long term effects of PTSD

[snowmash]

I am feeling low (life events).

Today I got told by a tertiary care provider that they felt my PTSD (had only ever been told symptomology, clearly my notes say different) was interacting with my low mood/depression...and maybe I wasn't over what I thought I was over.

So anyone any experiences of treatment for PTSD/PTSD and depression? (my first was a very long time ago).

for you Snowmash

I had EMDR therapy for my PTSD earlier this year, it works by processing the memory of the traumatic event/s. It worked really well for me.

Hi Snowmash,

I know what you mean -- that's the way 'life events' leave us :(
I spent a lot of time with my therapist. Three times a week when in hospital and weekly as an out-patient. He helped a LOT. Then again, I hadn't spoken to anyone about the causes of my PTSD in over 20 years (other than DH) so not surprising that he would help IYSWIM.

It's probably different for each of us, but I found just talking with someone who was unbiased and how he managed my behavior and thoughts made a huge change. I found myself in a place where I could forgive those who hurt me and ways to concentrate on the now and my DH/kids.

Of course the Anti-d's played their role.

Hope to see you feeling a tad better :)

EMDR has been massively helpful in helping me get over my PTSD. It can really accelerate the process, I am so grateful I learnt about it (on Mumsnet!) and then went out and found an experienced therapist who was trained in it.

It's been a revelation to learn that I had symptoms from PTSD for thirty years, especially dissociation plus bouts of severe depression and anxiety. I have so much more time now that I don't dissociate!

Sorry you are going through this,
I have ptsd from an event 25 years ago it has effected everything I have done ever since without me being hugely aware of it.

I started EMDR, unfortunately it wasn't for me, I couldn't stay removed enough from my re-experiencing to be able to benefit it just re-traumatised me, but the lady I see was very quick to say we weren't going to carry on.
So we are going the slow route.

She is teaching me how to go be a grown up without letting it make all my decisions for me.

I agree with QoW I am getting better at being "here" but still mucho room for improvement.

If you want to talk here we are here to listen

I had 'brainspotting' therapy - quite similar to emdr - for my PTSD earlier this year and it has totally changed my life. My PTSD was related to the birth of my son and its aftermath 2 years ago, so nowhere near as long as some of the other posters.

Very much here to listen if you want to talk - we know what a lonely place it is.

Thank you everyone...all your replies are much appreciated.

Sorry for not responding sooner, I am in limbo at the moment (primary care feel it is too complex for them to help, tertiary can't either, so waiting for secondary...very difficult to cope as tertiary talking about it for a few hours has brought it all out).

Hi, I have no advice really. A friend of my family suffers from PTSD following him serving in the Falklands. I don't know what techniques he uses but he has to avoid stress at almost any cost. Not easy when you have a family and life keeps getting in the way. Lots of things set him off, seemingly innocuous unconnected things.

TechLovingDad: it's a very tricky one. If (and it's definitely an if) you can get through treatment (which generally involves reliving your experiences with someone trained until you don't get the flashbacks/strong emotions), then that can help.

Doing that (and living back through it) if you've been exposed to multiple experiences that put you in fear of your life is difficult because of the emotions involved - I'm trying to avoid stressors at the momnt because of the inward anger (and possible consequences), other people get outward anger too :(

Otherwise, like you say, it's avoiding trigering events (which is very difficult).