[amethystnatural]

I have a friend who definitely has PTSD and he was describing all the ways it severely impacted his life. All I could think is "Wow, that's so extreme... far worse than what I experience"

But I wonder... could I have mild ptsd? Is that even a thing?

I went through some stuff and I can't even talk about it, but last time I tried I freaked out and was having flashbacks and a mega panic attack. I was on the floor... it was bad.

And sometimes I see something, like last time it was a drawing on pinterest of something unrelated that just really reminded me of details... and I won't be able to think of anything else for several days but what happened to me and it'll really truly torture me.

But the rest of the time, I'm fine. Like I think about it pretty regularly, and obviously its upsetting, but I'm not avoiding anything or being hypervigilant and I almost never have panic attacks from it. I do have nightmares sometimes that'll mess me up for a day or two, but its uncommon.

This just doesn't sound disabling enough to be PTSD from the horror my friend describes going through.

But its not nothing.. I still go through this.

So, what is this?

[CANDC]

Hi amethystnatural. Welcome to Psych Central (PC). I am sorry you have suffered from multiple challenges, including what could very well be PTSD. To get an accurate diagnosis, it is best to consult with therapists and-or psychiatrists.

Many people here at PC find they can share these feelings and what they are going through with the confidence that people go through similar things and can empathize. So many forums are offered as well as Chatrooms (after you have 5 posts or comments on others posts). Depression chat meets on Thursday night at 9pm EST and Anxiety Friday at 8PM. PTSD chat Saturday 8PM EST

You can also be an active member in other ways like supporting others in their questions, reading articles and posts http://forums.psychcentral.com that are applicable to your area of concern.

Please feel free to private message me or any of the Community Liaisons by left clicking on the name in blue to the left of their post) for questions or just to share.

[Ruftin]

Hello and welcome to Psych Central amethystnatural!!! It's nice to meet you. You have joined a community of warm and caring members who will want to offer you support and advice. Yours is welcome as well.

Please feel free to contact any community liaison or moderator by left clicking on their name in blue to the left of their post if you need help navigating the forums. It will take some time for your first five posts to appear as they are being evaluated and then you will be able to join chats.

I'm sorry for your struggles. You'll find we have a safe and supportive community. I'm glad you've joined us.

I look forward to seeing you around!!!

[waggiedog]

[B][/B Hello Dear Amethystnatural and a big WARM WELCOME to Psych Central. You really share everything here because we all suffer various mental health symptoms, sometimes many more than one thing.
Obviously I'm not a Dr. but I've been around a long time, not only with my serious issues, but helping others too in as much as I can. What you are suffering does certainly sound like PTSD, don't put your problems down, if you feel you need helo, then PLEASE go for it hunny. I'd say you DO need some help and guidance. I believe we have a forum for folk suffering from the same issues as yourself. Love and best wishes. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

You can find the diagnostic criteria of PTSD here:
Symptoms & Diagnosis of PTSD | Psych Central
Basically, if you don't fit them (you have to have one from every category I believe) you don't have PTSD.
There's a big BUT though.
You can be traumatized without having PTSD. That's basically when you have some PTSD symptoms, but not enough to qualify for the diagnosis.
It's every bit as real as PTSD. And it doesn't make what you went through any less wrong.

Wow, i knew i had symptoms but wasnt aware the disorder is evolving in diagnosis and i am starting to fit more.... I always thought it was mild too but looking back - probably not so much in regards to long term mood issues.

Everyones experience is different and we experience distress differntly.

[ChipperMonkey]

Its quite possible to have PTS and not PTSD. That is, you can have some of the symptoms without the full disorder.

I think that since you only have symptoms when confronted with a direct trigger, it doesn't sound like full blown PTSD. PTSD is a disabling disorder with symptoms that pop up out of the blue.

Its not a good idea to self-diagnose as the diagnostic process is a lot more involved than going down a check-list of symptoms. (This is why doctors go to med school....so that they can accurately diagnose us!)