Do You Feel Like You Have Control Over Your PTSD?

[cragger65]

I see some light, some promise in these comments. Irs, that is impressive and hope inspiring. Do you remember exactly what transpired for you in April 2004 that began this maturing and improving trend?

 

[cat]

I have not had any symptoms of PTSD since about April of 2004.
Prior to that it was kicking my ass, there were no good days, and I doubt I was long for this world.
Since April 2004, I've continually matured emotionally and sociallly, and I feel as though I get stronger each year.

That's really good to hear! i was beginning to think that despite therapy there will be no end to the way I'm feeling.

 

[anthony]

Do You Feel Like You Have Control Over Your PTSD?

Yes, for the most part... I can control it most times by recognising the warnings to rest, etc.... sometimes I still get told by Nicolette to pull my head in that I am getting nasty or the like, which typically wakes me up that something is wrong and I must recognise what it is quickly, solve the problem then recover, keep going. All a bit of a routine nowadays I guess, though still something I have to manage daily. If I am exposed to things that I just cannot control, then they can have quite a negative impact upon me depending on severity.

I would say... 95% of the time I can control the PTSD impact upon me through self management.

If I had to work or the like, well... I would say it would only take a very short period, days, maybe a week, until I cracked, likely killed someone and either ended up in hospital or jail. I just don't play nice with the public under such circumstances, and I know it too by trying. I guess by knowing my limitations because I have certainly pushed them all beyond reasonable... I have a better sense of myself to get it right 95% of the time.

 

[Nicolette]

sometimes I still get told by Nicolette to pull my head in that I am getting nasty or the like

Team work I say....that is support...helping Anthony recognise his symptoms when he doesn't. Pleasingly I don't have to do it very often.

 

[lrs]

I see some light, some promise in these comments. Irs, that is impressive and hope inspiring. Do you remember exactly what transpired for you in April 2004 that began this maturing and improving trend?

Well, it's true.
I wrote a story about this, it can be found on this forum at:

[DLMURL="http://www.ptsdforum.org/thread243.htm"][/URL]http://www.ptsdforum.org/thread243/3.html[/DLMURL]

 

[Auburngirl]

I feel like I'm managing it, and I have some control whereas previously I had none. Now I don't feel like I'm dealing with CPTSD anymore - but panic disorder and, mostly, a dissociative disorder. Both play a role in my day to day life, but most days they don't dominate. I feel like I need to more careful, in some ways forever vigilant.

A lot of the time I feel really well. Most of my current symptoms are minor, but a recent relapse reminded me that I do need to be careful. Sleep, boundaries and being gentle with myself are critical. The relapse really woke me up to the fact that I can't just let things go because things have been better, I need to get to a routine, be careful about getting what I need in terms, of rest, exercise, stability and support. I'm now seeing my shrink about monthly, which is quite okay. It's nice to have someone to check in on you. I have a feeling that will be coming to an end soon, which I'm a bit apprehensive about, but I suppose that's normal.

 

[Spoo]

I am unsure... I feel like I do one week, then the next I'm not entirely sure and almost let symptoms control me.

 

[Nicolette]

it can be found on this forum at:

[DLMURL]http://www.ptsdforum.org/thread243.htm[/DLMURL]

Irs where is this post as the link only takes you to the main page? Let me know and I will fix it for you.

 

[A-RON]

I don't care whether I have control anymore. The world is unjust and life is not fair. I'm tired of trying to have control. So I guess I do have control in that I choose to roll with the punches instead of fighting. Now if only my point of view could remain consistent.

 

[Dylan]

Right now I do, yes.

I'm coming out of a bit of a dip and managing very well right now.
For me, recovery is more and more about the lows not going so low and the recovery time is quicker/stronger each time.

I'm learning that my brain, and most of its reactions, ARE changeable and within my control, not to mention that the responsibility to do so is mine, and mine alone. I think of it more as response-ABLE; it's much more empowering. :wink: I CAN rewire a great deal and those things that I can't I can develop skills to nurture/reassure and gently bring myself back to balance more quickly.

The more I focus on the strength of my skills, the rewiring this ol' brain of mine, the better I do. Judicious use of my energy (and focus) toward change is the key for me.

-Dylan

 

[Claire]

Yes, apart from when it has control of me. :think:

 

[BlankCanvas]

There are some responses in here that make me really hopeful that PTSD can become a lot more manageable. I'm wondering if anyone think age plays a factor in terms of when you're diagnosed and how quickly you can learn to control it?