Am I Experiencing PTSD? How Can I Cope with My Symptoms?

Is this PTSD? What should I do?

Hello, doctor.
Here is the account of what has happened.
It's quite long, but I really don't know what to do, so I appreciate your help...
About a year ago, my father exhibited some violent behavior, but he did not harm me personally.
However, I felt extremely scared at the time because I had previously witnessed a traumatic domestic violence incident.
I was crying uncontrollably for reasons I couldn't understand.
Since that incident a year ago, I have felt a constant sense of fear, and images of the previous domestic violence scene keep replaying in my mind.
Whenever I go to the location of that incident or see my father, I experience chest tightness, dizziness, and fear, and sometimes the images from that day haunt me.
One day, I suddenly realized that I couldn't remember the entire sequence of events from that day, and I thought I would never recall it again.
Until one time, at the same location, for some reason, my memories suddenly returned.
However, I didn't expect that after regaining those memories, whenever I returned to the scene of the incident (which is my room), the images of my father's actions would increasingly flood my mind.
I was in so much pain during that time.
Fortunately, a friend invited me to join a church, and with my father gone and my grandmother with me, I slowly began to recover.
But now my father is back! Just thinking about him or seeing him, or even being alone in my room, makes me dizzy, brings me to tears, and leaves me gasping for breath.
I feel completely out of control, and I have difficulty falling asleep at night.
If I’m not very tired, my mind wanders uncontrollably.
These symptoms are truly distressing...
but I can't seem to control them.
Additionally, due to other family factors and my recent immune issues, my mother is under a lot of stress, and I don’t want to worry her, so I haven’t told her about my situation.
No one in my family knows; only my friends are aware.
I have researched my symptoms, and they seem very similar to PTSD.
Doctor, do you think I have it? In the absence of being able to see a psychologist, what can I do to alleviate these symptoms? Please help me, and thank you, doctor.

lucky, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/11/07

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry

Hello, I also feel that it resembles PTSD.
However, it's difficult to make a definitive assessment online.
Regarding your current situation, I find it challenging to cope.
If you are still in school, you can seek help from the counseling office.
If you prefer not to let the school know, or if you have already left school, you can contact a local helpline or reach out to a community mental health professional, who can provide assistance at no cost.
You can also call the health department to inquire about their mental health centers and find out where and when free psychological counseling is available.
Finding a trusted friend or family member to talk to can provide you with emotional support and may help you feel better.
If possible, engage in some physical exercise or pursue hobbies that bring you joy, as these activities can help interrupt distressing memories.
If you can, it is advisable to see a psychiatrist, as medication treatment can be beneficial.
If financial concerns are an issue, consider visiting a psychiatric or psychosomatic clinic, which tends to be more affordable, but the quality of care is still comparable to that of hospitals.
Wishing you all the best, Dr.
Ding Shuo-Yan.

Reply Date: 2015/11/07

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a significant amount of distress related to past traumatic events, particularly involving your father's violent behavior. Your symptoms, including intrusive memories, heightened anxiety when reminded of the trauma, and physical reactions such as dizziness and difficulty breathing, are indeed consistent with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, and it often manifests through a range of symptoms, including flashbacks, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, negative changes in mood and cognition, and heightened arousal.

Given your situation, it's crucial to acknowledge that what you're feeling is valid and that seeking help is a strong and positive step. Here are some strategies you can consider to cope with your symptoms, especially if you are unable to see a mental health professional immediately:
1. Grounding Techniques: When you feel overwhelmed by memories or anxiety, grounding techniques can help bring your focus back to the present. This might include focusing on your breathing, describing your surroundings in detail, or engaging your senses (e.g., noticing what you can see, hear, smell, etc.).

2. Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a therapeutic way to process your emotions. It allows you to express what you’re going through without the fear of judgment. You can write about your experiences, your fears, and your hopes for the future.

3. Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practices such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises can help reduce anxiety and improve your emotional regulation. Apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you through mindfulness exercises.

4. Physical Activity: Engaging in regular physical activity can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Exercise releases endorphins, which can improve your mood. Even a short walk can be beneficial.

5. Support System: Lean on your friends or trusted individuals who understand your situation. Sharing your feelings with someone who listens can provide relief and help you feel less isolated.

6. Limit Exposure to Triggers: If certain places or situations remind you of the trauma, try to avoid them when possible. This can help reduce the frequency of distressing memories.

7. Establish a Routine: Creating a daily routine can provide structure and a sense of normalcy, which can be comforting during times of distress.

8. Educate Yourself: Understanding PTSD and its symptoms can empower you and help you feel more in control. There are many resources available online that provide information about coping strategies.

9. Consider Professional Help: While you mentioned that you cannot see a psychologist at the moment, it is essential to keep this option open for the future. Many therapists offer telehealth services, which can be more accessible. If you ever feel that your symptoms are too overwhelming, please prioritize seeking help.

10. Emergency Resources: If you ever feel like you might harm yourself or are in crisis, please reach out to a crisis hotline or emergency services. Your safety is the most important thing.

In terms of your question about whether your symptoms align with PTSD, it is essential to remember that only a qualified mental health professional can provide a formal diagnosis. However, your self-awareness and willingness to seek help are significant first steps toward recovery.
Lastly, regarding your concern about confidentiality when seeing a mental health professional, rest assured that mental health providers are bound by strict confidentiality laws. Your privacy is protected, and they cannot disclose your information without your consent, except in specific circumstances (such as imminent risk of harm).

I encourage you to take care of yourself and reach out for support when you can. You are not alone in this, and there are people and resources available to help you navigate through these challenging times.

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