I can't speak for anyone else but I have specific things that I needed to do in order to manage my Complex PTSD, I also hear voices.
My main priority was to get a diagnosis and that was an uphill struggle as GPs are not generally interested in a diagnosis just individual symptoms.
I think it's essential so you can get the right kind of help and self help. I was diagnosed after 40 years and finally feel I can now research this specific condition and start improving my life. Before diagnosis it was very confusing and I didn't know where to turn. I have ordered lots of self help books.
Being on the right medication is essential and finally I feel I am on the right medication.
I have absolute priorities in my life, these come first and everything else has to take a back seat.
No1 priority is work. I'm an NHS professional and I need this job to pay my mortgage, get a pension and save for the future. So no matter what I go in. Getting up, getting dressed and driving to work gives me a focus for my day and I need the routine.
No matter how lousy I feel I get up and get dressed and by the time I get there I feel ok. I find if you keep taking days off sick your mental state tends to slide downwards.
No 2 my family and my cat.
Anything else I can let slide, cleaning, social stuff, if I feel awful I ignore it all and just go to bed.
I can't cope with relationships so I don't have them any more. Both times I was married my mental health spiralled out of control so now I don't bother and I feel much much happier.
Anyone else?