Sleepyhead Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 I don't mean to offend anyone who suffers from this terrible disorder, but I'm curious. I read that in brain scans they have found breakups to sometimes affect the brain in a similar fashion to PTSD. For me, I'm 8 months NC and since BU. I still have vivid nightmares involving abandonment in which I wake up crying and screaming as well as frequent panic attacks. The thought of seeing or talking to my ex makes my heart race and I start to sweat-- the same thing happens even if I see mutual friends that I've since then stopped talking to. Even the thought of ever going on to facebook (I deleted mine after the BU) causes great anxiety because I don't want to accidentally see his face, even if it just means typing in his name to block him. I am moving back to the town he lives in for school, and I'm quite literally terrified of seeing him, especially with a new girl. He was the first boyfriend to not abuse me, and I don't even have a reaction to my exes who did severely abuse me. I just don't understand. I've had to see a psychiatrist and I am in therapy, and I'm just not sure at this point if it's still 'normal' heartbreak. Has anyone else experienced this? 3 Link to post Share on other sites
Still-I-Rise Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 Yes it can. In fact I researched the topic earlier today and came across the following article: PTSD after Divorce on Huffingtonpost.com. Hope you are benefiting from treatment. Be well. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
JDPT Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 I'm no specialist but I'm certain it can. I can label my BU along the lines of a traumatic experience. What I have clearly developed is anxiety oh how terrible it feels yet I refuse to go in medication due to its endless side effects. I really don't know how I made it alive the first 4 months post BU. Luckily I had my therapist to depend on. However, I do suffer from PTSD due to factors non related to my BU. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
portableversion Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 I am certain I have been traumatized by my divorce, sex with other women did little to alleviate the pain of her leaving me for another man. I am sure I am better than what I was. It seems to get better everyday. One thing I had back in September was nightmares of the divorce, but then more recently I had dreams she came over and we were making out. I wake up and look at disbelief at my new surroundings without my family. The last round of nightmares happened in October I think this is about 14 months after she divorced me. I don't know how I survived shooting my self in the tub sounds real good but I don't for the boys and my mom. I just have to tell myself its not my life its other peoples life. Then too ive gone so many years not getting much of what I wanted that anymore im just used to nothing going my way. There is a certain numbness to me. A certain amount of apathy towards life in general. You could tell me tomorrow I have a terminal illness and ill just say cool. I had already blew a lot of money on therapy, and went to church lots more and went to aa . Lol im not worried about drinking but the spirituality in aa is real good. Early this month I had a special session at this church where all the college kids go. I had a nun pray over me something happened that night but, I am certain I am still very much scarred. I have not enjoyed being single at all, but then the pain ive had from this actually makes me fearful. Perhaps it is better to be alone I wont have to worry about betrayal. I am stuck, but it makes no difference IM mostly surrounded by men, the women I do see that im attracted to are married are are in relationships, and no way in hell will I settle to be with someone im not attracted to, yeah life sucks old age and death look pretty promising Link to post Share on other sites
Am4Real Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 Was the break up traumatic for you? If yes, then YES is the answer to your question! Link to post Share on other sites
Never Again Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 Funny you should ask. The grief counselor I began seeing after my breakup (to deal with another traumatic event) suggested I get checked out, and lo and behold, I had PTSD. It originated from this other event, but I was steadily recovering. However, when my breakup happened, it all shifted and I was smack dab in the middle of it again. So, yes. Sometimes other things contribute, but a breakup can cause PTSD symptoms. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Oldspiceywolf Posted January 3, 2014 Share Posted January 3, 2014 The traumas that cause PTSD are as unique as the individuals suffering from the disorder. A friend of mine just recently survived a terrible auto accident. She currently complains about living in a fog, that nothing makes much sense to her right now, and that she has trouble concentrating. These are all symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I also noticed these same symptoms in people who go through tough break ups especially those that involve cheating. Link to post Share on other sites
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