Search results

Great suggestions, berlinda! The link you provided is a good one. ☺

This pandemic thing is difficult for everyone. Most people with PTSD are going to probably experience some intensifing (is that even a word) of their symptoms. I would suggest just giving him a little extra space/time and allow things to unfold. Maybe just check-in and see how he is doing in...

Hi, everybody! I thought it might be helpful for us to list ways that we self-soothe. That way others might get ideas they haven’t thought of/tried before, and might be further helped. I know right now, I need some fresh ideas, because things that have worked for me in the past are not...

Hi, Kamorth. You are definitely helping your community. Such a beautiful use of your skills and talent. To bless others when we ourselves are struggling can often be a blessing to us as well. Masks are certainly in short supply. Meaning your masks are needed to prevent the spread of this...

Those feelings are challenging to live with on a daily basis. Good for you that you have rededicated yourself to your sobriety. Self-medicating only complicates and delays healing; probably something you already know. Do you have an AA sponsor or a therapist that you can reach out to for...

There are still ways to have a family with a new partner. There are so many children who need loving homes. You could adopt, when the time is right for you.

I did finally fall asleep. It took several hours. Best of all I did not wake-up with a nightmare. I awoke several times, but I was able to go back to sleep relatively quickly. I slept about 5 hours total. So I am very pleased with that. Still having the awful rape sensations in my body...

Watermelon Jolly Ranchers, really any watermelon flavored candy. Florescent lights that flicker, or when banks of them are turned off or a burnt-out florescent light. Really I hate florescent lighting, but I can tolerate it if all lights are on and properly functioning. Men with facial hair...

Update: the Prazosin doesn't seem to be helping. Or maybe I just need to give it more time. My lack of sleep is making me very impatient. I'm going to call my psychiatrist in the morning to see if I need to give it more time to work, or what else I might do. I need sleep. Restful sleep.

Hi, Catlovers141. You are being smart. Now is not the time to worry about romantic relationships and sex. Now is the time to work on healing from your trauma. I know from experience, if you push yourself into dating or romantic relationships too soon you will only end up with more junk to...

Hi, Survivir2324. This definitely sounds like an unsafe therapist. If I were in your shoes, I would not see this therapist again. Please don't let this bad experience prevent you from getting the help you need. There are good mental health professionals out there who are kind and supportive...

Hi, dcb2410. I just wanted to say that I m sorry you are feeling piled-up on. Keep in mind that everyone here is working to resolve their own trauma and/or issues. I agree, you are the only one who gets to decide how long you need to heal after a painful break-up. Much better to take your...

You are definitely not crazy. I don't know that stats, but I'm fairly confident this happens to many who have suffered trauma.

Hi, spilled-popcorn/Juliette. I also have flashbacks that include smelling my abuser. Usually, I smell him on me. Drives me mad at times. So, I can understand your struggle. Sometimes I can combat this by smelling something else that I like. Do you have scented candles, hand lotion...

I agree with you Ronin. However my body is resisting sleep right now. I slept for about an hour and a half last night, and I took a nap for about another hour. That's been typical for me the past two weeks. Because I sleep very lightly once I actually fall asleep. Plus, I have life-like...

Hi, Warrior Chicken. I think you explained everthing very well. I'm so sorry that you can relate to my post, because it means you've lived through some messed-up stuff. In a way, it helps to know I'm not the only one suffering this way. On the other hand, it's sad to know that you get it...

Yes. You're correct. I don't see everyone else's whole picture. The thing is I feel like I'm going to lose my mind if I don't get some real sleep and/or these body memories keep attacking me. When they first started it was intermittent, I had periods of relief. Now, it's pretty much 24/7...

Thank you. I hope you, I, and everyone else here will have many, many good days ahead. It is very sad that so many people have had similar experiences. I just don't get how everyone is handling things so much better than I am able to.

Thank you, Osiris. I'm just miserable and drained. Overwhelmed. Sorry if come across as a b*tch.

I get your point, Ronin. However, right now these physical sensations make me feel as if those who abused me and raped me are still in control. Particularly the rape when I was 12-years-old. I feel like my body is going through it now. Sometimes, I just feel the pain, but other times I feel...

This might seem odd, but when I get these rape-like feelings in my body, I also find it difficult to move freely. So, I haven't been exercising the way I would like to. These past two weeks have been particularly challenging. I have been searching for answers everywhere to no avail. My...

Hi, Osiris. Intellectually I know my body is my own, but I have been used for my body from such an early age by so many people that it never has felt like mine. So, all of these rape-like feelings in my body, just reinforce the idea that I don't really have control of my body. And it seems as...

Wow, Ronin! There's a bunch in that post. I guess for me crisis mode means that I am unable to escape the trauma, because it infiltrates every aspect of my life. I am unable to do basic things, such as sleep, eat, shower, etc. as I typically would. Further, I struggle to engage in life the...

Hi, Chris-duck. I spoke with my psychologist, and after we talked for a bit, she agreed that going in-patient was not the best option. She even apologized for scaring me, which surprised me. After we spoke, I think she gained a better understanding. That I don't want to hurt myself. I just...

I'm glad to know you're making progress, Ronin. I agree there are many aspects to consider when determining if one is in a crisis state, or further along in the healing progression. It sounds as if you've spent years making it through on your own. I wish continuing healing and a full life.