Anyone else feel like her PTSD has been re-activated by BC?

Sweet_Pea

I need to talk to people who also have PTSD and BC. I feel so alone!

I'm on meds and talk to a therapist, but it just doesn't seem like enough sometimes. I question whether my therapy is really effective and then end up feeling like a failure myself.

My PTSD stems from childhood trauma. I've done a lot of work on it. Nevertheless, I feel like it's rearing its ugly head again since I was diagnosed with breast cáncer last year. In terms of the cáncer and its treatment, I've had it a lot easier than a lot of women. I feel like I should be happy, relieved -- I just had my exchange surgery four weeks ago tomorrow and I feel sad, listless. I don't have any energy to do anything.

My most major coping mechanism for the PTSD has been eating. I've been overeating steadily during my cáncer journey and now weigh more than I ever have, which makes me feel like a failure again. I need new ways to comfort myself and feel protected. I think the key for me is feeling vulnerable after the BC diagnosis, and that's why my PTSD has kicked in.

Is anyone else having trouble with PTSD, either from childhood or because of the BC? What has been helpful for you?