From Domestic Violence to PTSD

Four years ago I was diagnosed with PTSD caused from a very traumatic childhood dealing with abuse on all levels. Up until the age of seventeen when I finally got to move out of my dad's house I lived in Hell. When I turned eighteen, I moved right in with another abuser and married him and stayed with him for thirteen years. I explained in a previous blog earlier why I did what I did, so I don't feel sorry for myself at all for my outcome, but now I can educate others on abuse and PTSD.
When most people think of marital abuse or child abuse, they only usually think about women. Please don't forget about the amazing men who have been abused as children or even by their wives as well. Domestic abuse isn't funny, and more people should understand that it's not as easy to get out of those relationships as it is just to tell someone, "Hey, you should get out of that relationship!" O, thanks genius, I didn't think of doing that! DUH! lol

Domestic violence is a traumatic experience that affects more than 10 million American men and women every year. Because it often takes place behind closed doors, it is easy to overlook or explain away. Abuse can take many forms, ranging from physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault, financial control, and psychological actions or threats meant to harm or influence an intimate partner. It can happen at any age and affects people of all sexual orientations, ethnicities, religions, sexes and socioeconomic backgrounds. Abuse victims may experience a wide range of physical and mental health symptoms resulting from domestic abuse trauma, including depression, suicidal tendencies, panic attacks, substance abuse disorders, and sexual and reproductive health issues.

I was diagnosed three times by three different licensed therapists that I had Manic Depression, Social Anxiety Disorder, Severe Anxiety Disorder, and PTSD. I never wanted to believe anyone who was even a professional because I was in denial for so many years. Let me tell you, YOU CAN'T DO THAT TO YOURSELF!
Ignoring your mental awareness is what mainly causes all of these disorders. 

PTSD is a psychiatric disorder in which a person has difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. It can result from any traumatic event, whether a war or serious accident, but domestic violence is an often under-recognized cause. Though many, many war veterans have PTSD from traumatic experiences they had to face in the military, Other people also can have PTSD.

In today's world, it's really tough to not only to have PTSD, but admit that you have it if you're not a Veteran. Why you ask? Because for the past 4-6 years people have gotten CRAZY with the whole, "O I'm struggling from mental illness, so I can do things and get away with it." NOT TRUE. I was abused from the age of 7 to the age of 31 and I don't use my mental illness to murder people, or make fun of people, or be mean to anyone who doesn't believe in the same things I believe in. Instead I want to help others. Get them the right help links so they can research also to get the right help that they need. NEVER use your mental illness to do bad! Okay, lecture over haha.

Here is a list of things that can trigger PTSD. I'll begin with my triggers first.
~ Anxiety
~ Loud sounds
~ Anyone yelling
~ Arguments
~ Large crowds
~ Speaking to more than 1 person at a time
~ Memories
~ I have nightmares and take medication for them
Other PTSD triggers may be
~ Smells
~ Anniversaries of a bad memory
~ Difficulty maintaining relationships
~ Pain
~ Sadness
~ Specific Places 
~ Feeling Overwhelmed
and there are more......

There are many ways to help control PTSD triggers. I'm not saying it's easy, but in my experience they do help unless I'm already under a full blown attack.

• Muscle relaxation exercises
• Breathing exercises
• Meditation
• Swimming, stretching, yoga
• Prayer
• Listening to quiet music
• Spending time in nature
• I take car photography and go to car shows. Even though I don't like large crowds, taking the pictures while I'm there makes it easier.
• I read books and write to help me.
• I go for walks, especially when I have my grandkids. They love it!
• I make blankets for a local church and donate them for families in need.

And so many more things you can do that you also love!

Another thing that I have difficulty with is routine bedtime. I've had so many horrifying nightmares over the years, that I just stopped going to bed at night and rather liked sleeping in the day. Something I've been working on and doing a lot better at "Kind of" lol. So try your best to get plenty of rest. I rest in the daytime when my grandkids take a nap. THAT HELPS! Nap-time saves me! lol.

But I care about you all dearly, and I hope this blog maybe helps anyone understand the connection between Domestic Violence to PTSD.
I pray you have a blessed weekend, and I will see you all back on Monday!

xoxoxo, Michelle Neal