Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Well i had a very long appointment last week with a neuropsychologist who diagnosed me with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I was pretty surprised because although i have had some difficult times, I am relatively positive.

He was quite impressive and certainly knew his job. I am pleased to say that he has come up with a very positive proactive plan for the way forward.
It seems my injury is a trigger but there are some deep rooted issues there too.

I wouldnt say im depressed but i do battle with anxiety and lack of ability to sleep properly.

Lara i have tons of stress
The thing that works for me and sleeping

Shut off computer before i get second wind
Listen to nature sounds on an app on my iphone
Listening to going to sleep meditations
Practising deeper breathing
Its easy to get addicted to the screen i am convinced the pixels are not good for relaxing
Iff i am notmasleep after 20 mins intry something else.
Bed yoga is good,
Be gentle with yourself. Good luck
Lαrα

Does anyone else over-react to unexpected loud noises or being unexpectedly touched from behind?  If so, I believe these are also manifestations of PTSD.  After all these years of SCI I still find that my "startle reflex" is extremely sensitive.  I feel fear and an immediate fight or flight response.  On once occasion my wife surprised me with a hug from behind an my elbow flailed and I hit her.  I didn't know how to explain that it was unintentional, but instinctive to being touched unexpectedly.  SCI is the gift that keeps on giving.

PTSD doesn't have to be linked with depression, or have anything to do with you being a positive person. You can be completely happy and positive one moment, and then have a trigger to set off PTSD symptoms. I have PTSD from severe physical abuse. There have been events in my life that were similar enough to original traumatic events, or related to my triggers that added to my PTSD making things worse and increasing the amount of triggers. Its one big reason to seek treatment! I'm also more easily triggered and put into a sort of high alert state when under a lot of stress.

With the original post, I have a flat affect but thats related to my Aspergers Syndrome. I have difficulty expressing and identifying emotions. When my service dog passed away unexpectedly Dec 20th I experienced severe grief and was quite depressed for a while, I'm still not fully back I guess. But then they say after grief its a new normal anyway. I've been going to a pet loss support group the last few months, was there last night as it meets the first thursday of every month.