Anxiety/ptsd

[Amalyy]

Hello everyone, first of all I apologize for my english (I'm from Morocco), we don't have support groups over here. I wanted to ask you guys If PTSD can also become generalized anxiety disorder? I have severe panic attacks since 2014.

[Nathalie99 Partner]

Hi Amalyy,

Welcome to our community.

I'm sorry to hear that you don't have support groups in Morocco. That's tough.

I am not a professional but I think GAD is a separate diagnosis however PTSD includes symptoms of anxiety.

Panic attacks could be either a symptom of PTSD or it could be a panic disorder if PTSD is not diagnosed.

I am very sorry about your panic attacks and for so very long time. It does sound serious and I would check with a doctor.

If PTSD is the root cause then treating PTSD would help with panic attacks.

Having a good trauma therapist that understands it well, makes all the difference...

[Amalyy in reply to Nathalie99]

Hi Nathalie and thank you so much for your reply.I was diagnosed with GAD but the therapists I've been seeing only prescribed medication.. They ask questions but this is it.. I wasn't diagnosed with PTSD it's just something I thought I could have since I have past traumas during childhood and teen-age, also adulthood. I've been coping with my panic attacks it's been years now , sometimes I feel stronger than them but other times they win. Another thing, mental health over here is like a taboo, a shame, people either don't take you seriously or think you're a fool. That's why I never had someone close to talk about it. I wish this community will accept as a member and I hope I can help too.

[Nathalie99 Partner in reply to Amalyy]

Hi Amalyy,

It is particularly tough if your country doesn't have the resources to help with PTSD and it's treated like a taboo.

One thing that may help others understand, no matter what place on earth, is that it is a normal reaction to an abnormal situation that is such a shock to the body, the entire nervous system. It is a healthy brain/nervous system's response to a shocking and traumatic situation that can happen to anyone.

I know people try to hide those things and pretend that everything is okay because showing any sign of struggling may feel like being 'weak'.

But in fact, reaching out for support, is the hardest and bravest thing to do.

Pretending that it doesn't exist, is not going to make the issues go away. I've tried.

There are some great resources on trauma from experts with decades of experience.

Bessel van der Kolk has a great book "The body keeps the score", explaining different impact and how trauma impacts the body. It is not just the mind. Body stores trauma on cellular level.

Peter Levine has pioneered a therapy called "somatic experiencing". It is a way to release trapped trauma energy from the body.

Talk therapy may not be enough for treating trauma.

There are other experts and helpful books.

Childhood trauma is particularly different as it happens during the developmental years.

There is a lot about this.

Some of the golden standards are inner child exercises but they can be very tough and difficult to grasp.

A lot has been stored and needs to be released at a pace that is not disruptive.

It takes a while but the results are worth it...

[Amalyy in reply to Nathalie99]

"trauma impacts the body. It is not just the mind. Body stores trauma on cellular level" wow reading this made me speechless I didn't know that and never thought it could be a thing. Thanks for sharing this it means a lot to me

[designguy]

Hello and welcome to the group here and your english is just fine. Anxiety/panic attacks can be as a result of ptsd and c-ptsd and could be from all of the unprocessed emotions of the traumas. for the anxiety/panic you might check out the DARE Anxiety book and youtube videos and the youtube videos/website of Paige Pradko, both offer a lot of helpful constructive information and steps for dealing with them. There is also a lot of good info on youtube about healing trauma/ptsd and cptsd.

[Amalyy in reply to designguy]

Hi designguy and thank you so much, I really appreciate it. I will check the book

[designguy in reply to Amalyy]

You're welcome, hope it helps you.