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PTSD, Trauma and Chronic Health issues

HopefulsmurfNew Contributor04 Sept 2026, 12:37 pm AEST

PTSD, Trauma and Chronic Health issues

I was 27 when I had a mental breakdown and was diagnosed with PTSD when I was 30. The cause of the breakdown I dropped a Pavola on the ground and next minute I was in the feotal position a blubbering mess, I couldn't function and I began drinking to cope. I drank until I was 40. I learnt that the breakdown wasn't the poor Pavolas fault but years of suppressed childhood trauma. 3 years ago I was diagnosed with scleroderma a autoimmune disease. It's a tough disease but I'm learning to live with it.

I have read so many books by Autoimmune doctors on it, and Autoimmune diseases have direct links to childhood trauma and excessive stress on the body.

Honestly some days, I just want to curl up and disappear when I'm feeling terrible and having a flare up but I fight on because I believe there are better ways to deal with it than disappearing. Which is hard when your wired to hide away and deal with issues in silence.

I want to live and explore the possibilities of life even through my darkest days and I'm hoping that I'll live longer than they has said as I have so much to do.

Some days are great and some days are tough. I'm just trying to find the middle where life is just living peacefully and to love myself for what I survived and who I've become.

And deal with my childhood that I have ran away from my whole life.

3 replies

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In response to: PTSD, Trauma and Chronic Health issues

hopeful_hannahModerator04 Sept 2026, 12:50 pm AEST

Re: PTSD, Trauma and Chronic Health issues

Hello @Hopefulsmurf I want to welcome you to the SANE forums.

Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability. I am sure others in this beautiful community will be able to relate and will jump in to welcome you and offer support.

It's great that you have joined us here to share and connect today. I can hear that you are striving even through your darkest days, that's admirable and inspiring.

You don't mention what supports you might have in place, but I thought I would let you know about the Recovery Club. SANE offers individual support through the Recovery Club, you might like to take advantage of the free one-on-one sessions and have a chat with someone who will be there to hold space for you. Here is the registration page: Welcome to SANE’s Recovery Club

Sending you all my best this afternoon.

We are glad you're here with us.

hopeful_hannah Xx

In response to: PTSD, Trauma and Chronic Health issues

Misty7Senior Contributor04 Sept 2026, 2:02 pm AEST

Re: PTSD, Trauma and Chronic Health issues

Hi @Hopefulsmurf

Sorry to hear that you have had to deal with trauma and chronic illness. You are right, there are many illnesses connected to childhood trauma. I too suffer from cptsd and it's not easy Have you had therapy for the trauma?

In response to: PTSD, Trauma and Chronic Health issues

Lapis_AnteaterPeer Guide04 Sept 2026, 4:52 pm AEST

Re: PTSD, Trauma and Chronic Health issues

Hey @Hopefulsmurf

Suppressed childhood trauma is always exceedingly tough. You must be very resilient even though you shouldn’t have to be. It’s really not fair. Do you have a good support system? It’s great that you want to live and explore life. Truly something no one can take from you. Do you have any favourite hobbies?

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