[UCLAFan]

Because i was in a abusive relationship 11 years ago. Been scared of relationships since etc.Use to get help and then gave up. Seeing a new Physc DR at the End of April.If i stick it out thia time will it get better?

[Talulah]

Yes, PTSD can arise anytime after abuse. Many life changes can trigger it or bring it about. For me, many years had passed, thought I had things under control, the next thing I knew (i was at a major life altering time)...........wham. PTSD to the enth degree.......really bad and couldn't reel it in. Now in therapy and on meds, but hopeful to get up and live on one day!

[UCLAFan]

I think i have had it since i left that relationship. I just wish it would go away. But i did not stay on meds or in counseling.Plus i grew up living in a messed up family with abusive parents.Had health issues and my dad never wanted me to see dr's. Now that i'm an adult i hardly go to dr.'s unless i'm really sick or in a lot of pain.

[mtd]

You asked, "If I stick it out htis time will it get better?"

I really hope it does for you. It has been very hard for me. But this I believe: we deserved better than we got and we deserve to heal. I also believe that we can.

You are not alone. Keep sharing and keep working to heal with us. Together, we can.

mtd

[(JD)]

Yes. and Yes. PTSD does not go away or heal on it's own. It can be dormant so to speak, for lengths of time... but it's always there... I wish you well in this good effort.

[sunrise]

UCLAFan, I hope you can stick it out and your new therapist will be helpful. Have you considered EMDR? It can be quite helpful with trauma.

UCLAfan, I believe it can get better and you can feel better. I hope you will 'stick it out' this time for however long you need.

Sometimes wanting to give up is a good sign that you need to stay and keep working.

Here's a site about therapy that has a nice question and answer section that I like a lot and I hope you do too: www.guidetopsychology.com.

How are you doing while you wait for your April appointment?

[UCLAFan]

Thanks for all the kind words. What's EMDR?

[Rio_]

http://www.emdr.com/briefdes.htm

I had a few weeks of it nearer the beginning of therapy, and while it didn't get rid of the memories/thoughts completely, it certainly made them less frequent, which was a relief.

[sunrise]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
UCLAFan said:
Thanks for all the kind words. What's EMDR?

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">
Rio gave a good link. Just wanted to add that the EMDR therapy I had did not use the eye movements. I think I would find it hard to concentrate if I had to do the eye movements. Instead my therapist used these little electronic gizmos. I put one under each foot and they provide a rhythmic, alternating pulsing. I have done EMDR 3 times and found it very useful in stopping fixation on memories of traumatic incidents. If you look into this, make sure the therapist is EMDR certified/trained, preferably at least level 2. Good luck!

[Rio_]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
sunrise said:
Just wanted to add that the EMDR therapy I had did not use the eye movements. I think I would find it hard to concentrate if I had to do the eye movements. Instead my therapist used these little electronic gizmos. I put one under each foot and they provide a rhythmic, alternating pulsing.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post"> That's similar to what happened with me, only the electronic things were hand-held instead of being put under my feet. There was also the option to use sound (wearing headphones and having a beep alternating between each ear).

[UCLAFan]

I could not do the eye Movement thing. I have Eye problems and Epilepsy. So i'd have to do it other way.

[happyflowergirl]

Hi! My PTSD accured as an adult in my 30's after suffering much child abuse. My abuser triggered that abuse when she threatened to kidnap my own kids, and she was armed and dangerous. I couldn't get a protection order(not that it would stop her anyways), because the abuse happeded a long time ago.

My T used EMDR on me, and it helped so much, after only one session. That had been over 2 years ago, and I am now living without PTSD. My T believes it will not come back since we have delt with all the past stuff and a couple of times it was challenged, and although I was upset, it didn't turn into the PTSD. EMDR was life changing for me, I am living for the first time in my life, and it feels great! I still have the memories and some threat, but it no longer controls my life. It doesn't work for everyone, but it is certainly worth the try , and isn't as hard on you as traditional desensitation therapy because you are only living the destressing moment for a very short period of time. Good Luck with whatever treatment you are doing.