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I am not comfortable being taped or even having pictures taken of me unless it's by my best friend. I don't know why, it just feels invasive.

I gained a lot of weight when I took an anti-depressant, so now I'm trying to get that off. For me another huge contributor to the weight gain is night eating--when I am scared to go to sleep, I eat because I know it will wake me up. I've been doing that for twenty years and it's definitely had...

We had a storm blow through yesterday evening with lots of alarming sounds (which I realized this morning were pinecones falling from trees and hitting the roof!). So I was afraid to go to bed and (major error #1) didn't take my Trazodone. I would nod off for a bit and then wake up after a half...

I do this all the time. When I'm falling asleep I will sometimes make squeaky noises and those wake me up, too.

I swear by a regimen of regular activity, stretching, and frequent progressive muscle relaxation--that releases tension I didn't even know I was holding.

My guess would be that the doctor might be willing to do medication management immediately while helping you work up to the reality of an exam. Remember that you can see a doctor and decline, or stop, a physical exam at any time--it really does sound like a hormone/meds issue, but the doctor...

I don't explain my hypervigilance to people, and most don't notice--that's the nature of humanity, we're all absorbed with our own selves. It's just how I am. I do train in martial arts/self-defense and that has been a great way to channel my hypervigilance. I've learned to better assess my...

Wow, she sounds more than a little scary to me.

Thanks :) Some of the stress is normal--I found out today that a coworker with some of the same new responsibilities is also melting down over it. That's reassuring. I don't have a lot of compassion for myself. It's hard to give myself a break and stop criticizing my reactions. I'm trying to...

I always have trouble this time of year, going back to work after several weeks off (I am in education). My work is front-loaded, so there is a lot more to do in the next two months than the rest of the year, plus I'm adjusting to being around people all day again after many quiet days on my...

I sympathize and understand the feeling. I hope it is getting better for you!

I resist it without even realizing I'm doing it. For example, I'll stay up late even when I'm tired because I feel safer when I'm awake, even though I know that in the days that follow I will be more hypervigilant and prone to triggering. It's frustrating because while I know that I need to...

This is what you need to talk about with your therapist. Sometimes, the work we do in therapy is about the relationship. Your feelings after the falling out reflect the thinking created by the trauma. The way to change that pattern is to go through the feelings and find a way to repair a...

Nice work! I hope you get some added $$$ to go with the new title!

Yes, stay away from him and don't read the letter. No matter who works for him, they will be burdened by his behavior--your leaving has no bearing on that. Don't take responsibility for his misbehavior. He clearly has personal problems. It's unprofessional for a boss to write a letter to a...

I like the changes as well. I saw myself in the DSM-IV diagnosis criteria, but I really see everything I struggle with included here.

I am not on disability. In fact, I think my job keeps me from being totally debilitated by my PTSD. I think it's because I am most triggered by home-related stuff (sights and sounds). When I am off work for vacation my symptoms increase dramatically, even on the weekends I have more difficulty...

I can't step foot in a WalMart. Even when I'm doing well, I freak out. I have a similar reaction in most big box stores, but it's worst in WalMart. The fluorescent lights, high shelves, and crowds make it completely unmanageable for me (and for lots of other regular folks!). I hope you were...

I read a news brief today that said researchers found women a connection between estrogen levels during the month and PTSD symptoms. Startle response, as one measure, was worse when estrogen levels were low--just before and during your period.

It makes total sense. When we blame ourselves, it puts us in control--if it's our fault, we can somehow ensure that it doesn't happen again. When we accept that someone else (or pure natural chance) is the controlling factor, it changes that worldview completely. Scary stuff!

Imagery can be very challenging and what is helpful varies from person to person. The cloud thing is ridiculous to me! But I am sure it works for some people. I have actually done a lot of imagery work with my therapist. The first few variations we tried fell flat and were not helpful. So we'd...

My psychiatrist also had me start at 50--then 100, 150, and finally 300 was the magic dose that put me to sleep in about 30 minutes. The dosage is different for everyone and the standard is to start low and titrate up. Keep in touch with your doc to work out what might work.

So proud of Ireland's Katie Taylor winning gold in boxing!

sigh

Oh, how I understand where you are coming from! Workmen in the house is the worst. It is a major trigger for me, it feels like something horrific will happen to me any second. You are brave to do a reno and to face your fears! It sounds like one thing that is making this really hard for you is...