I'm new to this particular board and my heart goes out to each and every one of us here. Sometimes, in the middle of the pain, we question whether there is healing from the horrible suffering of PTSD. I wanted to remind us all that there IS healing. I was sexually and physically abused in childhood and suffered severe PTSD symptoms until late in my 40's, when I finally couldn't handle the pain any longer and attempted suicide. That act finally got me the help I needed. For years, I'd wondered if I could heal on my own. I couldn't. I'd wondered if my friends and family were enough support for me to avoid therapy. They weren't. I started searching for a therapist...and went through several before finding one I 'clicked' with and she charged me only $10 per session due to my income at the time. Even though she worked on a sliding fee scale, she was an incredible counselor. Some days I questioned whether talking about the pain, over and over, was worth it. It was. It was a terribly hard journey, but this I learned....the only way out is through.

I stopped therapy about four years ago. I no longer have to take anti-depressants. At age 50, I went back to school, got my GED and am now in college. I no longer merely exist....I LIVE. I love my life. I LOVE my life! Please don't EVER give up. Please get help for yourself and begin the healing process. If I heal and become a middle-aged woman who is living her dreams, you can too!

Intrigue :angel: