[ramonajones]

I have been diagnosed with Complex PTSD and have been suffering pretty badly for just over three years now. I have tried so many things--individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, medication, aromatherapy, hypnotherapy, acupuncture, yoga, and meditation, and I feel like I've made such little headway. Every morning I still wake up feeling like I'm at the bottom of a hole and I spend most of the day digging myself out, only to find myself right back in the hole when I wake up again the next morning.

I'm wondering if anyone on this board has had success finding relief after a Complex PTSD diagnosis. I have been suffering for so long it feels like getting better is hopeless.

[Out There]

I've done some other things apart from talk therapy. I had a lot of success with EMDR , and also Trauma Release Exercises ( TRE ). It does take work , but yes I have found some relief , and if you can get a little bit then gradually you get more.

[Purple Heart]

Hi

Like the last person said EMDR works for me also. This condition is quite complex and so the thing that gets me by is HOPE!! And be determined to get better. I hope over time for all of us it will get easier and less flashbacks.

PH

[Fuzzybear]

[Holdingbacktyrs]

Like others, I have had some success with EMDR, specifically Brainspotting, a form of EMDR. I have to wonder though, after three years and no improvement, if you dont have an incorrect diagnosis. Are you on any meds? I cannot recall if you said. Do you see a pdoc as well?

Maybe you need to do something radical to distract yourself. For example, I like to keep things interesting by doing something out of my comfort zone. Like eating a special diet, or rearranging all the furniture in my house. Painting my walls in different colors. Recently i decided to start body building so I can try to compete. Please know I am a 54 year old woman that is currently 45 pounds overweight!

Have you tried mindfullness? I dont mean meditiation, which I am not fond of. But do you get yourself in the moment? Pay attention to your surroundings?

Have you forgiven those that have wronged you? It doesnt mean you have to like them. Just that you have forgiven their debt. It can make you feel lighter to forgive. If you believe in God, well, let Him do the worrying about the wrong. He can handle it better than you. Just let go.

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by ramonajones

I have been diagnosed with Complex PTSD and have been suffering pretty badly for just over three years now. I have tried so many things--individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, medication, aromatherapy, hypnotherapy, acupuncture, yoga, and meditation, and I feel like I've made such little headway. Every morning I still wake up feeling like I'm at the bottom of a hole and I spend most of the day digging myself out, only to find myself right back in the hole when I wake up again the next morning.

I'm wondering if anyone on this board has had success finding relief after a Complex PTSD diagnosis. I have been suffering for so long it feels like getting better is hopeless.

I understand that feeling of waking up, wondering if I can function each morning. I've been going through an agitated depression associated with CPTSD and mood related issues. It gets old, fast.

I am working with my pdoc, doing all I can do. I just keep trying, even on the worst days, when I do not know why I am still trying.

I am thankful for the "impermanence" of life -- things shift and change, at least somewhat.


WC

[RavensPOE]

I am 45 years old, and had a traumatic childhood filled with sexual abuse. At age 13, I began having Holocaust nightmares. Try as I might to get the nightmares to stop, no amount of therapy, depression drugs, hospital stays or therapists could help.

By the age of 42, I had become the Professor of Graphic Design and a Holocaust Educator. All of my faculty art exhibitions are my creative expression about my nightmares. I even created a commercial for Holocaust Ed in 2014 using new digital film apps, and my artwork.

Have you ever considered finding a therapist who has the same spiritual beliefs as you do? Whether you be Christian, Jewish, Lutheran, Catholic, etc. For me, this was the key.
Someone from the Jewish community reached out to me in 2013 after reading one of my blogs, and my rampant anger about how no therapist had ever been successful in ever helping me get control of my nightmares. They asked if I had ever considered talking to a Rabbi, who was also a licensed psycho therapist. I was willing to give it a try.

Within 6 months, he was able to get the nightmares to stop. He also was able to correctly diagnose me with Complex PTSD.

I am currently writing to you from Israel. I'm on sabbatical this year as a Professor. I decided to pick up a Master's in Holocaust Education in the Holy Land. My therapist? ...In time, he also became my Rabbi. I spent 2 years in therapy with him before getting on a plane and flying halfway across the world to the Holy Land to get the MA in Holocaust Ed. His private practice is in Tsfat, Israel--1 of the 4 holy cities. After a month of attending the university here, I hopped on a bus and took it to Tsfat to spend the Shabbat weekend with my Rabbi and his family. When he picked me up from the bus station--it was the very first time we were to physically meet. The first words he said to me were:
"God has brought you here."

Perhaps it is the same for you?...God has brought you here, to find answers to your questions. The key element that was missing from all my therapy sessions?...The spiritual component. And, fully knowing that someone truly cared about me, wanted to really help me, and wasn't focused on just taking my money and listening to me talk for an hour.

Your anxiety will end...when you find the therapist that you are searching for.
If you are spiritual at all...perhaps try looking for one that has the same spiritual/ religious view that you have.