Living with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

I dont really know how describe what i went through except to say that is was 4 years of abuse by my stepmother. i was abused physically, mentally and emotionally. years after not living with her i would panic whenever it rained because i was worried about what i left outside. that was a constant source of her tirades if i left stuff outside and it got wet. even now whenever conflict arises with others i get panic attacks and can almost not function. i avoid the town she lives in now and the other day i smelled her perfume and almost lost it. ive had 3 flashbacks where i thought i was back there and many dreams where i am still with her and cant leave. it makes it even harder because my dad was there and didnt stop her, and it is also hard because its not a common experience like a war or natural disaster that others can share with me. i am the only one who went through it and noone else truly understands. even now i dont feel like i can get close to anyone. its not as bad as it used to be but every now and then a smell or something on tv will hit me and its all back.