PTSD can you tell if I have it?

Parent Cafe
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<p>So when I was 8 years old my brother, who was 4, was putting paper cups into the street and watching cars go over them. I used to remember the story that I told him to stop but I’m not sure that I actually told him. Anyway, a few minutes later I heard a screech and saw him flying in the air cuz he was hit by a car. I felt terrified that he would die. I ran into my house to get my mom and I wasn’t allowed to go in the ambulance so I stayed with a neighbor til my dad got home and we went to the hospital. I wasn’t allowed up so I waited in the lobby for hours. I was scared and lonely.</p>

<p>After that my whole house was about my brother. Nobody comforted me or gave me support about what I witnessed. I grew up and was very quiet. I never felt any emotion and to this day I don’t feel happy, I don’t cry, and I don’t feel love. I’ve learned how to act the part and I function outwardly very normally, but inside I am dead. All I do is worry and feel anxious and I wait for the next bad thing to happen.</p>

<p>(I was reading a book about a man who was hit by a car and this all came back to me). </p>

<p>Now I’m wondering if I have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and, if I do, how I can learn to feel.</p>

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<p>What was the outcome of your brother’s life?
The only way to know for sure if you have PSTD is to see a counselor.</p>

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<p>Whether or not you have PTSD? You should see a professional therapist at the PsyD level, or a psychiatrist, and you should get evaluated. There’s no reason for you to live like this. Just get some help.</p>

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<p>I would agree with poetgrl except for the part about a PsyD or psychiatrist. Many masters-level psychotherapists are well-trained and do extensive work with PTSD and trauma. They can be a less expensive option. These therapists are prepared to refer out to a psychiatrist when necessary. Each state has different licensing requirements; it depends where you are. There are many online referral sites where a great deal of information can be had about a therapist and where you can find out what a therapist specializes in. Your physician or clergy might be able to give you some names. I suggest you call a few therapists, mention what you’ve said here, chat for a few minutes and get a feel for your comfort level and their experience with PTSD and anxiety.</p>

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<p>It sounds like you are depressed- and that may have something to do with the childhood trauma or it might not.</p>

<p>Personally I have had the best luck with MSWs or social workers with a masters degree.</p>