Poll How Do You Deal With Ptsd?

[Pippi]

I refused to take medication for many years, but I have been on Zoloft for three years now and it has been a godsend. It doesn't make me instantly and eternally blissful (which would be boring anyway), but it does cut off the feedback loop that my brain gets trapped in at times. It prevents me from spending an entire day pacing the floor while my anxiety shoots through the roof. I used to have at least one day per week like that, when I couldn't work, study, or otherwise distract myself from crippling anxiety and paranoia. I used to consider these drugs a sign of weakness, but I understand now that they are often life-saving medications. Just like a person who takes drugs for a heart condition, I need my medication in order to be a healthy person. It's just one tool in the box, however. Talking has also been extremely helpful. Knowing that other people understand where I am coming from, and receiving reassurance that I am not crazy, is comforting.

 

[heidi]

I started taking benzos a few months back. I've been better since having them around. Maybe because I feel I have some thing to fall back on..as opposed to nothing at all. I've experienced some depression as a side effect, but I prefer it to the anger feelings. My tolerance level is quickly increasing so it's not a permanent option.

I guess I also starting coming here around the time I was doing worse. And so I've gained some tips from here. I used to try to come up with my own lousy tips (that never work). Now I kind of subconsciously take from others. One thing that has been helpful to me is working on acceptance. Another has been realizing that it's bad days and good days. I also find it's been helpful to think more in terms of symptom management..then trying to fix this. Before coming here I was all torn up about not being able to heal myself. And it only made it worse for me.

 

[Srain]

I spent years in therapy dealing some of the abuses, after awhile had to use minimal meds for depression, EMDR to finish up and shortly thereafter broke completely apart after a severe trigger. Got slammed with meds during hospital stays, floundered trying to resist it could PTSD, until finding myself here, and am now in Trauma Therapy feeling much better than I have in years, coming slowly off the meds and clearing out deeper traumas and issues.

I will try anything to get me through this process. I look worse than I ever have to others but I have never been this well in my life --- it feels like crap though!

 

[Astrid]

I have been in therapy for 2 1/2 years, but have only talked some about my trauma for the past 1 1/2 years. Before t hen I was in therapy too but never trusted my therapist, or was hospitalized (since 2007) but with no therapy. I don't use a specific approach in therapy. EMDR has been suggested but is counterindicated due to the fact that I have DID. I use an antidepressant and an antipsychotic, but was on both before the diagnosis of PTSD. The antidepressant helps with generalized anxiety and the antipsychotic helps with irritability. Both are related to PTSD but also to my autism.

 

[Gamereign555]

I should point out that now later in the thread, I am no longer surprised at the results of the "*I take medication" part of it.
But I am pleased to see how many of the participants see a therapist.

 

[lifeguard17]

I don't take medication because I can't handle the side effects or swallowing pills everyday. I don't see a therapist anymore, but it doesn't matter as much because I imagine what she would say and get her experience without the hassle! :D The main way I deal with it is DVDs, I almost always have one on in the background so I have something else to focus on. I make plans and make sure I'm prepared for everything I'm going to do the following day so nothing takes me by surprise. I've also found that this forum is amazing, I don't post often or check everyday, but when I do read others' posts it reminds me I'm not alone, that other people understand what I mean when I say I have to work hard every day to make sure I don't blow up at anyone.

 

[Srain]

I am no longer surprised at the results of the "*I take medication" part of it

Yes, but now I finally see my way clear to a day without them, whereas just a few short months ago I did not ever seeing that a possibility, certainly no pdoc had even come close to suggesting I cut back let alone dream of a day without.

I had gone years and years without medication, I see no reason that I cannot go without again. I have hope now and a 2 therapists that believe it is very possible. :)

 

[tiffystee]

I am still learning myself. I just started to see a new therapist, taking meds but still am having the roughest time dealing with it. I am thankful that I joined an online support group, dosn't make me feel like I'm the only one so that is helping. But I really have never dealt with it just pushed through and avoided certain places, people, things, and life in general.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

In my experience, talking to friends is a surefire way to make them non-friends!

99.99% of people can't handle my PTSD. I understand why, just hate those who pretend to be supportive and understanding before even knowing what my PTSD entails.