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I had a situation occur which tossed me into PTSD. Everyone who hears the story of the accident can see why. It really messed me up mentally for years and will effect me for the rest of my life I guess. I was depressed before this accident and now looking back the symptoms were to a lesser extent the same as my full blown PTSD. I have been wondering if I had PTSD before the "event" a fews years ago. I had some traumatic experiences but nothing like the accident. I know it is possible but how could one decide if he/she had PTSD essentially from childhood.?

Welcome to psychcentral burton, you've come to a good place in your life!

That does depend upon you and your T's assessment... but it wouldn't diminish the fact that you have PTSD from an accident. Some say that our experiences in life may give some ppl a propensity for developing PTSD. It really doesn't matter to me, as it's one tough disorder and must be treated... and treated "the same way" as any traumatic event that wasn't processed by the brain.

If you find yourself reminiscing or flashbacking to times of childhood, or find that you dissociate with things that trigger you related to childhood, then I would think that yes, you may have PTSD from those times, also... and your accident is a secondary trauma. TC

Welcome!

I have both childhood trauma and adult traumatic experiences in my history. For me what was (and is) most effective was to work hard in good therapy and also to read various books on PTSD, anxiety, and related issues.

Sometimes it did not matter what specific piece, if any, was related to my current symptoms. Sometimes it did.

How you are doing now, are you in therapy, have you found coping skills that work for you?

Cheers,
Sarah

I am not currently in therapy. Luckly I was much better off financially a few years ago when I ws crazy and was able to stumble onto someone who "discovered" I had PTSD. Self employeed at the time I spent thousands of dollars to get better but situations changed and I was forced to drop therapy but still on Meds from my GP. Been in a real funk recently and will seek therapy from a staff therapist at my Church(its free). Not the best answer but the only one I can afford. PTSD is such a difficult thing that most therapist do not have the experience to deal with it.

Good to hear you will have access to some therapy, and that you have meds that hopefully are helping.

Unfortunately, at least in my opinion, more therapists will have the experience to work with PTSD, in fact they need to, because the traumas keep on coming in our world.

You able to get to a public library? There are some excellent books out on PTSD, everything from the scientific discourses to practical workbooks. This has helped me immensely.

Also check through the Resource Directory here on this site, some good links to PTSD sites, google will bring up more also.

You inspire us all for taking serious note of how you are feeling, paying attention to your experience, and making choices to reach out for help. Bravo!

Best wishes,
Sarah