General Calm Before The Storm

[Tabitha]

Hello all,

I'm reading these threads almost obsessively now trying to learn as much as I possibly can. I know mentally I'll need a break soon and I'll take it when I know I've had enough.

I'm reading about many symptoms and it seems like they are mild to extreme with different people. My "N" starts therapy soon and I'm wondering if I need to prepare myself. Once she starts talking about her trauma's and reliving them through therapy, it's going to get worse before it's better, won't it?

I'm actually okay with that, I just want to prepare myself for the aftermath of her having to bring all of that horror to the surface. I'm nervous. I'm not sure if she has flashbacks, if she does, she doesn't tell me about them. I'm scared that they become bad once all of this is out in the open. I guess there's no point in wasting energy in worrying now, I'll support her and be by her side as it comes.

Did any other carer's notice symptoms get worse at the beginning of therapy?

<Edited for font size by Amethist>

 

[Sazza]

I am not a carer but just wanted to say its common for symptoms to surface when entering therapy. As trauma and issues are brought to the surface there is bound to be an increase in emotions and other symptoms its all part of working through things. We have to relive things in a structured and safe environment in order to establish that they are things that have happened in the past so when flashbacks happen we can relate to them being horrible memories rather than actual trauma over again if that makes sense.

 

[Toria]

Hi Tabitha - I think you need to expect a dip as Therapy starts. It's about three years since Husband had his but I did see a pattern. His sessions were on a Monday am. On Sunday evening he would become restless and had to be up and doing something - couldn't just sit and relax. Monday morning he was worse, angry, restless and really hard to communicate with. Monday night he'd be very quiet and introverted and by Tuesday am he was back to normal. If her therapy is more intense then I would expect the reaction to be more intense too. Best of luck to you both

 

[maddog]

Hi Tabitha. Once again, not speaking from a carer's perspective here, but I think that trying to figure out when she is likely to experience improvement and/or setbacks when starting therapy, how quickly, to what extent and in what form, are all issues you can't necessarily predict in advance. There are so many variables at play about N herself, the therapist, the relationship/rapport they establish, the nature/modality of therapy being used and N's own "place" in relation to this trauma, that will dictate how things play out in the coming weeks and months. Some people are impacted by therapy almost straight away, perhaps for better or worse. Others take a long time to absorb into the process enough for change to occur, in which case you may notice no change in her for a good while.

I know it seems important to try to be prepared and forewarned, but it's just not that black and white in the case of PTSD and therapy. Being ever observant and responsive to her if she wishes to talk to you about it, or not, are the only ways to go forward with this I think. I hope she's able and willing to share some of her therapy experiences with you, as this will no doubt help you to understand where she's at as she goes along.

Good luck, most importantly, and take care of you.

Maddog

 

[Tabitha]

Thanks to all for the replies once again. I think finding this forum has been our saving grace. I've been reading about everything I can and sharing it with her. She's been reading everything she can and her attitude has actually changed so much for the better in a matter of days. It's like when she heard PTSD from the psychiatrist, it didn't register, to be honest though the psychiatrist explained nothing to us about it. Now, reading all of the stories and information it's like she understands she's not alone and that there is hope for her. It's amazing.

 

[living4jesus]

Once she starts talking about her trauma's and reliving them through therapy, it's going to get worse before it's better, won't it?<Edited for font size by Amethist>

My experience as a supporter with my fiancee is that it does seem to get worse before it gets better once they start therapy. There is a TON of great information in the supporter forums. I found that the more I educate myself on PTSD the better I am prepared when he is having a bad day.:)