What helps?

I am finally (after 5 years) facing up to the diagnosis my doctor gave me of PTSD. In fact, because I have ignored it for so long I had forgotten about it til today (it occasionally pops into my mind) as I was going over the things that have been happening in my life recently, and what might be making me feel the way I do at the moment. At the time I was not on anti-depressants as I had recently had no1 child. My doc put me on some, and got me to see a psychologist (which I wasn't ready for at the time so that didn't help in any way). After that my depression was what was always focused on, and as I didn't (and still don't) know much about PTSD I just ignored it. What I'm hoping for here is to find out about how ppl deal with it- what helps, and stuff. I feel like I am ready to deal with it, and the issues surrounding it. I will be seeing my pdoc on Monday next week and I plan on reviewing all my meds with her then. Any help or advice greatly appreciated. Thank you.

irishsj

I was in denial for many years.

Trauma is very difficult to deal with.

To try and heal, the brain will either try and forget about it, pretend nothing happened - and if that doesn't work it comes out in flashbacks and nightmares to try to heal.

PTSD takes time to deal with, a good therapist helps.

What helps?

Acknowledging what happened but not permanently reliving it.

Read up as much as you can, so that you are mindful and aware. There is a good list of coping strats at the top of this forum.

Use coping strats when you are getting 'stuck' in a memory to help make it less painful.

Take care.

I was in denial for many yrs as well,
My very 1st diagnosis yrs back was bipolar, drugged up like a zombe...unable to function to the point I couln't
even make my daughter breakfast.... that didn't last long and I stopped everything.
I knew there was something wrong with me but I didn't accept bipolar....took me many more yrs to have a proprer diagnosis... and many more yrs after that to accept it and start doing something about it....
It is not easy and one thing I have learned is that it is too hard to deal with everything alone,
support and advice from people who know what it is helps sooo much,
sending you positive vibes,
take care,
Patricia xx

(((((((((irish))))))))))))

you're being very brave to try to face that which we thought might destroy. the pace of facing that is in your hands...try to remember that.

also, know that we're here to listen, understand and help support.

kd

Thanks for the replys. I'm still feeling lost though. Now that I want to find out more about this, I can't seem to get anywhere. I guess I'm so confused I don't even really know where to start. I've done searches at PC, but there just seem to be gaps- I can't even really explain it. I rang my nurse today to find out whether the diagnosis is even on my file (having moved about 8 times since the original diagnosis and having so many files throughout the country I have my doubts!) but I'm still waiting to find out. Becoz everything is in such a mess right now, I don't really know where I'm going. I'm thinking facing PTSD is a way of avoiding some of the other stuff, yet it is playing a HUGE part on where i'm at at the moment...Yes, my head is spinning- like I said I'm just so confused and muddled up, and my life feels like it is just in limbo...

I am just looking for any advice members might have on particular meds that they have had prescribed that have either worked really well or have made things worse. I do realise that everyone reacts to stuff differently. It is just that I am seeing my pdoc on mon for a meds review. I have come to realise that it is my PTSD that I am struggling with the most at the mo, so like I said am just looking for opinions. Of course, if I don't have to rattle round like a pill bottle that would be so nice!!!! Pegasus, you said a good therapist helps. Well, damn. (Sorry!!). The counsellor who I had just started seeing had to pull out- no more funding available (funding available from family court for marriage counselling- court decided things were sorted enuf...him at his house and me at mine...) and the waiting list at the hospital is apparently very long.

I can tell you that of all the drugs used for PTSD, the most evidence exists supporting the SSRIs. That's based on the published literature, as analyzed by the Cochrane staff. Of that evidence, other authors report that good old Prozac has the best track record. It also happens to be the easiest SSRI to withdraw from.

Those are statistical views of the situation. They don't take into account individual differences. I truly hope you find something that works.

Best,
Lar

Thanks for that Larry. I have been on prozac, but for a huge 10 days! It's the first AD I was ever put on, and I can't remember the side affects but I do know they weren't good! Oh well, only a little over 26hrs til I go to the doc, so I will see what she has to say then...

Irishsj I know you will find much information on this forum just by reading previous threads. As for meds... I think that depends upon what your most bothersome symptoms are. No meds "cure" PTSD, I think you know that. There is no cure for PTSD. But therapy is important, while taking meds, to learn how to keep ptsd from interferring with too much of daily living.

If depression is bad, then yes the ssri and ssnri meds are good, if anxiety, then sometimes those help with that, too... sleep... etc whatever you need help dealing with while you work in therapy.

It's sad to hear that engaging in therapy is a hassle... I mean, that having it provided is... there are good books to help you, but really, you need a T who is expert with PTSD to really heal safely, imo. TC!