Lived Experience Forum

[Broken_]

Besides childhood traumas & on the streets at 16 I thought I was prepared for whatever may came my way, like survival... But... Little did I know what events were about to unfold! ... Long story short, I was held prisoner, tortured, not knowing if each day would be my last.... Survival definitely

[Broken_]

Sorry pressed done.. OOOP's !<br>Survival definitely became every minute of everyday... At times I wished he would full fill his threats.. I managed to escape, but he tracked me down...<br>Cold case detectives rang me , told me he w had been criminally profiled psychopath &amp; asked if I'd go to court... I did... Reliving traumas I remembered &amp; many I suppressed , at times I wonder if it was worth it... It was worth getting him behind bars so he can hurt no other, there were many... But now for me my life has been turned upside down.. <br>If I was in the armed forces or a refugee I would be entitled to trauma n torutre specialist ... I had to give up working, went on police protection n now on disability 😞 ... I am on medication that helps but one is a benzo n doctors don't like to proscribe it... I'm not an alcoholic nor do I take drugs, Infact just taking meds has been hard to accept... This monster was given 15 1/2 yrs 12 yrs non parole yet time has flown n in a few more years he will be extradited to state where he tracked me n go thru court process all over again.... I have myself 1yr after first court to get back to working etc but it hasn't been the case,,, just knowing in a few years I go thru this all over again,, I think, to a degree, unable my journey... <br>I know my traumas don't define me as ptsd but define my strength n courage... I believe all who experience ptsd, no matter what environment or circumstances... Ptsd is trauma(s) ... We are all strong n have much courage .... Only those who experience it can relate.... If we can survive trauma we can survive anything,,,, I just wish I could receive what I need to help me easily...<br><br>Much love n respect to all... Stay strong

[Bubbly]

Hi there, @Broken_ 

Welcome to the forums and thanks for sharing your first post and story. It sounds like you have experienced a lot of trauma and a really difficult time, and I also hear that you are brave, strong and courageous. You are a survivor. You are absolutely right; I can acknowledge that individuals who have experienced significant trauma often feel like what they have experienced does not define them, but the effects of what they have experienced is what is difficult to manage. I am really glad that you have joined the forums and I hope that you find them useful along your journey.   

You might like to check out these threads related to PTSD here and here. This thread here has a link attached to it that you may be interested in taking a look at. 

Looking forward to seeing you around,

Bubbly