Do I have PTSD?

CrystalDreamer · 11-28-2003, 02:24 AM

Nearly three months ago, on September 10, I gave birth to my stillborn daughter. I had been in labor for 29 hours with very violent contractions. I also lost alot of blood. I was able to hold my daughter after she was born, and we even took pictures of her. 5 days later, we said our final goodbyes as we laid her to rest.

I think about her every minute of every day. I even dream about her. Some of the dreams are very unpleasant, graphic dreams about her coming back to life, or her decomposing in my sight. I have trouble sleeping at night, so my doctor put me on a mild anti-depressant. I have visions of her, of things that happened when she was born, and even very bad images of things that never happened. I can't stop thinking about her, and I'm very very sad.

Could I have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder? What I have went through may very well be one of the worst things a mother can possibly go through.

rainonwindow · 11-28-2003, 02:38 AM

Only three months ago you lost your baby - It sounds so reasonable to me that you are having nightmares. You couldn't possibly be done grieving or coming to terms with your child's death in such a short period of time. It sounds so normal considering the circumstances. Don't be hard on yourself.

zebra1 · 11-29-2003, 05:45 PM

CrystalDreamer,I am so sorry for your loss.I cannot imagine the grief and sorrow you must be going through,and I feel for you.It sounds like the labour(29 hrs.) was very traumatic ,physically and emotionally.You should see a counsellor about the PTSD possibility.When you look in the mirror,may you see love looking back at you,CrystalDreamer.

CrystalDreamer · 12-02-2003, 04:41 PM

Thank you so much for your replies. I'm looking for a counselor now.

kixlonron89 · 02-09-2004, 07:42 PM

Whatever it is you are suffering from, please do see a counselor. The reason I say that is because my mother (whom I love very much) went through the exact same thing you are going through 33yrs ago. She never got treatment and has all kind of problems now. She still cries and gets depresses when the day of his birth comes around. He only lived for a day.