Drained after EMDR session - tips on how to get back to work full time? Step by step program?

[BigLittle]

Hi,

Friday had an EMDR session on anger, rage. Today after last nights flashbacks/nightmares about my mother trying to crash the car with me in it and me trying to keep us on the road, I feel drained.

Next week I start volunteerwork one day a week in a kitchen for the homeless and less fortunate.

Does anyone has tips on how to get back to work full time? Step by step program?

Thanks

 

[Freddyt]

The big problem with healing from PTSD? Healing isn't linear.

It's not like having a flu and getting stronger every day after you feel ill. You can get to where you feel good and things seem to be going well and then........boom. It all goes off the rails again.

For me - it would be an agreement that I would make with my T and a plan to get back to work I worked out with my T that would get me near going back to work.

 

[BigLittle]

The big problem with healing from PTSD? Healing isn't linear.

It's not like having a flu and getting stronger every day after you feel ill. You can get to where you feel good and things seem to be going well and then........boom. It all goes off the rails again.

For me - it would be an agreement that I would make with my T and a plan to get back to work I worked out with my T that would get me near going back to work.

Yes, working with T. Yeah, it is interesting how it fluctuates.

 

[RachelBigby]

I agree with Freddy. There's no linear plan. There are seasons you can work and seasons you can't. Too many expectations will make you feel worse during setbacks.

 

[Freddyt]

Yes, working with T. Yeah, it is interesting how it fluctuates.

It just does fluctuate. Just talked to my T about that last session. It's the surprises, the jack in a boxes, strewn along the way that always seem to throw you. And you can't stop them from doing it.

 

[Friday]

I work jobby-jobs, not in my field and I DGAF about my reputation, and plan to quit/be fired a lot.

It builds up the routine, gives me time to work on how to manage my stress & life, builds up the self confidence, creates room for passion/excitement/balance, and pays cash.

It’s still hard, especially when I’m symptomatic, as I -too easily- attach life & death importance to tooooootal bullshit.

Then I usually start volunteering / taking courses in my field part time whilst still working the BS job(s). In part because jobby-jobs kill me, so by the time I’ve reached that point, and am ready for somehing more? I’m actually capable of doing more. But still need/want the safety net.

Money, stability, self-confidence & dabbling, even though it’s a brutal process… means that as I’m far more stable and ready to return to work I actually give a damn about? I actually can. And do. And do well.

 

[Wendell_R]

I find that the exhaustion is emotional and not physical, so resting with sleep or naps never seems to work. Walks outside are good for me. Soft music & self care. Books & tea.