Complex PTSD positive stories?!

[rainbowninja]

Diagnosed last week. A relief in a way after years of trying to keep the anxiety at bay. This diagnosis sort of says to me that there are underlying reasons it keeps coming back and I've been feeling so guilty and self critical that it is a relief.

Anyone got any positive stories of things that have helped or just a hand hold? Night time worries and anxiety are the worst currently.

Now you've got the diagnosis, it must mean you've got some sensible professionals working with you who don't want to pass you off with GAD and give you drugs.

It means you've got a chance at getting the right type of therapies to help. If trauma is in your background. Avoid the CBT and find someone who can really work with you on trauma focused therapies

I'd recommend a book by Bessel van der kolk called the body keeps the score. I listened to it via audio book which made it much easier to digest.

I've been on this path for many years and things are only just coming clearer. About me, the past etc.

Take care

Thanks @purringpaws that book keeps cropping up, it must be a sign!

And yes they can't fob me off with CBT anymore, works for a while and then I'm back where I started. Appreciate the reply, having the diagnosis is empowering I guess.

Hope you're doing ok

I got this diagnosis a long time ago and have just started working with a new psychologist who specialises in trauma and some other non-CBT techniques. The difference is amazing, even though I know I have a long way to go. I can't believe I've let myself basically be fobbed off for years by a psychiatrist who gave up on me and a CBT therapist who encouraged me to avoid the issues instead of working on them!

I hope you get some good treatment with an understanding therapist. I think after a few sessions you will have some good things to hold on to, to help in between. I make notes after my sessions in case I forget things.

I've done an exercise where I've started a list of nice things that I do for myself. Things I can be a little bit proud of. Sometimes it can be hard to think of anything you take pleasure in. But there will be something, if not now then soon. Just simple things like making an effort to put make up on, cooking a nice meal, a bit of gardening, knitting, reading or an audiobook, meeting a friend, whatever is your thing. It can distract you a bit and boost your self esteem. I hope it doesn't sound silly. We are also starting to talk about how to care for the part of me (or the younger 'me') that is traumatised.

Do you like cats? I think you've attracted a couple of cat people here 🐱

PS give yourself an enormous pat on the back for getting yourself the diagnosis, it's not easy

@Twotabbycats Thank you, I can't believe how long I stuck at the CBT or the self-help stuff either. Even my CBT therapist saying it was unusual to completely relapse in the way that I kept doing didn't seem to ring any alarm bells (just thought it must be me).

I've been offered either DBT or family of origin trauma therapy which I'm keen to try as well as a change in meds. I'd actually started to work with a therapist who specialises in trauma and the nervous system in recent weeks but it's possible she was a bit out of her depth and at least its lead to me getting a diagnosis.

I do like cats! I've got 2 small dogs though but they are very cuddly wishing you all the best with your healing and thanks for the reply

Please research EMDR. It has been proven to be extremely effective with PTSD.
I'm having it myself atm. It sounds a bit crazy at first, as you think how can something so simple work? It's honestly sooo much more useful than bloody CBT.
My therapist has successfully treated extremely traumatised military veterans, sexual abuse survivors, people like me whose PTSD comes from the suicide of my child.
It's really worth looking into. Good luck.

Thanks @Eekay I will ask about EMDR and I'm so sorry for your loss.

My situation seems to pale in comparison but unfortunately I guess it's not what happens to us so much as how we or our nervous system responds.

I had very young inexperienced parents, a dad with PTSD who had multiple affairs and a mum who was very depressed. I was suffering with anxiety by the time I was a teenager and they didn't handle it well. I think the fear and sense of abandonment has never gone away. I'm glad for any relief that you've got from this treatment xxxx