How do I handle being a parent AND having post traumatic stress disorder?

Question

After reading on it and finding what others go thry, I thin kI have more of a mild side to it. But the flashbacks of my son's father abusing me and the nightmares that he's either hurting me or taunting me are getting the best of me. I suffer from anxiety attacks, flashbacks, nightmares, afraid of people, cringe at the sound of someone raising their voice because I remember my ex mentally abusing me, its horrible. My concern is to get better. My son is only 9 months old and I left his dad so I wouldn't put my baby thru this (I left as soon as I got pregnant). Please someone tell me what I should expect. I have the support of my parents so my baby rarely sees me upset, I go talk to my mom or dad to vent out. But sometimes its not enough.

Any advice?

Answer 1

I commend you for leaving an abusive relationship and ensuring that your son does not have to endure the same pain as you have endured.

The best advice I can give you is to turn to God for a relationship.  He will take all your burdens from you.  He is good.  It wouldn't hurt to try would it?  And imagine it works?  

1 Peter 5:7

  

Turn all your worries over to him. He cares about you.

Answer 2

Oh sweetheart, I'm sorry that you are going through this. I am so glad to hear that you left the man that did this to you... so many women don't. You are one tough lady.

What you are experiencing is normal, but the truth is you need professional on going help.

Could your parents or a good friend watch your little one for an hour each week? I ask because you really need some counseling.

I recommend that first you talk to your doctor to refer you to someone. Secondly, call a hot line or women's shelter for abused women. They can listen (and understand) what you are feeling and can help you find resources to support you through this.

You cannot do this on your own, or by just talking to your parents. You need professional support.

Please go speak to your doctor and call a womans shelter (there should be phone numbers in the phone book for those).

I wish you luck... I know its not easy. Big hugs!

Answer 3

thank you!

thank you for recognizing the need and DOING something positive to protect yourself and your baby. you have already made tremendous progress.

i am sixty one years old and i suffered abuse during my most formative years. it sometimes still haunts me but i have gotten help and now more often than not i can recognize those 'triggers' that release those fears. if i can see the triggers then i can discount those fears because the original circumstances are no long part of the world i live in.

as you help your son grow you will grow and as you grow you will become stronger. with strength and time the past will fade into only shadows and you will have the power and the light to deal with these shadows.

need someone else to talk to i am available  tmm

Answer 4

Good on you for leaving that &*@#$%^

There are specialised treatments for people in situations like yours.  You need a referral from your doctor to an appropriate specialist.

Here's a link that may steer you in the right direction:  http://www.anxietyaustralia.com.au/anxie...  (Although it's an Australian site, the info is still valid and similar treatments will be available in your country.)

EDIT: Paramedic's suggestion of talking to women at a women's shelter is an excellent one!  Even though you don't need to stay at a shelter, these people will understand your experiences perfectly.

Answer 5

Firstly, I am so proud of you leaving that dickmunch.

That's something hard to do and you got rid of him, like you deserved to.

Secondly, i do suggest councelling. I know you really didn't want to hear it, and I really didn't when I had to go either, but I ended up learning so much from it I was done in 3 sessions and have not looked back since. Talking about your troubles with your parents is very bold to, and I'm very proud of you for opening up to someone you love and trust with such hard subjects.

I am very proud of you, and I do hope you forget about that @sswipe because you will never have to go through that again, and never should have in the first place.