Is this classified as PTSD?
Around two years ago, I was on a bus on the way to a field trip-type excursion. One of my classmates had gotten drunk that morning and while I wanted to keep my distance, my bus buddy left her seat and let him sit next to me. I was sitting in the window seat so I couldn't go anywhere so I just decided to roll with it. A few minutes later, he was still babbling and turned around to talk to the people behind us. However, as he did this, his arm was slung over my body and he began running his hand up my skirt. I froze, I couldn't move and I just took it. He didn't do anything else, just touched my legs, but ever since then, I haven't been the same.
I have had nightmares about the incident, I have developed a fear of men, I have lost trust in everyone including my own parents, and the biggest thing: I can't have anything touch my thighs without suffering a panic attack or breakdown. Even if my earbuds brush my legs the wrong way, I can end up in a spiral, and the only thing I really feel "safe" in is jeans.
Is this PTSD? I don't want to start seeing a therapist and waltz in claiming I have PTSD if it's not. I guess I'm just seeking some advice as to what this classifies as because I know people have had it a lot worse and while nothing really happened, it has still had a large effect on my life.
@hailhydra67
I am sorry for all you went through.
You are right to feel concerned about your symptoms. They are real. You are the highest authority on what you feel. The psychological impact of a traumatic event is highly personal and subjective. You should measure its significance by its effects on you.
It doesn't matter the name you give it. If it's hurting you, you should take action to get better.
I would suggest that you have a consultation with a mental health professional. Try to find a good psychologist through trusted sources, like your doctor, friends, a postgraduate psychological organization, etc. The point is not to get a PTSD diagnosis (or not) but to heal your wounds, get and feel better.
In any case, answering your concerns, I share with you the standard definition of PTSD for the mental health community according to the DSM-5 HERE and a very good self-help guide, "The PTSD Workbook" HERE The exercises in this book are in fact healing for any person, it would do no harm but only good to do them. Both texts are in PDF, you can download them to your PC for easy reading.
I remain at your disposal for any further questions or concerns you might have.
All the best !
Marcelo.
yes this is ptsd. it has no reflection on you or other men. i hope you can become comfortable. the more you understand perspective when it comes to sexual assault the more at peace you may become.
just reach out and talk about it with someone who knows how the brain functions