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Post trauma stress disorder
I am a 30 year old male. In my childhood, I had to face sexual abuse at a particular place for about 2 years due to which I have to face physical problems till date. Today, it has been 17 years since that incident but even today I do not go towards that path. If there is any picture related to that place in anyone's house, then I get scared of any person coming from there to his house. If any person has passed through that place and touched any object of our house, then I immediately throw away that thing. There is a need to wash, if this is not done then I immediately get symptoms of fever due to fear, difficulty in breathing, feelings of vomiting start coming and this problem is increasing day by day. I had told my father some things related to sexual abuse but he did not tell anyone at home nor discussed the matter with me due to which I am facing more problems. If I do not have to face that thing then I will not have any problem. pls guide me what can I do???
Answers (13)
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It is understandable that you are experiencing intense reactions and distress, especially given the history of childhood sexual abuse and the resulting physical problems. The symptoms you describe—intense fear, avoidance of the path and related pictures, compulsive washing/throwing away objects, and physical symptoms like fever, difficulty breathing, and nausea when your compulsions are not met—are classic and serious signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), often accompanied by strong avoidance and obsessive-compulsive features.
The core of your current distress is rooted in the trauma, and the fact that you feel your symptoms would disappear if you could simply avoid facing the 'thing' suggests that your nervous system is still in a state of high alert, constantly trying to protect you from perceived danger.
Next Steps
Key Guidance and Next Steps
1. Seek Immediate Professional Therapy:
You need specialized trauma-informed care. This is not a situation that can be resolved solely through self-help or general advice.
Recommended Therapies: Look for a therapist experienced in treating complex trauma and PTSD. Highly effective approaches include:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A powerful method for processing traumatic memories.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): Helps you understand and change how you think about your trauma and manage distressing feelings.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): Useful for addressing the specific avoidance and compulsive washing behaviors.
2. Address the Family Communication:
It is vital that you seek support beyond your father, as keeping this trauma hidden is isolating and often makes symptoms worse. A good therapist will help you navigate this disclosure at your own pace.
3. Focus on Safety and Stabilization:
While starting therapy, focus on small, grounding steps. You need tools to manage the intense physical and emotional symptoms (panic, fever, etc.).
Breathing Exercises: Practice slow, deep belly breathing when you feel a trigger. The 4-7-8 method is often helpful (inhale for 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8).
Grounding Techniques: Use the 5-4-3-2-1 technique to bring you back to the present moment when you feel overwhelmed. Name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.
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You do not have to carry this burden alone. Healing from trauma is a process, but with the right professional support, you absolutely can learn to manage these symptoms and reclaim your life.
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Hi,
I'm really sorry you're experiencing such intense fear and distress related to your past trauma. Itâs important to remember that healing from childhood sexual abuse is a complex process, and you donât have to face it alone. Seeking support from a mental health professional, especially one experienced in trauma and abuse, can provide you with a safe space to work through these painful memories and develop coping strategies. Therapy can help you process your experiences, reduce anxiety, and gradually lessen the symptoms you're facing, such as fears, compulsions, and physical symptoms. Additionally, practicing grounding techniques, mindfulness, and relaxation exercises can help manage immediate anxiety and physical reactions. Itâs also crucial to consider talking openly to a trusted person or counselor about your feelings and experiences, as holding everything inside can increase distress. Remember, healing is a gradual journey, and with proper support and patience, you can work towards overcoming these fears and regaining control over your life.
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seek help
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Hey
You appear to be showing trauma symptoms with some PTSD related distress that may have culminated into OC symptoms. Whatever the case be, you need to immediately contact a clinical psychologist.
Next Steps
-Check with a clinical psychologist who will help you understand your symptoms better and prescribe treatment
Health Tips
-Symptoms may worsen if left untreated. Immediately seek formal treatment from a professional
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It seems to be post traumatic psychological changes leading to OCD and anxiety.
It needs to be treated asap otherwise it may get complicated.
It can be well treated with counseling sessions and homeopathic medicine effectively and without any side effects.
It needs to be addressed in a holistic approach for complete recovery.
You need an expert psychologist who is a good homeopathic physician.
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I have been working as a Homeopathic Psychiatrist and Counseling psychologist for the last 17 years of experience. You can contact me through an online appointment for further assistance.
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Hi consult a psychologist
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Hi,
The symptoms mentioned sound like post traumatic stress. This can further or could have developed into dissociative disorders, further leading to anxiety and stress. Since the episode has been a while ago and you are having to face this on till date, would suggest a two pronged approach. Consult a psychiatrist to ease out symptoms and along side work along a psychologist who may specialise in PTSD cases.
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It is difficult to carry the experience of such incidents. But you can get better. Please consult a psychologist with all the relevant details, and any medical history, if available, related to the event.
You can also reach out to experts here, or you can contact on eight zero one seven double four five nine six zero.
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Connect with psychiatrist and psychologist
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consult
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counseling
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Hi
First of all thanks for reaching out via this platform
The reactions you describe are not signs of weakness; they are signs that your body and mind still remember the fear and helplessness of that time. When something reminds you of that place, your body reacts as if the danger is happening again, which is why you feel breathless, feverish, or anxious.
What will help you now is to slowly bring safety back into your life. Healing starts when you talk about what happened in a safe space where you are understood, validated, and not judged. You can learn to calm your body during those fearful moments, reduce the urge to avoid or wash, and rebuild a sense of control over your emotions and surroundings. You deserve to live free from the shadow of that pain and to feel safe again.
Take therapy. You can connect with me on nine two six six seven two six zero six five.
Next Steps
You are still young take proper therapy and aids to help you process these feels and move on to next chapter of life. You have a long life to live
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Ms. Sahaj Kang
Psychologist
3 yrs exp
Delhi
Sorry to hear that you are experiencing such a high level of distress. I can imagine you feel lost and confused. It doesn’t have to be this way and you can get better. Avoidance of reminders makes the trauma persist longer, however this should be worked on with a professional and not by yourself. You may seek therapy where you work on exposure and processing of the traumatic event.
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Ms. Neha Sachdev
Psychologist
11 yrs exp
Delhi
Hi
You have gone through a grave trauma. Please remember that you were never at fault. If u had known how to protect yourself that at time, u would have worked upon it. These are some things that are still a taboo in our society, very few people believe that this can happen to a boy also.
Believe in yourself that you were nowhere wrong in this. It is the mentality of the man who took advantage of you being a kid and instilled fear into you.
This fear of being weak can be reversed and you can lead a healthy life ahead.
Happy to help
Contact me at eight three six eight zero five three seven one zero
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Mr. Kaustubh Ghongade
Mental Health Counselor
1 yrs exp
Pune
you have witness horrible incident, but there is a cure, a proper guidance and counselling might help you with the help of doctors and a team
symptoms may seems flashback and nightmares
The trauma happening again and again
you avoid places, feel guilt, shame
There, are therapys that might help you
Please connect on practo
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Connect on, I can guide you
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There are therapist that will help you within a month
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