PTSD

[Orangesandlemons77]

Has anyone been diagnosed with this please and what have you found to help it?

I'm finding distraction helps a bit and swimming but otherwise I feel so wound up and uncomfortable like being in permanent panic.

I've been diagnosed with CPTSD - and a million other things. Psychosis saw me have 40 weeks of one to one DBT/CBT counselling. That did help, but now I'm under CMT, I'm finding it difficult.

Definitely seek help.

Weirdly. Adult colouring books really help me. I'm sorry, it's just the worst isn't it.

emdr and medical cannabis. Both have changed my life

breathe work
cold water swimming
conscious rage release
dancing
somatic movement
tai chi
CBT
ayahuasca
cannabis

I healed myself as NHS was useless, I had C-PTSD pretty severely too!

I have this too. CPTSD from childhood which emerged badly during pregnancy and postpartum. It is like there is no going back - since symptoms began it feels like a storm in my head. They are much more manageable now and I’ve worked through a lot. Got rid of flashbacks, images, depression and nightmares. Still have some intrusive thoughts, paranoia and anxiety. But much more manageable and I’m able to be happy.

I found art/painting/adult colouring also helped. Yin yoga where you lie in cosy stretches and breathe
EMDR, talking therapy (but be cautious about trauma informed therapist only) and SSRI medication all also helped me make big steps forward.
Books like What My Bones Know also helped. And tonnes of self compassion and putting yourself first.

It is hard and people assume you are just a bit stuck on a tricky memory. In reality, it’s like trying to live life with a grizzly bear chasing you.

Thank you for the messages, really helpful!

I was juts diagnosed last week, along with recurrent depression (with psychosis) and waiting for a letter for a plan for what to do about it. They think the two are linked.

Got my letter today and it says

Depression- in remission (on high dose of fluoxetine)
Probable PTSD
Anxiety disorder

and they are recommending some psychological therapy, I will wait and see what that is.

Thanks I just ordered that book x

I was diagnosed with C-PTSD years ago. EMDR really helped (probably saved my life). Therapy, mindfulness and breathing exercises were also beneficial. Diazepam, when the anxiety became too much to bear, was also helpful, but I was always worried I'd become too reliant on it. I can see why people become addicted to Diazepam and other benzos.

I had trauma-focused CBT and it was life-saving. I went from being paralysed with fear, unable to leave my bed, to living a pretty normal life within a relatively short space of time. I also took a high dose of sertraline and something to help me sleep. I still have PTSD symptoms but they’re manageable with ongoing therapy and medication

Totally. I'm on gabapentin and co-codamol for chronic pain but sometimes wonder if it is really for the PTSD as well, as they can be calming.

Interesting, I have had some CBT in the past but more general. Glad to hear it has helped you x

I'm struggling tonight, keep having mini panic attacks and hands going freezing cold but face hot, seems to be combining with perimenopause :-(

Trying some breathing exercises

I'm sorry OP. It's the worst feeling.

Focus on your breathing. In for 3, hold for 3, out for 3.

Thanks for replying it's a bit better today