Bipolar Support Group

ptsd, Does this mean Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? I have just read on a thread that this is something that can affect the spouse of a BP sufferer. I was sad and happy to see this because recently with no external prompting i used this term ( which i dont really understand) to explain to a friend how i feel. If this is the case, then i have solved an internal mystery, and this could possibly help me, and help my wife

PTSD or Post traumatic stress disorder can mask or duplicate the symptoms of bipolar. Usually the person has suffered some form of trauma that has been unresolved. Not always, but most usually it is a form of sexual abuse or domestic type abuse growing up or in the present. Also, soldiers have some form of PTSD. There is a group on MDJ for PTSD maybe you should check it out.

Many people with bipolar also have a co-morbid diagnosis of PTSD. I'm one of them. I suffered 4 different kinds of abuse over the span of 18 years. Some of the symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares and hypervigilence. I would also suggest that you visit the PTSD board here on MDJ. There is alot of good information and support there.

My PTSD was from a former boss. About 4 years ago he locked me in a room with him and cornered me and proceeded to scream at me. NOT YELL, SCREAM!! Then with my suicide attempt it was all from PTSD from my last boss. He got really nasty with me. I think I am going to join the ptsd group too.

My Mom has all the symptoms of PTSD. I told her she acted like it and she said I was probably right. I have tried over the years to get her to go see a pdoc and see a tdoc but she keeps making excuses for her symptoms and basically telling me she will be okay and get over it. Or that the emotions will go away.

I wonder about this and me. About 13 years ago I was taken advantage of/possibly raped by a guy. I'm only now working through it in therapy. I left the school I was in, was outside myself for a long time. I always say I was more like molested than raped, since basically I was drunk and he did what he pleased. But I still haven't completely gotten over it, and its affected every other relationship I've been in.

tw,

If you think you might have PTSD, I would talk to a tdoc if you don't already have one. They will ask you questions about your symptoms/reactions to what happened and diagnose you properly.

Post edited by: neondreams, at: 03/02/2009 12:56

taurus,

Some people do get over PTSD, but a majority of people don't. Some of us are continually traumatized by whatever it is that happened to us while others who may show initial symptoms of PTSD eventually move on with their lives and don't seem negatively affected.

I found that my meds help with the anxiety and that helps with the trauma part. I don't freak out half as much as I used to.

I have PTSD and had a really hard time with it for years. Now it crops up ever now and then but it is manageable.