Hi everyone.
First off, positivelysomewhere is a pretty long name so maybe I'll just call myself Poss - like possum, which works, as I'm Australian!
It feels good to have found this board. I came across it just yesterday but I'm already relieved to be among people who can understand.
I haven't received an "official" CPTSD diagnosis, but, in her goodbye email to me, my previous psychotherapist recommended that I read Pete Walker's CPTSD book. She said not all of it would apply to me, but it would explain a lot. I haven't properly delved into the book yet but I have read a bit about CPTSD and my symptoms seem to fit. It makes sense.
My trauma was self-inflicted, which might be unusual. I have struggled with anxiety and a deep sense of unworthiness for as long as I can remember. Through therapy, I think I've worked out why -- various family issues. Eight years ago, when I was 22, I smoked some pot one night and had an episode of intrusive distressing sexual thoughts that triggered full-blown OCD, thus changing the course of my life. I developed binge-eating disorder to cope, and I still struggle with overeating.
So that's my story in a nutshell. I am going to nose around the boards and also start a recovery journal. I need to let it all out!
Thank you so much for having me. I look forward to getting to know you all on the road to recovery.
Poss
Hi Poss :wave:
Welcome to Out of the Storm. At OOTS, we welcome people who are dealing with cPTSD through a variety of life's events that befell us. Like you, I don't have an official diagnosis either, neither have many other members. So you're in good company. ;)
Pete Walker's book as a great asset to many of us here. There are some excerpts of the book on his site http://www.pete-walker.com .
In the cPTSD Glossary (http://outofthefog.net/C-PTSD/OOTS_Glossary.html) you may find a lot that may resonate with your experiences. A few highlights to start your journey with:
On cPTSD (http://outofthefog.net/C-PTSD/index.html)
On Boundaries (http://www.outofthefog.net/CommonNonBehaviors/Boundaries.html)
One that has been of great value to me personally is: Learned Helplessness (http://outofthefog.net/CommonNonBehaviors/LearnedHelplessness.html)
Journalling has been a great asset in my recovery, and you may already have spotted we have a section dedicated to recovery journals here: http://outofthefog.net/C-PTSD/forum/index.php?board=61.0 . Let it all out indeed!
Welcome again, I hope and wish this place and community will give you comfort and be of aid on your journey through cPTSD. Our Guidelines for All Members and Guests (http://outofthefog.net/C-PTSD/forum/index.php?topic=1616.0) are here to ensure this a safe environment for you and it will give you an idea of the community we create with each other.
:hug:
Dutch Uncle.
Thank you both so much.
TOC, welcome also :) Here's to learning, growing and healing.
Dutch Uncle, thank you so much for that information. I'm getting stuck into the reading now, and I'm just about to start a recovery journal. Here we go.