It's been 5 years since the abuse ended. In 2014 I was first diagnosed with PTSD after opening up to a doctor about my experiences while very drugged up for a manic episode. I would walk 2 extra miles to avoid the neighborhood where my abuser used to lived, I couldn't stand the crowds at the grocery store because I was so on edge, I couldn't sleep because of nightmares, etc etc.
I no longer have flashbacks from driving by certain places or seeing certain things, I'm okay with being on busses again, I'm not afraid to sleep because the nightmares are gone (or very very rare). I still startle easily and I find it hard to trust people, and maybe I always will, but I'm a lot better than I was, and I'm so grateful for that.

Thank you for sharing your success story.