Help- Advice Needed

[James Lowney]

Dear All,

I've already posted here as I have recently been diagnosed with PTSD, which is from more than one incident, and got some great feedback, so I was wondering if I could ask your advice about whether the feelings I have our consistent with PTSD or any other member of this forum.

Its a beautiful day outside and I really have nothing to worry about. That stated I'm feeling very on edge, worrying and wincing when I have thoughts about the past which just come in to my head. This is just today but its been like this for me for many years now. There are days when I really should be happy with life but I'm full of anxiety, dread, worry and self hatred. I think its been called hypervigilance amongst other things.

I am getting treatment and I told my psychotherepist that while not suicidal if someone told me I had to spend the rest of my life like this I probably would be!!! She told me that I shouldn't worry and that PTSD IS treatable!!

M

 

[ashdawn8287]

I have come to learn that with PTSD you have to condition your mind and body to relax. I fight bad thoughts with positive. I tell myself I am safe a million times a day. And I do yoga, drink hot tea, take relaxing baths, and write. I have to literally force myself to relax. Hope this helps.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Yes, those feelings are common among PTSD sufferers. Anxiety often exists even though you may have no reason to be anxious.

 

[Tinyflame]

When I feel my thoughts go now I try to remember to look at what is causing stress- did I eat, sleep, do I have physical pain, etc. ? What I can do to alleviate it I do even if I have no desire to (like eat). It seems to make a large difference. Also to have other input is critical.

 

[James Lowney]

Thanks Junebug ( and others.)

Can I ask what do you mean when you say ' other' input is critical? Who constitutes the ' other.' Friends? Family? Work collegues? A Professional psychotherapist?

James

 

[intothelight]

The anxiety, worry, fear, being on guard (hypervigilance), etc. are all symptoms that are increased with amount of stress hormones that your body releases. They can become self-perpetuating and increase in intensity unless you do somethings to take the stress levels down.

Junebug had some great points about taking an inventory. Making sure that you take care of yourself from getting enough rest, eating regularly and hydrating can help your body better regulate the reaction to everyday stressors. Exercise, yoga, meditation, mindfulness are all things that great for helping reduce anxiety. Ashdawn also had some suggestions for things that may help you to relax.

One thing that will help overtime is learning to catch the thought, ruminations, distortions, etc. that feed the cycle. Learning to identify and redirect your own thoughts is extremely helpful. Even something as simple as reading a joke, striking up a conversation, or just focusing on a view outside a window can help break the whirling thoughts.

Yes, it does get better over time and as you learn to manage the symptoms.

 

[roaminggnome]

You sound like me except for the startle response which I don't seem to have anymore. It used to be bad, people would walk up behind me and I would scream at the top of my lungs. It hasn't happened in awhile. But as for the anxiety, fear, and worry I have that too. Still after all these years I am looking at life as one big worse case scenario. I've tried changing that but haven't been able to yet.

My symptoms have gotten better over time with some sliding backwards during major stresses in my life. But guaranteed every time the anniversary of the event rolls around I get knocked down and my symptoms are worse. Other times it is a matter of me reminding myself that the past is in the past and it is not happening in the here and now. With me it is a matter of taking control over what helps my symptoms. Such as exercising, knitting, guided imagery for PTSD, relaxation and grounding techniques, and listening to music.

 

[Tinyflame]

Yes intothelight has said it best! :tup: :)

Just as ITL said about the daily care and stress reduction, I find acknowledging it in the ('a') present moment helps, even if overall the stress reduction isn't quite in place (not ideal but something to strive for).

I guess what I mean for myself, as regards 'other input', is that beyond learning and identifying and trying to correct where my thinking is faulty, is simply input of a different perspective. To be specific I guess one has to reveal what they are thinking or fear or what has happened. Or without revealing anything, the input may spark a different way of thinking about something or be encouraging or consoling, etc.

I imagine that could come from any or all of the sources you've listed, depending. Or anything you can read which would do so. For some people or at some times, if they hear something challenging, that is helpful. For myself I guess feeling battered down the feeling of safety or hope helps most. Either way, if you can keep an open mind to listen and reconsider things it can help. I say 'other input' because if I were able to generate it myself or have thought of it on my own I would have.

Best wishes.