PTSD - where to start

[Goingtobeawesome]

It's highly likely this is something I have caused by something that happened 30 years ago but has recently been present. Suggested by hospital consultant, not yet officially diagnosed beyond that.

Will I need medication, counselling, is it something I can self help myself with? I'm discombobulated.

[coolaschmoola]

My husband has it. In all honesty, I can't tell you what will happen as it is different for everyone. I can tell you that therapy is often the first response. Medication is a possibility too. My DH has severe ptsd from his time in the Army. He is on a lot of medication. He finds that breathing exercises, mindfulness, relaxation techniques and physical exercise have a positive effect.

Try not to feel discombobulated (lovely word!) - you are the same person you were yesterday, with the same condition - someone has just suggested a name for it.

Diagnosis is the first step to addressing it.

[Goingtobeawesome]

Sorry to hear about your husband being unwell.

I know I am the same but I don't feel I'm the same. These last few weeks have been quite eventful, progressive, and it's a lot to take in.

[user1475489980]

Hiya
You can seek therapy via the NHS. First line treatments for PTSD are CBT and EMDR - both have fantastic results in reducing symptoms/negative impact on life. You can access this via your GP or possibly through self referral to your local talking therapies service.
I wish you the very best for the future. Xxx

[Goingtobeawesome]

I have a CBT book. Maybe it's the right time to try and read it again. I get flashbacks at specific times which is why the doctor thinks I have PTSD. I am waiting to see someone but it takes a long time sadly.

[BecauseIamaBear]

Awesome..
In a short while, you will be a different person. Well more likely the same person but with the wisdom and experience to see life in a different light.

I certainly know that once I began to understand myself better, I am still the same Bear, but I now feel as if I can love myself..

[Goingtobeawesome]

I feel so complex without the space to disentangle myself.

[AnxiousCarer]

awsome I also have PTSD, I know exactly what caused mine. I'm at the begining of the journey. GP is trying antidepressants, though from what I've read they are not necessarily used fot PTSD. I'm having councelling throughwork and also waiting to see a psychologist through work. I also see a CPN from my husbands team for carer support who has reccomended CBT and EMDR (thats what the psychologist referal is for) still struggling at the moment but early days.

[Goingtobeawesome]

I hope all that helps, AC. It's a difficult thing to go through, isn't it?

I have had PND after I had the children and took myself off the ADs as I knew they weren't going to help and I was having bad side effects. I think I need counselling for the depression I'm going through now, not caused by having a child this time, but I've also got PTSD on top which is great. Got to keep going.

[AnxiousCarer]

I've found ADs really useful in the past when I had depression. And the side effects only affected me for the first few weeks. This time not feeling any benefit so GP has changed them but this is different I'm not depressed. Just anxious with panick attacks and urges to self harm. It sucks but we will get through it.

[Goingtobeawesome]

I'm getting to the point where I'm not sure I want to try anymore. I'm having acupuncture primarily for a fall injury but she's treating all of me and it is helping but I can't have it more than once a week and the rest of the time I'm on my own with my emotional pain. It's crap and I'm sick of it as my life from 0 to 23 was very difficult then I met dh. We've had a lot of good times and a lot of difficult, almost impossible times but now he's the main reason I'm feeling so broken plus with the PTSD as well. It's exhausting.

[AnxiousCarer]

It is exhausting, keep hanging on you will get there in the end, there is help available, its a shame its a long wait, but you will get there.

[Goingtobeawesome]

I've been hangin there for years. When am I allowed to accept defeat?

[mrscrocopop]

I can understand that when you fee like you've been hanging on for years that it can feel like defeat is your only option. Although, it isn't. You have other options! You have already said you are on the waiting list for therapy which can be life changing. Isn't that worth a try?
If your NHS has long waits you could google other organisations that's offer therapy - often charitable organisations - there are many who support those who have experienced domestic violence or abuse (not that i am suggesting this is what happened to you - they are just examples) who offer women free therapies ... they are out there! There are also more generic charitable organisations who offer means tested therapy (a friend of mine used to pay £3 for her counselling sessions). If you can't find any your GP or local therapy service may be able to signpost you.
Alternatively take each day as it comes, start setting yourself very small, achievable goals and keep working on it.
Lastly if you just need to talk then please call the samaritans. They do some wonderful work. You don't need to suffer alone!
You will get out of this rut. Best wishes OP.

[Goingtobeawesome]

Thank you. On good days I don't want to give in. I'm stubborn and I hope that one day I'll believe I deserve to be here. On bad days of which there are many ATM I just want it all to end.

[tormentil]

Not officially diagnosed either - but am receiving trauma therapy treatment from the mental health team in my local area. I have recently experienced a few acute flashbacks , each of which took about 5 days out my life and made me scared for myself. Prior to this I have experienced unremitting stress for almost twenty years. I think I reached burnout, not able to cope alone any more. Definitely wish that I had sought help earlier.

Things that helped me prior to asking for help:

• binaural beat meditation - also known as brain entrainment. Induces a specific brainwave pattern, eg alpha, theta, delta. Used regularly, it can keep you calmer.
  

• high doses of vitamin d
  
• making sure I have a good nights sleep.
  

I live in an area which offers 'brainspotting' through the NHS. I have a session once a fortnight. It started in late June and I can really feel the difference.

[Goingtobeawesome]

I have recently started taking vitamin d for another reason but good to know it might help. I haven't slept properly for months. I'm exhausted.