Can people with ptsd actually function?

[shatter eyes]

The way I get over the agoraphobia is to say, all you have to do is shower and dress. Then if you feel like it, you can get in the car. Then I say, all you have to do is sit in the car, and if you feel like it, you can start it. You get the idea. I'm going to use it tomorrow, since there is a group I've been longing to attend, and I really, really want to go. Baby steps.

Sorry for the rambling,

Thank you for this. Today i did get dressed and showered. A year ago... could be days to weeks. Rambling is welcomed ??

 

[Gs172003]

I have a different flavor of agoraphobia and have learned that the longer you allow it to go on the worse it gets so I have been given the task by my T of going to places I feel like I can't escape ( my version of agoraphobia) and slowly expose myself to them until I am no longer afraid of them. Yippee :/

 

[DharmaGirl]

going to places I feel like I can't escape ( my version of agoraphobia) and slowly expose myself to them until I am no longer afraid of them.

How do you leave the house to get there? That's my problem. I can't seem to do it. I accidentally hurt myself badly, this time was a sprained knee, so I can't go. I will still take the baby steps.

 

[Gs172003]

How do you leave the house to get there? That's my problem. I can't seem to do it. I accidentally hurt myself badly, this time was a sprained knee, so I can't go. I will still take the baby steps.

I'm not afraid of leaving. I'm afraid of not being able to escape. I'm the opposite. So I have to go somewhere and teach myself that nothing is going to happen if I don't leave.

 

[unbrokenn]

It depends on if they get the correct treatment for them and how they respond (if they’re ready to accept it, if it fits into their ideologies or cognitive patterns, if they pursue it, etc)
I took a while to become functional again because the first therapist I had used a style that legit did less than nothing for my PTSD, but the second therapist really got into trauma therapy and now I’m completely functional apart from anxiety and the flashbacks and nightmares that I can manage myself with medicine and coping skills that I have been taught.

 

[Domino Derval]

So to those who have ptsd without another illness affecting symptoms such S benzo withdrawal, is it possible to have a job, relationships, etc?

Just trying to gain some insight as to what's what in my complicated situation, most of my docs are clueless as to what's benzo withdrawal even is.

I have felt that way. I just stay focused. Reading about Prison experiences helps me keep things under control quite well at times. Just Sayin' though.

 

[OpenForSuggestions]

How do you leave the house to get there? That's my problem. I can't seem to do it.

I'm having to fight my way out of isolating too. Do you have a specific reason you can name for what it is that worries you when you are out or is it just anxiety in general? It can help if you can pinpoint a specific reason and share it with someone else you can trust who can help you.

A friend knows my struggle and helps me by inviting me to outings and things regularly whenever she goes. I used to not go unless I felt good, but now I'm going every time she asks, even when I don't feel good, even when I'm anxious. It helps having someone with me.

Events that are low-key or at someone's house work best for me, libraries, hiking in the woods.

Sometimes, I get in the car and tell myself I don't actually have to go anywhere, I can just drive around and look at stuff if I wish for the fun of getting out, taking a drive, exploring, finding a new back-country road I've never been on. You can go to an animal shelter, volunteer, whatever helps ease you into going out.

Sometimes, it even takes faith that nothing bad is going to happen or that I'll be okay if it does.

 

[DharmaGirl]

Just Sayin' though.

What does that mean? Does it mean you believe if you work hard enough you can be high functioning?