Not sure if I have C-PTSD, but I think I do

[WadeAlexander]

Hello everyone,

The other day I was talking to someone about these weird physical symptoms I've been having for the last three years and other things and it was suggested that I might have C-PTSD. I've looked it up since then and it seems like it's quite possible that I do but I haven't been formally diagnosed with it. Hopefully when my life calms down a bit over the next few weeks I might be able to get an appointment and see if this is what I am having. Until then I'll look around and try to talk to people and see if I can get some insights/similar stories.

If this is what I have, I'll be happy to finally know for sure what exactly is going on with me. I don't mean to sound like I'm making a joke about all of this, but I think I'd be relieved to be diagnosed with it so I can finally have an explanation as to what's wrong with me! 

[Three Roses]

Hello and welcome! We're glad you're here. 

I had a great sense of relief and validation after being diagnosed with ptsd, and then researching and finding cptsd answered even more questions for me. While it's sad that we have gone thru what we have, it's good to have an entire group of people who understand.

Please be sure to check out the Guidelines (http://outofthefog.net/C-PTSD/forum/index.php?topic=1616.msg10035#msg10035) for members and guests; we want this to be a safe place for you and everyone.

So welcome, we look forward to hearing more! 

[Boatsetsailrose]

Hi wade Alexander
Thank u for sharing ....
It really helps me to have a framework to identify with and recovery I can take
May I ask what symptoms you are identifying with ....

[WadeAlexander]

Thank you for the greetings BSS and TS.

As for symptoms, these pretty much describe me: depression (I have it non-stop), hyper-vigilance, catastrophizing (to some degree), low self-esteem, perfectionism, etc.

There are those things but I find I'm having very odd physical symptoms that I haven't been able to figure out (doctors either). Some of the symptoms I've had seem to be similar to panic attacks/anxiety attacks I guess but the weird thing is, I don't feel panicked or filled with anxiety at the time. Sometimes I am stressed and have some anxiety and that causes this for sure but there are other times when it seems to come out on it's own for no reason (that I can think of at the moment it is happening).

My head starts to feel "funny" - sometimes I feel light-headed, other times I feel like it weighs 500 lbs and I can't keep it up. Sometimes it feels like my brain is "fizzy". I've had times where I've had to hold on to a wall or table because I felt like I'd go crashing to the floor in an instant because all my energy vanishes from my body. There have been times where I almost did go crashing to the floor. I've had times where it feels like my body is "deflating" as if I were some big balloon.

As it is now, just visiting this sight and anything else with C-PTSD information seems to be setting me off somehow. It's really weird.

I've had blood work, it's fine. I've had my sugars checked and such - all fine. Heart checked, okay as well. So I'm not sure what is going on here. I'm just desperate for answers.

[Three Roses]

I get some of those same symptoms in an anxiety attack. Sometimes I'm feeling perfectly well and then bam! Suddenly I'm hyperventilating. I sometimes feel lighter, like a balloon filing with air, and it feels like I might float away! http://www.pete-walker.com/13StepsManageFlashbacks.htm has some steps to counter anxiety.

[Boatsetsailrose]

Wade Alexander
I can identify with all the symptoms you describe and thank u for sharing
I'm starting to realise that catastrophising is a one for me - everything seems big and heightened but I'm sure the anti dep increase this ...
Perfectionism yes - I have written some posts on this and there has been many others who have identified and shared some good stuff ( see under general symptoms tab

Yes and the physical stuff -- I'm learning more and more what I experience and that it is cptsd
Extremes in energy levels - strange sensations and weakness
Headaches - mood disturbance - lethargy - brain function
It sounds like you are worried ( naturally ) but good to be reassured by the tests you've had --
Are you able to see a natural practitioner maybe ? Someone who thinks outside the medical box