post traumatic stress?

So lately I've been having memories that d make me scared as if its happening again or that it will. I feel like crying tho i never do. I feel sick when most of these things happen. I've also had dreams that are like the memories and often wake up because of them. I don't sleep well as i often wake even if i don't sleep have bad dreams. Could this be post traumatic stress or something else?

Just for background info- i have had cancer since i was two. Apparently i was abused for most of my life until about a year ago (although this still happens on occasion - similar events) and i live with depression and permanent disability.

I was diagnosed with PTSD and that sounds somewhat similar to what I was dealing with. I'd strongly recommend looking for a good therapist that specializes in trauma and not just to confirm a diagnosis. As I'm sure you know, prolonged abuse is absolutely devastating and needs to be addressed, and correct me if I'm wrong but it sounds to me like you haven't discussed this with a therapist or psychiatrist. Personally I'm just starting to deal with some of this myself after my life came to a grinding halt because of that sort of thing. In any case, I wish you the best in whatever you decide to do and just remember you aren't alone in this.

Thanks panda.
I have been in therapy for roughly 10 years but none of the psychs really focus on that. They are mostly interested in my relationships with either my mum or my fiance. This year will be my 11th year in therapy. Im hoping it will help with some of the issues Im having but Im not sure.
Provided they can do something ...does it go away?

-- Tue Feb 26, 2013 4:07 pm --

Thanks panda.
I have been in therapy for roughly 10 years but none of the psychs really focus on that. They are mostly interested in my relationships with either my mum or my fiance. This year will be my 11th year in therapy. Im hoping it will help with some of the issues Im having but Im not sure.
Provided they can do something ...does it go away?

-- Tue Feb 26, 2013 4:07 pm --

Thanks panda.
I have been in therapy for roughly 10 years but none of the psychs really focus on that. They are mostly interested in my relationships with either my mum or my fiance. This year will be my 11th year in therapy. Im hoping it will help with some of the issues Im having but Im not sure.
Provided they can do something ...does it go away?

As this is something I'm also dealing with, I can't speak from personal experience. The part that typically "goes away" is the underlying emotion or thought pattern that sparks the symptoms (or at least we are supposed to become better equipped to handle it). I've *heard* that as the underlying emotions associated with the symptoms are resolved, the symptoms can either decrease or disappear in many cases. I'm actually starting to (guardedly) believe this perspective as I come to terms with some of the reasons I've displayed these symptoms.

In terms of treatment, it sounds like we're in a pretty similar place so I can't offer too much more than that,
but do let me know if you have any other questions. I'm very good at linking to DSM criteria.