Is this PTSD?

I looked at the symptoms of PTSD, and some may be from PTSD, some may be from my bipolar, like depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, difficulty sleeping, dependency on alcohol/drugs, etc. I do have flashbacks fairly often, I have started dissociating after not doing so in years, my sponsor said the dissociating is common in people who have PTSD.

One of the symptoms is "intense psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event." and I suppose that would be when certain things happen and remind me of the abuse, they bring on flashbacks or vivid memories or images, sometimes dissociation.

I had the persistant avoidance thing to, avoiding things that remind me of the abuse, and not being able to recall certain things from the abuse, I've had so many new memories come up during flashbacks that I couldn't remember before.

My counselor can't dx me because he's only a church counselor, said it sounds like I have it

Well he may not be an MD but he's right.

I've been involved with mental health organizations for years. I'd tell you to start seeing a good psychiatrist - not psychologist. They can help you work with your subconscious self and try to resolve issues or at least deal with them in a less debilitating way.

Much success to you.

Yep thats it !!

First off I love your question because, I have PTSD. Post-traumatic stress disorder was first diagnosed in I think WW1. Mainly the disorder is caused by traumatic things that happen in peoples lives. I was physically abused by an ex-husband, lost many of my family from illnesses too fast, had way too much on my plate. This also makes the brain function too fast. You are right about the flashbacks, vivid memories, images and disacociation. I'm even still afraid to move on but, therapy does help a lot as well as being on psych meds. It does definately seem like you have it. Now, my psychiatrist has me on Zoloft, Klonopin and Trazadone. I suggest you talk to your doctor about your symptoms also what you have mentioned in this question. And, I also learned more things about this disorder when I was in medical school. I hope this information has helped. There are groups online you can look at and join to help. I wish you the best of luck and hugs to you for making this advance to be open about your symptoms.

What exactly are you looking for on yahoo answers about this?

First, you know you have a history of abuse- that in itself is traumatic even with or without PTSD. You're church counselor can only advise you and I think he may have a good outlook by saying you have it. But just like your church counselor, no one here can dx you.

Do I personally agree with him? I don't know because I'm not trained to analyze and diagnose but also becuase I can't observe your behavior over a computer ;)

So, I think you should probably find someone for therapy. PTSD is easily treated. If you can't afford a therapist or perhaps don't have health insurance, there are some places that can provide inexpensive care if not probono.

Even if it isn't PTSD, the effects of abuse are devastating and sometimes extremely hard to bear. Keep with your counselor, learn about PTSD, and if you have to find a therapist who specializes in abuse victims. Your church counselor can probably help you locate someone and then work together to support your treatment and recovery.

Please take note of Noelle below. She knows whereof she speaks. You need to speak with a professional, preferrably with a psychological background and you can look up the Tavistock Clinic in London for information about working with Trauma patients. You are dealing with issues that are fundamental and that needs to be approached carefully. Don't expect too much from your church counsellor, the type of training needed for this work is intense and takes years. Good news though, you can beat this and take some positives from the experience, even though I am sure you do not feel that way at the moment. Good Luck! will be thinking of you