I dont have enough words or time to describe the effects both mentally and physically, of dealing with Adult SD ranging from Control-, harrassment-, emotional blackmail-, bullying and abuse---
I hope that nobody has to deal with these symptoms of PTSD from years of turmoil, as I obviously have.

Had I been prepared or known the signs, i may have been able to question my decision on whether I was strong enough to handle it, or simply walking away from saying "I Do".

Here are the symptoms of PTSD--
Prolonged (chronic) negative stress, resulting from dealings with a Narcissist or Psychopath.
Reactive depression, which causes the balance of the mind to be disturbed.
The Target being unaware that they are being Exploited, with usually moments of "enlightenment" as the person realizes that the criticisms and tactics of control are invalid.
Victims cannot bring themselves to believe they are dealing with a " disordered personality".
NAIVETY is the greatest enemy. The Target is bewildered , confused, frightened , angry and after "enlightenment" very angry.

SYMPTOMS-
Target experiences regular intrusive and violent visualizations,and replays of events and conversations.

Sleeplessness , nightmares, events are relived.
people wake up more tired than when they went to bed.

Fear--horror--chronic anxiety--panic attacks triggered by reminders of experience.
palpitations--Sweating--Trembling, and eating disorders.
Mental Paralysis in response to any reminder of the Narcissist or thoughts to take action against the Narcissist.

Physical numbness ( toes, fingertips, lips)
And the inability to feel joy.
sufferers report that their spark has gone out and even years later find they just cannot get motivated about anything.
Target has a harder and harder time avoiding or saying anything which reminds them of the horror of the exploitation.

Victims report impaired memory and/or can be obsessed with resolving the experience which takes over their life.

Feelings of withdrawal and isolation are common... The person just wants to be alone and solitude sought.

Emotional numbness ( disengage) and the inability to Feel Joy.
(Anhedonia) and deadening of loving feelings towards others are commonly reported. Our fear of never being able to love again
Targets become gloomy, depressive feelings in the morning, and feelings of vulnerability at night. The person starts to have an extremely short fuse and is often permanently irritated. Even by small events. Person is on constant alert vecause of the Fight or Flight mechanism, which has come permanently activated. Starts to perceive any remark as critical.

Sorry this is long... But I hope this may enlighten anyone who may be feeling any of these symptoms of stepmotherhood that resulted in part time dealings with Adult SK from years of your being becoming violated in anyway! !!!