Recently diagnosed with PTSD

justadirl

Yesterday was my annual oncology appointment and I was diagnosed with PTSD. Having yet another label that makes me "defective" seems to have pushed everything to the top for me & I am struggling to maintain. People continually comment on how strong I am which doesn't help my inability to be vulnerable with people. Until yesterday I didn't think I had anything going on really but after reading the list it's a description of my world post cancer. As one of my providers so eloquently put it "I tend to think of life as a stick in the eye but you've had the whole tree." My journey started in September of 2009 and I thought it ended with my reconstruction in March last year but evidently not. Where do you go, what do you do, how do you find somewhere to start? It feels like the beginning again.

TB90

Hi Justadirl:  First of all, sorry that this is making you feel worse.  I do not know who diagnosed you with PTSD, but it has to be a psychologist or psychiatrist, otherwise, they are simply speculating.  PTSD is quite common and is also very treatable.  It simply means that you have gone through more than your mind can tolerate and has a lot more to do with what you have gone through, than how strong you are.  Everyone has limits.  PTSD will often lessen over time, even without treatment, but the longer you have endured it, the more likely you will benefit from treatment, meaning counseling and/or Rx.  There are also some wonderful self-help books out there that can really help.  I have worked for many years with clients dx with PTSD and they have all done very well with support, understanding and counseling.  The first thing you need to do is be kind to yourself and accept that this is not your fault or indicative of any kind of weakness.  That will be your first step to healing . . . acceptance.  This will be MUCH easier to overcome than what you have already endured, I promise.  Please seek out a professional counselor and get started on your recovery.  

mdg

I think we all struggle with a little bit of PTSD.  It's hard not to after all we have gone through.  I have found yoga very helpful for me.  My regular exercise also clears my head.  Counseling would probably be helpful too.  Just know you are not alone!!!  Hugs

justadirl

Thank you for the encouragement.  It does help more than I can say. When someone who has walked the same road gives you input it has more validity than from doctors, family or friends. 

Monday will be a research session to locate a professional to help me recover from this round & hopefully a local support group woth a positive focus.

farmerlucy

justadirl - I had PTSD-like symptoms for a while after my diagnosis. It was the darkest time I've ever experienced.  It is quite common for us BC ladies to have this. I found help through my PCP with antianxiety meds and an antidepressant. Beyond that I was able to get a Stephen Minister from my church who is a Cancer social worker in real life. We met once a week for about an hour. It was the one safe hour a week back then. I was shaking all my waking hours EXCEPT when I was in that session. FYI - Many churches offer SM programs, since mental health providers are hard to come by in my area. It is free, not preachy, they don't try to convert you, their only job is to listen. Mine helped me immensely. If you are interested in something like that I could probably find a program in your area. I agree with mdg - you are definitely not alone. Gentle hug.

justadirl

Thank you! I also live in an area where it can be difficult to find "specialty providers." I hadn't considered my church as a resource.