I am diagnosed with PTSD and believe I have Complex PTSD, which is a form of PTSD that is not currently recognized by the DSM.
I did not know much about PTSD until about 2 1/2 years ago when my half brother committed suicide due to military induced PTSD. The experience triggered my trauma from childhood abuse.
I recently discovered there might be something called CPTSD when I came across a YouTube video that explained emotional flashbacks. I had never heard of these and it hadn't dawned on me that I was experiencing them all of these years because they are not visual. However, they are excruciating!
I also believe I have adrenal fatigue which is not widely medically recognized. I'm in the process of finding a doctor who practices functional medicine, which does address the condition. In short, being pumped full of adrenaline and cortisol continually has taken a toll on my health/energy.
I have been on short term disability for about a month and using the time to explore different paths to healing. I'm at the point now where I recognize when I'm having a flashback. I can tell my husband, "I'm having a flashback," and dismiss myself to try to work through it on my own. I've been exploring new ways of dealing with them and working through them. I want to learn more tools to help with that.
I also need help figuring out how to best support myself physically because they take such a toll. It's not a physical response my body should have to handle.
I'm also exploring ways to decrease and even eliminate the flashbacks. My brain might not ever become exactly like someone who was psychologically traumatized and developmentally stunted as a child, but I believe the brain wants to and is capable of healing. I think I can get pretty darn close to kicking this thing completely- but I will always have to treat myself with extra care even after my recovery.
I am frustrated with the lack of useful info out there. I've seen so many experts but have had to figure out a lot of the important stuff on my own.
I'm currently reading a book by Pete Walker called From Surviving to Thriving. I also will be starting Neurofeedback, which I'm super excited about! Also doing lots of yoga, some energy work, working with a wellness coach, and continuing with CBT. I don't take meds but have a consultation scheduled with a natural pharmacist to discuss the possibility and some alternatives.
I did not know much about PTSD until about 2 1/2 years ago when my half brother committed suicide due to military induced PTSD. The experience triggered my trauma from childhood abuse.
I recently discovered there might be something called CPTSD when I came across a YouTube video that explained emotional flashbacks. I had never heard of these and it hadn't dawned on me that I was experiencing them all of these years because they are not visual. However, they are excruciating!
I also believe I have adrenal fatigue which is not widely medically recognized. I'm in the process of finding a doctor who practices functional medicine, which does address the condition. In short, being pumped full of adrenaline and cortisol continually has taken a toll on my health/energy.
I have been on short term disability for about a month and using the time to explore different paths to healing. I'm at the point now where I recognize when I'm having a flashback. I can tell my husband, "I'm having a flashback," and dismiss myself to try to work through it on my own. I've been exploring new ways of dealing with them and working through them. I want to learn more tools to help with that.
I also need help figuring out how to best support myself physically because they take such a toll. It's not a physical response my body should have to handle.
I'm also exploring ways to decrease and even eliminate the flashbacks. My brain might not ever become exactly like someone who was psychologically traumatized and developmentally stunted as a child, but I believe the brain wants to and is capable of healing. I think I can get pretty darn close to kicking this thing completely- but I will always have to treat myself with extra care even after my recovery.
I am frustrated with the lack of useful info out there. I've seen so many experts but have had to figure out a lot of the important stuff on my own.
I'm currently reading a book by Pete Walker called From Surviving to Thriving. I also will be starting Neurofeedback, which I'm super excited about! Also doing lots of yoga, some energy work, working with a wellness coach, and continuing with CBT. I don't take meds but have a consultation scheduled with a natural pharmacist to discuss the possibility and some alternatives.
