PTSD from being raised by uBPD mom

[arky]

So... .my 20 year old sister just got diagnosed with PTSD, which the doctor believes stems from being raised by our uBPD mother. Sister and I have both been estranged from her for a year now, and are both in recovery and thankfully supporting each other as best as we can. Does anyone else have an experience like this?

To elaborate, we had an extremely emotionally and sometimes physically abusive upbringing. I struggled with extreme situational anxiety and depression until I finally managed to cut the cord and remove myself from the toxic relationship I had with my mother; I still find myself having ups and downs, but nothing like before. I can see how far I've come just in this past year, but the scars will forever be there. It's just learning how to use them to make my life better and help those who are still dealing. Feel free to share any stories, or if you think you have PTSD or related issues from your BPD family member.

[Kwamina]

Hi arky

Sorry to hear this about your sister but now that she's been diagnosed she at least can get the proper help.

I can relate to your own experiences with depression and anxiety. I've struggled with these things too but just like you I'm doing a lot better now. Two things that have really helped me are applying cognitive behavior techniques and meditation. I definitely also have ups and downs, but in general I'd say I've become more stable and the 'downs' usually aren't as extreme as they used to be anymore. Another good thing is that now I have tools available that I can use to help me get through the difficult times. That's a big difference with before when I really didn't know how to cope with all the negative feelings and thoughts at all.

[clljhns]

Hi arky,

I know that my responses were similar to that of PTSD. In particular, if someone yelled, I would hold my breath and freeze. This was an automatic response from the many years my uBPDmom would rage at us kids. I didn't realize how frozen with fear I used to be as a kid until I responded this way as an adult. I think it was the first time that I recognized that I was doing this.

Do you feel that you have reactions like this?