My T who specialized in trauma went to a recent conference on the brain and trauma. The specialist showed pictures of brains and their activity of someone with PTSD, bipolar, and ADHD. They looked identical!

I have been having trouble with my memory since my brother was killed by my mom, my grades dropped from A's to struggling to get C's. I was tested by my neurologist and my working memory is only at 10% for someone my age. I never used to have this problem, but I do now. We think it is due to dissociation from PTSD and/or I am in a state of fright or flight. I really noticed this when I signed up for Racquetball this semester and that sound really triggered things from being abused as a child.

So anyway, the last 2 weeks I have been taking low doses of Strattera and I can tell this week it is really helping! I got in the upper 90% on my midterm and another test this week, where it has been 2 years since that has happened. When I tried to study, I could remember what I read and still do. Plus today in Racquetball class, I was actually returning the ball instead of missing it all the time due to being in a stage of flight or fights.

I am really starting to feel hope for the first time in 2 years that just maybe I can finish my degree and go onto the next one. Eventually I will be able to go off this medicine when I am done with my desensitization trauma therapy (EMDR). It feels good to be hopeful again. Just wanted to share something positive for a change.