PTSD · experiences
The trauma did not disappear. It waited.
PTSD and complex PTSD are often first treated under a different name. Below are a number of patterns that often recur.
🔒 These are anonymized, composite patterns based on what patient associations, research and healthcare providers broadly report on this subject. They are not quotes from one specific person. As soon as we receive real, consented experiences, we publish them here carefully and with attribution.
Recognisable patterns
What people often experience
The wrong diagnosis firstYears
“I was first labeled for anxiety disorder, then for borderline. Trauma only came up when I asked for it myself.”
Waiting for stability that is not cameFor years
“Everyone said that I had to become stable before we could work on the trauma. That stability only came after we finally worked on the trauma.”
Questions that did not materializeSeveral care providers
“I talked about my sleeping problems and irritability. No one asked about what had happened before.”
Finally the right treatmentAfter years
“When the EMDR finally started, I thought me: this could have started years earlier. No one had offered it to me.”
🏎 Need immediate help?
In case of immediate danger to yourself or someone else: call 112. Are you in distress or are you thinking about suicide? You can call or chat with 113 Suicide Prevention day and night via 0800-0113. Zorgfuik is not a crisis service and cannot solve acute requests for help, but we think it is important that you know where you can go.
Sources
Reliable explanation and help
- Thuisarts: PTSS - explanation about signs, help and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.
- GGZ Standaarden - care standards and guidelines for Dutch mental healthcare.
Map your situation
Is recognition or diagnosis taking a long time?
Answer a few questions. You do not get a diagnosis or advice, but you do get points and questions you can take into a next conversation.