Is it possible to get PTSD from moving?

Today is exactly one year since my parents moved us from California to Maine after I lived in CA my whole life. I left behind all my friends and my hometown and I've been depressed because I've only made one friend so far, and now I have to leave her too because I have to transfer to ANOTHER school. I sometimes have vivid flashbacks and I never feel like doing things I used to enjoy and I never get out of bed till noon and every night I dream that I'm back in California. My sis's boyfriend has PTSD from the war and my sis says to get PTSD must involve someone dying. But is it possible to get it from moving?

To a small extent, maybe. Expect some flaming here from people with connections to the military, because real PTSD is pretty nasty.

Moving and other changes always create stress. If you sit in your new school and say "Why should I bother to get acquainted, I'll just change schools again next year." then you probably will spend the next year being unhappy, too.
You probably need to get over the move to Maine if it's been a year. If you can't, ask your school counselor or minister for some help.

You do need to let go of it. I didn't, and it dragged me down for years. I went to 7 schools in 7 towns over 12 grades. A lot of "army brats" can beat even that. You are not the only one who has had to adapt to a new situation. "Stuff" happens.

Best wishes for the new school year.

Super Gnat
Remember that you're super. Thanks for the "Best Answer" designation. Others' suggestions for counseling are good, too. Report It

You sound depressed. You should see your doctor and explain how you feel. He/she should then refer you to a therapist. Keep in mind life is fill of ups and downs, changes of all kinds. Some we have control of other things we do not.

I highly doubt you have PTSD. I realize what you are experiencing feels like trauma, however. You do seem fixated with being back in Calif, though.

I would suggest that you seek out counseling on a one to one basis with an accredited, licensed therapist so you can vent and get past what seems to me like possibly a depressed state of mind.

I wish you well, please check into counseling and if necessary, get your parents support in doing so.

You sister is wrong. Post Tramatic Stress Disorder, means there is something extreamly tramatic happening, that causes you stress and anxity when ever it comes up.

No you can't get it from moving. You can get a negetive attitude which will in turn chase people off. So that is on you and no one else.

If you are having that much of an issue then maybe you need to seek some councling.

I don't know but I do know that moving is traumatic. Our family moved from Nashville a year ago to Columbus and it has been the hardest thing I have ever done. I too miss all my family, friends, hometown and really am sad a lot when I think of all I left. But and this is the important thing is to try to look at this as an adventure. Try to think and focus on all the things you are grateful for and try to find things about Maine you love and you will start to see the good in where you are right now. Who knows your very best friend in the world might be at the new school your are going to. Life has lots to offer take hold. Good Luck

PTSD does not require war or death. What it does usually require is being powerless and in fear of loosing your life. Combat... GIs can't make the war stop and can be killed at any moment. Rape... seriously violated and can be killed. Child abuse... powerless and traumatized and/or in fear of physical harm/death. Things like these are usually the stuff that causes PTSD.

It sounds like moving has been somewhat of a traumatic experience for you. I'm guessing that you are depressed and feeling lonely. That's tough! Sorry you are having a hard time of it. Moving around is always a challenge. But, no, I don't think it causes PTSD and I'm almost positive that it's not your experience.