Therapist says PTSD? Please read sorry its long

Age 20:Ok so i took a public speaking class in college. first speech was like an introduction basically. Second one I chose the topic of obesity and how its a big problem in the US. I went up to do my speech and for the first time noticed that about 30 percent of the girls in the class were obese, but I never noticed this at all before this. Well during the speech my heart rate started racing ect ect. Was trying to skip through the speech I had because I coudlnt think anymore. I skipped to the conclusion basically and sat down.

I stopped going to that class after that, about a week later Im sitting in psychology class which I liked a lot at the time. Then started getting real paranoid thoughts like everyone was watching me. My heartrate started to go crazy, almost sweating, breathing but it felt like i was getting no air. And this whole time Im pretty much on the verge of death in my mind Im trying to be noticed as little as possible because I feel how can everyone not notice whats going on now.

Stopped going to school after that. Was pretty much fine it seemed. Went on a cruise when i was 21, during an informal dinner i started to have the same thoughts, feeling. So i excused myself. I havent eaten at a restaurant since. I think at this point I have developed a constant anxiety that comes on whenever Im around people I dont know. I can still hang out with my friends and go out because I get very intoxicated. On a few occasions at a friends house I started to have panic attacks and left.

Age 24: I try to go back to school. I manipulate my cousin into taking the same thing as me thinking it would make it easier on me. It is only a community college, but a good one I guess. I pay out of my pocket thinking it will make sure I wont leave. Well the first week goes by ok, the second week I think I made it to one class. I drove to school about 3 times, one of them I walked up to the building but then turned around. The other 2 I sat in the parking lot. Cried on the way home telling myself I should just steer into a telephone pole. I even let go of the wheel once but then quickly grabbed it before I went completely on the shoulder.

So then my cousin tells my family, and i see a therapist. The first session was panic attack on and off for an hour. I tell him of my social anxiety I now have. He believes its PTSD. My father also suffers from this which I told him. But he doesnt seem to believe it is genetic. Ive never gotten emotionally involved with anyone in my entire life.

I was suppose to see the therapist when Xmen 3 came out. I didnt really wanna go to the appointment because he asked me to do things like try to read a speech in an emtpy class room. Then try to read a speech to people I know. Seems ridiculous to me so I didnt do it. Thus didnt want to go to the appointment, which was a month from my last one, saying I didnt do anything. I did see Xmen 3. I convinced 2 friends to go to a theater I knew would have less people in it, specially at 12pm on a weekday. Havent really hung out with my friends socially/drinking ect in a while.


Not sure what else to say, if you need more info or anything just ask. Im just looking for responses/ thoughts on all this.

Also, When I left school this past year. I tried to get my money back since I actually went to class for only a week. After dealing with them for so long. This week they have JUST given me an escrow account, more of a credit. I should be able to get my cash I payed back due to these conditions right?

sounds like social anxiety. PTSD is caused from trauma such as a threat of death, near death expierence, abuse, rape, car accident etc.


I don't see any trauma in your posts.

Yes this is what i told my therapist as well but he said a lot of things can cause PTSD

still sounds like anxiety disorder to me since they all have to do with being around people.

i'd get a second opinion just to see what someone else might say.

what are your symptoms?

Sounds like either your mother or your father or both misteated you in your childhood.

Yes many things can cause PTSD... a bad childhood, mistreatment, a car accident or any accident, watching someone die, near death yourself etc etc etc....

i hope you feel better soon

Please, try to get help as soon as possible before you end up like me. I'm sure your parents know about this now, just make sure you keep this to yourself and close ones. You don't need to go around telling anyone about your problem okay?

First do your research on a good health plan. Second find the nearest Psychologist and Psychiatrists in your area that are approved by your insurance and start now. Make sure you sit in your room and try to write down what you need to tell the Psychologist that you're going to be seeing. You need to get on medications and be responsible not to miss a dose. I know you won't because i can understand your situation. Do your research on each and every medication and side effects.

I have the problems that you have mentioned PLUS LOTS LOTS MORE. Not sure how close you're to your friends, but i left all of mine behind. And........please do not do any sort of drugs, it will make your problem 10x worse, trust me! I hope this helps....