You're Not Alone — Speak Up and Seek Help

After decades of pretending, I was diagnosed with complex PTSD and started therapy and recovery work. If you're struggling, please reach out — you don't have to suffer on your own.

You're not alone. After decades of pretending, I was diagnosed with complex PTSD and started therapy and recovery work; I'm sharing this to encourage anyone struggling to ask for help.

What I went through

For years I told myself I was fine. It takes a long time to recognise that surviving is not the same as living. Childhood trauma, growing up in an addictive, dysfunctional home and the shadow of narcissistic behaviour shaped how I coped. I ended up with addictive patterns of my own — not necessarily drink or drugs, but addictions nonetheless — and eventually that catching-up moment came when I broke down and had to face it.

What has helped

To be fair, recovery is slow and messy. I'm seeing a trauma therapist and I'm in 12-step recovery meetings, including ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families). Those meetings and the therapy have given me language for what happened and tools to start feeling safe again. CPTSD makes you hyper-vigilant and frightened of the world, so progress can feel tiny. Celebrate the small wins. Talk to your GP, look at NHS mental health services if you can, and groups like Samaritans and Mind are there for a listening ear. When my dad died, Cruse Bereavement were a real help — grief is different for everyone, and getting support matters.

If you're struggling, this is for you

I see people here on the forum who carry heavy things. If that's you, please don't wait as long as I did. It's not your fault. Get help for yourself first, and if you have kids please do it for them too — break the cycle. Ask for resources. Drop a message on the board if you want signposts; there are people who will share organisations and local groups. We're a community in our own way and there is strength in admitting you need help.

This isn't about pity. It's about encouragement. If sharing my story helps even one person reach out, it's worth it. Be kind to yourselves. Much love and respect — stay safe and get support when you need it.

Written by Gazza_8_78: 5 July 2026