I was robbed and believe I am suffering from post traumatic stress. Please help.?

In November 2007 I was robbed at gun point at a shoe store that I used to work at. Since then I have been suffering from many of the symptoms associated with post traumatic stress. I have trouble sleeping and when I do sleep I have horrible nightmares about being robbed. I have lost a considerable amount of weight. I have also had a few panic attacks. I think about what happened to me constantly. I just can not get over it. I feel so alone and it seems like no one really understands what I am going through. I know I should seek psychiatric care but right now I can not afford it. Someone mentioned that even though I do not work for the company anymore they can be held financially responsible since it is technically a work related injury. Does anyone have any advice or thoughts on this situation that could help me? I would really appreciate it. Thank you.

Oh my goodness, that's so shocking, no wonder you are still suffering from the ordeal. I would suggest maybe going to your local police station and asking if you can speak to victims support, I am sure it's free and hopefully it would help you out at bit. Because it was at work, would they cover the cost for a counsellor? Hope you get it sorted soon, you poor thing

in australia you would be classed as a victom of crime there for you can sue for compinsation also speak to legal aid if your a low income earner its free and they will offer you advice on what is avaliable to you and councilling is free if you go to the salvation army or life line or something like that..
i have been there before and know how you feel
seeking help is a must other wise it builds up

First I want to send a {{{{{cyber hug}}}}.

Here are some thoughts I had while reading what you wrote:

::: yes, definitely ask your former employer about them covering this. It is a work-related illness.

::: call your local hospital and/or your physician and ask about programs they might have or know of where you can get free therapy. You can also ask therapists about a sliding scale; many are willing to do that. When you call your physician (or preferably go see him/her in person, ask about meds to help you with the anxiety and poor sleep.

::: i have PTSD and have been blessed with therapists who saw me on a sliding scale.

I want to recommend a book, but I insist you not use it until you're being treated. It's called "I Can't Get Over It". I've linked to the book below.

I'm adding you to my prayer list; I hope that's ok.

Get over it, sissy. Or buy a gun.

I am experiencing the same thing now. The cause of it was alot different as it involved many events including the death of my husband in front of my eyes. He was only 40, a good, good man and my best friend. Enough about that. But I do understand EXACTLY what you are feeling when you say that people don't understand what you are going through and how alone that can make you feel. Trust me on this one.
I think people understand the trauma but I don't think they can understand how deep the trauma can actually go into a person. It goes down to your absolute core and it hurts like hell. I lost alot of weight too. I couldn't eat. I lived on the protein drink "Ensure" so I could get some nourishment and calories. I also have panic attacks and really bad anxiety. I too, think about it all the time. I try so hard not to but it is "Always" there in my thoughts. I think about it, dream about it and cry about it and cannot "Get Over It". I have tried but I think I can't because I just cannot wrap my brain around how something so bad could happen. I think if you aren't able to understand something, how can you be expected to get closure on it and move on. You sound like you are in alot of pain. Do yourself a favor and get help by either a therapist, medication or both. Don't be embarassed by the "Mental Health" stigma. Your brain is like any other organ in your body and it too can get ill or injured. Just because you can't see the injury, like a broken leg or arm, doesn't mean that it isn't injured. I waited to long to go for help because I thought I was a strong woman and could take care of everything and I tried. For a year and half. I basically ended up having what ended up to be a breakdown and attempted suicide, which landed me in the hospital hooked up to a machine to breath for me. It was after my stint in Intensive Care that they sent me to the notorious "Mental Ward" for further treatment. It was there that I began to learn how the brain works, how it can change your thoughts and behavior. It can get to be very serious if you just let it go. I'm am not some crazy women who went off the deep end either. I was an injured person who didnt go to the doctor when I should have and I have paid dearly for it.
The person who wrote, "Get over it or get a gun" on 1 of the answers was so unbelievably ugly when they made that statement. Unless you have been through something so traumatic that it invades your thoughts and dreams, you have no right to say a negative word. But don't put off getting help for yourself. If you had a broken leg or arm, you would go see a doctor. We are talking about your brain here. You need to understand why you are feeling what you are feeling before you can take another step forward. As for medical expenses, check your phone book for State Assisted programs and like another person stated, alot of doctors go on sliding-scale and will charge you accordingly. I was a working women with a professional career with medical coverage. I waited to long and got the point that I was unable to work and lost my insurance. I get temporary disability from the State (which isn't much) and medical coverage. It took me 3 years to ask for that help out of embarassment but you know what, thats what I paid taxes for all of these years. Forgive me for being so lengthy on my response or seem like I'm trying to scare you but I understand how important it is that you don't try to fix this yourself because you may not be able to and you don't want to go down this painful road the rest of your life. My hopes are with you. Get well and be well.