I Have Ptsd But Im Not On Any Meds To Help Me Chill Out

[craigrio]

I dunno what to ask my doctor what I should be on but I would just like something to stop me worrying and keep me still for some time. I seem to worry all day every day and it's getting way to much now I'm getting fed up of it is there any thing some people would say is the best?

 

[Seasounds]

You are at choice as to how you go about getting help.
Finding a therapist and a primary care doctor, whom you trust and can afford, would be a good first step. Ask people you know, who they would recommend.

If your symptoms are intense, you may want to ask your primary care doctor to start you on an antidepressant or refer you to a psychiatrist, who deals with antidepressants regularly. Doctors rely on building a mutual trusting relationship with you; with this in mind, they may want to see you a couple of times before prescribing any medication.i

I hope you find some ways to decrease your stress, and increase your peacefulness.

 

[Candleflames]

There are lots of different meds that can relieve many of the symptoms we face. I take 3, but figuring out which ones to take was quite the process.

Deciding what to take is a highly individualized process. The ones you should consider depends on your personal medical history as well as what symptoms are bothering you most. My doc and I had to take more than a few off the table because while they treat the symptom, other things in my history made them unsuitable. I'm also taking meds that some people loathed taking but they work so well for me life would be impossible.

If your in the states and have insurance you can get a list of providers that are both in network (and so are covered) and out of network (and so cost more) providers that can help you figure out what would work well for you.

Good luck.

 

[ghotiff]

I think it's more about explaining to your doctor the symptoms you want help with rather than going with a specific recommendation for yourself. Worry seems your main one you want help with. You may want to think about how to explain this to your doctor, eg is it anxiety or ruminating or both?

 

[craigrio]

My doctor as passed me over to a therapist. We are in early stages of the 13 sessions but my doctor didn't know what tablets to put me on. He did put me on 1 before but it didn't seem to work and my therapist said my levels of anxiety are 23, but I dunno what to say to them I didn't know my therapist could give me meds.

 

[franciemarnie]

Sometimes we do need meds to function, but they are only a band-aid. They camouflage symptoms and shut up what your body is telling you. Be aware they cure nothing, and generally numb feelings.

Whether or not you go on meds, it would be a good thing to consider mindful meditation so you gain confidence in taking action with and understanding your internal state. Otherwise you are at the mercy of chemicals and doctors.

But definitely sometimes we need extra help. I certainly made use of many meds over the years, but find mindful meditation far superior, and a positive step in actual healing. It takes a bit of an effort at first though.

 

[silkleaves]

he did put me on 1 befor but it didnt seem to work and my therapist said my levels of anxiety are 23 but i dunno what to say to them i didnt know my therapist could give me meds

I'm not sure where you are based, but Im in the states, and my therapist could not prescribe me meds, I had a psychiatrist who I had to meet with once a month to discuss my medication. So I would say, if you already have a therapist, to let them know that you want to try medication, that way they can set you up with a psychiatrist who will be able to help you with what it is you need.

But yeah, like @ghotiff said, it can take trial and error..its not just about the meds, but your own body chemistry and also your personal way of responding that makes it happen. It can take trying different meds and different doses, or a combination of meds to get you balanced out, and a lot of times, it takes time to find the right combination for you through trial and error...all stuff that you would need to sit down and discuss with them.

I

 

[Justmehere]

Sounds like you are having a really difficult time! There are no really good medications that can completely chill out someone with PTSD. With therapy and medication, things can get a heck of a lot better though.

As far how to talk your doctor, try making a list of what you are experiencing, and any questions you have. Then bring the list with you to the appointment, and share it with your doctor by reading your list or handing it to your doctor. Then you and your doctor can come up with a plan of what medication to try next.

Some medications can actually make anxiety worse, especially when they wear off, so be sure to follow your doctor's instructions and contact the doctor if things don't get better or if they get worse.

As far as talking to your therapist, I would highly recommend asking for what things you can do when you get worried. Ask them about grounding skills, relaxation, mindfulness, thought stopping. These kinds of things can be started in therapy at the very first session and can help just as much as medications (and with no side effects or rebound symptoms! :))

One thing that helps me is to do 4-square breathing. It means you breathe in for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 4 seconds, and then breathe out for 4 seconds, and just keep repeating that. (4 times.) This breathing exercise signals to the brain and body that it is ok to calm down and it automatically sends signals to the heart and brain to slow down and relax.

 

[Hashi]

What strategies and practices do you have (non-medical) to manage the worry and stress? Do you use them regularly?

Just trying to get a sense of where you are with this.

 

[Springer80]

I realise I may get some criticism for this. Obviously you have a young boy. However, after years of various different anti-depressants, which were hilariously to treat the depression caused by not receiving proper treatment!!! The thing I turned to was cannabis and it worked and it was pretty much side effect free.

I'm not talking about turning into a Cheech and Chong extra. I had one or two a night and it took the pain out of ,y muscles, the hypertension out of my brain, I could stop thinking and I slept like a log. An added bonus was that I didn't have to endure woefully inadequate and critical health professionals metaphorically prodding my condition.

After years of trying to get appropriate help, the only other thing I was eventually given were beta-blockers. I could literally watch the tension in my hands and arms drop out. Thing is they are kind of habit forming, by the time I was given them I was effectively using them as musculator pain relief (this is not good for your heart).

If I were you, if you feel traumatised and not depressed do not be fobbed off with being treated for depression when what you have is ptsd.

 

[desiderata310]

In my state we have access to 'medical cannabis'. It can come in candy or brownie form. My therapist spent a month convincing me to see a doctor about this. It's the only way I sleep now.

 

[Springer80]

Good for you Desi! I'm so glad you can get some rest. I've been smoking cigarettes since I was about 12, the down side of cannabis if you are already a smoker if that the relief you get from self medicating is bound to tobacco

I'm so glad some parts of the world see sense about non prescription drugs. I think western society is edging toward understanding addiction better.

I'm in the UK were it's illegal, so you have to skulk about in the shadows feeling guilty about it! Still needs must and for a good while it was only thing that helped.