When I first read about PTSD, it hit me—I might be going through this myself.
Even now, I keep replaying events from a few years back that brought intense negative feelings, slipping back into that headspace of guilt, sadness, and hopelessness.
Whenever I face similar situations, my mind shuts down, and I fall into old thought patterns.
Hey there, friend! I'm Whale Social Worker 53 Hertz.
Sending you a big hug! (´・ω・`)⊃
PTSD typically shows up in three main ways: re-experiencing trauma, avoidance and numbness, and heightened alertness. But kids and adults might experience it differently.
1. Re-experiencing symptoms
This means your mind keeps flooding with unwanted memories or dreams about the trauma, or you react intensely to reminders, feeling like it's happening all over again.
2. Avoidance and numbness
You might steer clear of anything tied to the trauma—places, people, or activities—and sometimes even block out details of what happened.
3. Heightened alertness
You're always on edge, easily startled, and struggle with focus or irritability, often mixed with anxiety.
4. Other issues
Some folks turn to substances, act aggressively, or harm themselves as coping mechanisms. Depression is also common alongside PTSD.
From what you've shared, it sounds like re-experiencing and avoidance are playing a big role. To get a proper diagnosis, it's best to see a mental health pro—they can offer strategies or treatments to ease what you're going through.
Take care (Whale Social Worker from YiXinLi)