racing horrific mental images, twitching, thoughts of suicide

[j31598]

Hello- my husband suffered a horrible childhood of mental and sexual abuse. He suffers from a WIDE array of psychological and physical health problems now, which he believes are all a result of this trauma. Everything from uncontrollable racing HORRIFIC mental images which result in severe neck twitching/jerking which leads to chronic headaches and neck pain, head banging in sleep, nightmares, depression, anger, thoughts of suicide, self-esteem/self-hate issues, constant hair twirling, extremely painful digestive and going to the bathroom problems.. These are all on a DAILY basis. He seems to be constantly in pain and tries so hard to hide it. He tries to be positive but he hurts so much. As we go to sleep he tells me images he sees in his head and it blows my mind. They are racing, extremely disturbing images and when this happens his head jerks to one side, sometimes as much as 30 times a minute. This did NOT happen when we first met, probably because he wasn't as comfortable around me as he is now. He apologizes profusely for keeping me awake and I know he can't help it.  When we go for counseling they tell him to exercise and keep a journal. We have been to MANY "shrinks" and none have told us anything we didn't already know. He does not want to take prescriptions for every single one he's taken creates new problems(side-effects), often worse than his original symptoms. I am so sad and scared for him. What can I do? I constantly remind him how much I love him and we are SO close to each other. This seems to do nothing, however. The more stress and anxiety, the worse these problems get.

[slattery]

You suggest that your husband does not use anti-depression medication. I hope he reconsiders this option despite his concerns and give it time to be effective; or try a different one. I tried three before I found one that helps me. Or, what about a sleep medication like the non-habit forming Ambien; even Tylenol pm can be effective for falling asleep. His problems sound so difficult that it's hard to imagine side effects being a bigger concern. Keep trying and good luck.

[fedup78]

I believe the same thing is happening to me. i found out in 04 i was sexually abused as a child through repressed memories. i now am going through exactly as you described of your husband. as someone living with this it is horrible. it feels like good and evil dooking it out in your head. i have headaches all the time. if you learn anything that helps your husband would u pass the info on to me i would be eternally greatful.

[ILADVOCATE]

It sounds like post traumatic stress disorder to me but that would not result in head banging. I would certainly have a psychiatrist follow up with this but I would seek a consult with a neurologist to rule out any neurological disabilities such as epilepsy or the like. Which doesn't mean that both couldn't be occuring. But that should be ruled out as part of the problem. What medications is he taking? Are they helping him at all? Medication should be helping this but talk therapy is essential as well.