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Marshalling My Forces

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Deadman

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So I've been feeling pretty good for the last month or two but part of me worries that it can't last. So in line with my thinking that PTSD is war I've decided to marshal my forces in the fight while I can.

So far I have the following:

  • A good psychiatrist
  • A med that seems to be working without leaving me feeling like a zombie
  • A good dog
  • A renewed interest in diet
  • A renewed interest in exercise
  • This forum
  • Food and shelter

What I don't have:

  • Good social connections
  • Control of my triggers
  • Money
  • A sense of purpose

What am I missing from my list? What forces can I muster for the next battle with PTSD?
 
You *might* be able to knock out "social connections" and "a sense of purpose" with one stone if there are volunteer opportunities around you. I find that volunteering is a really good way to form some new relationships and put meaning into life without getting stressed out about it as a commitment or putting too much pressure on the social aspect.

Do you have a T in addition to your psychiatrist?
 
Good idea.

Don't forget you always have your breath! Remembering to breathe on purpose at least a few times a day helps me get the rest of the helpful things in order a bit more efficiently.

Are there any bartering opportunities around? I offer to help some of my favorite farmers and master herbalists during their busy seasons. They absolutely love having an extra set of hands there to help and that extra time in nature is priceless to me. I always walk away with locally grown organic yumminess along with more knowledge and a lighter heart than when I arrived.

Any drum circles or community workshops or fun festivals that you'd enjoy happening? You can often volunteer for like a 4 hour shift doing a task of your choosing to get free access to the larger venues. Many community things are often donation based. Drum circles don't even require you own an instrument, as many are often glad to share theirs, and they also warmly welcome folks just wishing to soak up the vibes and maybe dance a bit if they're feeling it. I like to take hula hoops and other small percussive things when I go.

I benefit from written and visible prompts at times, too, like affirmations on my dry erase boards (most made from el cheapo thrift shop frames with a piece of construction paper in place of the photos), or some of the magnets I make with reminders like, A.F.G.O. - Another F'n Growth Opportunity, Y.A.N.A. - You Are Not Alone, etc. It helps keep my brain pointed, or redirect if need be, in a healthier direction. Pocket rocks help, too, when I have to be away from home. Just a small smooth favorite rock of some sort to hold onto and fiddle with. I'll often draw a heart on it to remind me of how much I need to love me in each moment.
 
So I've been feeling pretty good for the last month or two but part of me worries that it can't last. S...
A sense of purpose is a good goal, I always have so many ideas what I would like to get acomplished, not enough time. Health is the most important one to me, of course food and shelter, we all need that.

Right now Iam facing health problems so that I have to address first.
 
I would also say something enjoyable. And I really don't see that as a frivolous extra but rather as vital. Joy really feeds the soul so to speak. Fills the tank up, really need that when going through such a lot that drains you.

Also could add to sense of purpose if you do something that's really your thing. Like for me it's art. It's what I was always doing as a kid. It's my thing. I love planning my next project, preparing and shaping, gathering materials etc.

Don't know if you have anything like that?
 
Thanks all for the suggestions. Some are fairly straight forward I will start working on them now. Others are a little more difficult. I think the biggest challenge that I can face at the moment is finding an enjoyable activity. Partially its because PTSD stole my ability to enjoy the things I used to enjoy. Partially its because I find it much harder to motivate myself to do things that are purely for me.

Thanks again to you all :)
 
Partially its because I find it much harder to motivate myself to do things that are purely for me.

Yeah, a good dog gets you part way there, for me. Trying to get healthy enough to do volunteer work with dogs. Then hopefully some work $ from that to ease that component.
 
Partially its because PTSD stole my ability to enjoy the things I used to enjoy. Partially its because I find it much harder to motivate myself to do things that are purely for me.

I am almost constitutionally incapable of only doing something for 1 reason.

:sneaky: Which is a tool I keep in my bag of tricks. Because if there's something I need/want in my life? And I know no matter how much, it's not going to happen unless there are a stacked list of reasons for it? Find things / choose options that give me more than one reason to do them. & Then? Yep yep. Locked, cocked, ready to rock.

So if purely for you is a non-starter? How about something that also ticks several other boxes of things you need/want in your life? Like something fun that is also exercise, or social, or both? Or something fun that also helps mitigate PTSD symptoms? Or pays? Or helps someone else? Or provides structure? Or, or, or?
 
My best attempts at 'enjoyable' have always involved something with learning a new skill that I can progress in. I have enormous trouble with doing nice things for myself - similar to you - and pursuing a skill based activity keeps those buttons from being pushed, at least for me.
 
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