PTSD Has More Than One Cause

[RaineShine11]

It really makes me mad when people assume that just because someone has PTSD they have been to Iraq or Vietnam. Its like, no they have been through hell and back and constantly have to deal with repercussions of the mind.

For me, I was sexually assaulted by two men when I was 8. Before it happened I was outgoing and loud. I was fun and always joking with no care in the world. After, I was shut out to everyone, but my family and best friend. It took until I was 19 to seek help for the trauma. When I finally started to sleep with my boyfriend at the time he told me just get over it. He said that I haven't been to war so I don't really know what it's like to have PTSD. That day was the last day he has heard from me.

Currently: I'm 22, and I'm okay with my past and I wouldn't change a thing. My depression is gone along with my scars from self harm. I love myself and I encourage others and I try to help guide people through their troubles. I try to be the voice of courage in the deep dark abyss of negativity.

I began to speak out and protect myself when everyone told me I was wrong for how I was and how I am.

If your reading this and need encouragement, know this... you are amazing, gorgeous and funny. Love yourself and stay positive. Don't let the darkness win. Love you guys.

[UtopianLobotomy]

And many men have been molested or raped as children. I would say that when it happens to someone while they are young - it begins to shape their character in a very negative way if they don't tell anyone or have loving parents and others to help them deal with it. Sorry to hear about your last boyfriend being an asshole, I have been to war and I was 9 when it happened to me, and I would say it was much worse than war (for me many gave it all - I survived it so I can't complain it would be disrespectful, I have a ph though) - but its worse than being attacked by two thugs that snuck up behind me with bats after I came back from Iraq. They had no idea what kind of monster the world had made me (or I let make me) and I defended myself very well - though seriously injured.

I am changing, but it took something very very very tragic to wake me up and address my core issues, my "index trauma". Its tough, hang in there, you will find a guy who understands.

[RaineShine11]

Thanks it's great to meet people who understand

[Sunflower19]

Great take!! I've had PTSD for about a year now. In the beginning stages it was the hardest thing that I've encountered. I went through something very similar like you. My now ex wasn't caring. He still wanted sex and didn't understand so we broke up. I was okay with it though. It didn't break me and I got over him very fast because I deserve so much better. I'm still getting over what happened to me but I'm happy to say that it's slowly going away! Im starting to be the person I was before it happened. So as of now I'm happy. I still have my spurs every now and then.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for sharing this. When I was fourteen and learning to drive, I was in a one car accident on the farm that involved my dad. He shattered his pelvis, and wasn't expected to walk again. Four four years, I couldn't get behind the wheel of a vehicle without having a full blown panic attack. I was irritable, I developed an eating disorder, and I hated myself. The eating disorder and blame is gone, finally, and last July I did something I thought I'd never accomplish. I got my drivers license.
It still lingers, though. Certain mistakes I make while driving will occasionally trigger me to pull over and bawl.
(Also, my dad defeated the odds and made a full recovery!)

[Opinion Owner]

*For four years

[RaineShine11]

Wow I'm so happy you are confronting your fears. That is amazing and congrats on your dad for beating the odds.

[pinkbubble]

I'm happy for u that u overcame ur trauma , it can be due to many factors not only war , like ur case yeah and it is understandable i mean u were young so it was a trauma for u at that age maybe if u were older the impact wouldn't be as bad as it was for u but u were young and that's what made it worse , i agree with u :)

[ScruffynateAK]

I'm so sorry that you went through that, and I hope you can find a way to fight through your experiences.
It is true that there are many causes, any truly traumatic experience can leave lasting mental and emotional damage.
One caveat that I have to make for all the whiny people because we're online; someone criticizing you online won't give you PTSD.
Nice take, you go.

[JohnnySS]

that was an atrocious thing to say but i wouldn't break up over one atrocious incident

seriously people r so touchy these days and people make mistakes

you must not have liked him that much

you both have legitimate concerns about yourselves

but your both wrong atking each other aswell

[Dylanguest1989]

I've had ptsd stuff going on for 3 years now. Uncle died of a heart attack in front of me, gone before 911 even got there it's a total invisible disabilty that fucks you up severely. I don't usually use the f word but ptsd calls for it. It's real and it sucks.

[John_Doesnt]

I seriously hope people are ignorant enough about PTSD to think you can only get it from being in a war. I've had it for the past 5 years after the death of both my parents. I've never been to war and don't want to be.

[ethanallen]

The primary cause of PTSD symptoms is the opportunity to defraud the government and get a pension.