[Rapunzel]

My T wrote to me:
</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
I am surprised that you don't think in terms of "anxiety." Heck, woman, you have an anxiety disorder!! (PTSD is technically an anxiety disorder). Although you seem to be able to over-ride some of that anxiety, in the right situations (such as in academic & work situations), it seems to me that you are generally anxious all the time. It's almost your norm, it seems. From the few times we've met in person, I'd say that your nonverbal presentation also speaks of anxiety -- the downcast or averted eyes; the knitting; the hunched posture as if you just want to be smaller; the earth-toned clothing that matches your hair and complexion, so that nothing stands out too much, and so on.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

I've never been able to get her to tell me a dx, exactly, but she has mentioned PTSD at least a couple of times before. I don't think I meet the criteria though. But then, I'm not generally aware of my anxiety either. I just know that I wish I could be invisable a lot, and I'd be a lot more comfortable hiding under a desk, although that would be weird so I don't do it if anyone is looking.

[wisewoman]

I'd say she is being plenty blunt. I don't know if it matters too much if you meet the criteria so much as that you can have a starting place to work from. Now you can use some of the PTSD tools to help. I really wish that you could have a T who could be there with you in person. It makes a big difference. Me, I like closets, hiding in closets is my thing. Whatever works for you right? Be well.

[(JD)]

I think that's pretty clear from that email... why not "call" her on it? Ask HER did you say I have PTSD?????

[CompGeek]

Sometimes it takes a while to make a diganoses because of various reasons. However I certaintly see your therapists logic in saying that you have an anxiety disorder. and PTSD is an anxiety disorder (it is in the first branch of the DSM IV under anxiety disorders) I agree that you should directly ask your therapist if you have PTSD or not. He/She may not know yet though..

[Rapunzel]

Thanks you guys. I did write back and ask her, but I'm sure she will probably skip that question.

[kimmydawn]

rapunzel,

some t's don't like to dx. they don't like labels, etc. my t was pretty quick with the dx of PTSD for me. however, he's the director at the clinic and knew the family history, so it was pretty much a given.

with my current (and only) dx, he took his sweet time. in fact, i found out dx by his speaking to someone else on the phone. he knows i don't like it, and he doesn't either. also, with my dx a t has to be careful to let a person kinda "fall" into it on their own and to not influence.

maybe she's letting you come around to this on your own as a way to gently push you into self exploration?

gl. let us know.

kd

[Rapunzel]

She's been trying really hard to throw me into self-exploration. Nothing subtle about that at all. And I can't blame her for not wanting to give me lables, with the way that I obsess about stuff like that, and quizzes, and I'm really good at filling a role if it's assigned to me. She's also told me that BPD, PTSD, and dissociative disorders are all pretty close.

You know, I'm glad to have found someone who looks at all the underlying stuff. It's been a year and a half since I've had very bad depression, and that's where past therapists all decided that was good enough. But it wasn't - I didn't know why, but I still wasn't ok. The last one went so far as to tell me that I had a medical problem (SAD), not a psychological problem. But it's never that simple. It's just so nice now to have someone who sees that.

[wisewoman]

Hey Wendy, glad you found someone forcing you to dive deep. You are doing great with your attitude about it. I hope you continue to feel that this is helpful and you are progressing.

[jennie]

I think she is saying you have PTSD. Sometimes when a professional tells me something I need to hear, I can't hear it because I'm so scared of hearing it. Maybe that's happening to you? PTSD symptoms are normal reactions to abnormal events. You ain't crazy if you have PTSD. You're just scared. It takes the body a while to work through things. About meeting the criteria for PTSD, it may just take time for the diagnosis to become clear . . . especially if you have difficulty talking. I know I did . . . I do have trouble talking. Looks like you are in good hands with your counselor. Keep up the good work! (((((((Huggs)))))