing is to let yourself grieve. Be patient with yourself and do your best not to judge yourself for your feelings.

It could be you are experiencing a bout of depression due to this experience. That does happen. I think it might be too soon to say whether it has to do with PTSD...but an important factor to preventing it from becoming PTSD in the long run, is to allow yourself to process this loss.

I would suggest scheduling an appointment with your MD and discussing your symptoms. Also, you may want to get into some counseling for a short time to help you and your daughter process your losses. Whether that counseling be with a Social Worker, Psychologist, or Priest/Pastor....whoever you can go to for emotional support. This will help you greatly.

As important, help your daughter talk about her feelings as she feels comfortable and encourage her to grieve as well.

Of course, if you want to, keep posting here and we will help you through too.

Take good care, and be patient with yourself.

[chalmette70043]

tomaricas, i hope your settled somewhere right now. losing your house and whats inside is hard to deal with. be proud you all were not in the house. ive been through something similar. a flood filled my house. i lost eveyrthing too. but i rebuilt and came back. i know you can too. what you said i can relate too.

i wish you the best and hang in there
chal

[amante]

Tomaricas,
I hope you can perhaps go for some support T. someone professional can evaluate what has happened and try to find some answers for you. I hope what you are feeling is very short-lived and you feel better soon.

How are you doing, tonmaricas?