New member checking in

[SeventhFold]

Hello all. I've just signed up and started looking around the site. I'm a middle-aged woman with about a 40-year history of a severe depressive disorder that is resistant to all medications, as well as a number of anxiety-related issues. My life has been devastared by this, and for the past two decades or so I've been mostly housebound. C-PTSD was first mentioned to me by my therapist about a dozen years ago, and I think I fit the profile pretty clearly. I never really followed up on it at that time because I moved to a different area and had to leave that excellent therapist behind.

Over the intervening years, my depression has reached epic proportions, and my already minimal support system has eroded to the point where the only human contact I have is with my husband and, for one hour a month, my current therapist. My family of origin has lost all interest in me, and the few friends I had have long ago given up and moved on. I'm exploring a few medication options with a new doctor, but it's become clear to me that the only chance I really have at any kind of a life is to take control of my own treatment. I found this site through a web search, and I'm looking forward to reading and to learning from all of you.

[Dutch Uncle]

Hi SeventhFold  and welcome to Out of the Storm.

I hope and wish this community will bring some relief to you, and you'll find some support among us who share dealing with cPTSD.

Have you told your therapist about the old cPTSD diagnosis?

Looking forward to seeing you around. 

[SeventhFold]

Yes, my therapist and I have discussed my diagnosis. He is fairly well-versed on trauma in general and is planning to do some research on C-PTSD so he can offer specific guidance. Unfortunately, I can only afford to see him every 4 weeks. The American health care system is not designed for those of us who need to use it  .

[Kizzie]

Hi SeventhFold and welcome to OOTS   

There's some good clinical articles on CPTSD if you want to give your T the link - http://www.outofthestorm.website/cptsd-description/, and a good overall article by a trauma specialist here http://www.giftfromwithin.org/pdf/Understanding-CPTSD.pdf.

It may also help to come here, read and post, I found it did at least.  It brought down that feeling of being alone so I hope it helps you also. 

[SeventhFold]

Thanks, Kizzie. I already mentioned this site to my therapist, so I'm sure he'll come by and do some research. I'll pass along those specific links as well. I've ordered Pete Walker's book and one other, and I'll recommend those to him too.

I definitely plan on reading and posting often here. I'm very isolated at the moment, so it's nice to know there's somewhere I can go and be understood.

[Kizzie]

Sounds like you've got a good handle on things 

I'm very isolated at the moment, so it's nice to know there's somewhere I can go and be understood.

It really is isn't it?!  And once your T becomes more familiar with CPTSD there will be two safe places for you            

[Boatsetsailrose]

Hello seventh fold -
I have found and find the site so supportive and informative -
Helps me when I feel alone and abnormal ...
I've found depression and anxiety the symptoms of what's behind
which is  c ptsd
I'm back on the anti dep - it's been such a long road --
Wish you well on the next phase of your recovery ...

[SeventhFold]

Thanks, Boatsetsailrose. I'll look forward to getting to know you. I'm sure we have a lot in common.