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Managing past experiences

JaneDoe1Contributor20 Feb 2016, 6:05 pm AEDT

Managing past experiences

I had active PTSD for nearly two decades. After years of talking therapy I am symptom free.
I recently experienced very early memories of abuse that happened to me as a child. I was getting images and thoughts. I've started talking to a psychologist and resolving how I feel about it.
I'm doing what I can internally to overcome how I feel about the abuse and I am recovering.
Just curious if I will settle down eventually. It's tiring working through it all the time. It is easier that dealing with PTSD but it is the first time I've had memories without active PTSD. All new.

5 replies

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In response to: Managing past experiences

AppleblossomSenior Contributor20 Feb 2016, 7:12 pm AEDT

Re: Managing past experiences

I wonder if recovering from PTSD it is a bit like grief? ... as time passes and issues are dealt with ... we never lose the memories but the intensity and pain are lessened.

Glad to see you posting

cheers Apple

In response to: Managing past experiences

Fancy_PantsSenior Contributor21 Feb 2016, 2:22 pm AEDT

Re: Managing past experiences

Hi @JaneDoe1,

It sounds like you have been working really hard for a really long time, with definite success, but that it also takes a lot of energy. I admire you for continuing to push....

It does sound like it is all a process of slowly lessening as @Appleblossom said, but what have been others experience with traumatic memories / symptoms – what helped? what was your trajectory to feeling better / less effected?

I know that @Rick and @kristin shared here as well as @Loopy and @SCORPION, does anyone have any other thoughts?

In response to: Re: Managing past experiences

PeppiPattySenior Contributor21 Feb 2016, 10:22 pm AEDT

Re: Managing past experiences

I had years and years of Talking therapy and after...it all finished, I had the realisation I'de been really abused my my parents for years.

It felt to me like, I was ready to deal with it...it was like, my body decided I was ready to deal with it.

Does it feel like that to you.

Agree with Apple; it's like grieving for me...what about you??

In response to: Managing past experiences

JaneDoe1Contributor22 Feb 2016, 5:10 pm AEDT

Re: Managing past experiences

It does feel like my body had a expiry date arrive and it is now time to deal.
Grief has been my lifelong companion. I have been able to accept traumatic events and their consequences. I appreciate the need for grief in our emotional lives but need to have a break from its intensity.

In response to: Re: Managing past experiences

PeppiPattySenior Contributor22 Feb 2016, 8:57 pm AEDT

Re: Managing past experiences

What do you thinnk your next stper could be ;

From one proud consumer to another......

It has been very hard on you ...I wonder what is the best way to understand this process........

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