Sufferer New and healing - Vet & recent psych grad

[witty8220]

I’m a veteran and recent psychology graduate. I’ve been living with PTSD for many years, connected to experiences during my military service. I’m currently working through my VA claim and continuing treatment, and I’m here to both learn from others and share when I can.

My main goals in joining are to connect with people who understand what living with PTSD is really like, exchange coping tools, and hopefully offer support back to others who may need it.
Thanks for having me here — I’m looking forward to getting to know you all.

 

[FMCA]

Hi, lovely to meet you.

It’s definitely a roller coaster for me but I am waiting for EDMR. The coping tools I have used for myself are trying to distract myself and speaking to a trusted friend or family member when I start spiraling. I think also paying attention to my diet has helped a lot and trying to keep to a regular routine. I’m struggling with that one but I have it as a goal.

One of the best pieces of advice I got on here was that when you feel an urgency to do something or fix something, to just let it be and understand it’s a trauma response.Baby steps are a good thing, it’s steady progress even if it’s not linear. Things will get better, it’s time and understanding from those you have around you that are important, even if it’s only one or two people x

 

[parrotthepolly]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[witty8220]

Urgency to do something or fix something. WOW. That’s my day to day. So glad I found this site.

 

[witty8220]

Welcome to the forum!

Happy to be here !!!

 

[Survivor3]

Hi @witty8220 , welcome to the site . I have a history of complex trauma, depression and anxiety. I was a mess when i first joined but now life on the whole is so much better. Still have my sideways days but I'm winning!!! There's some great people here and a wealth of information.

The ptsd Cup explanation is worth a read. One of the moderators can post a link for you if you can't find it. I don't know how to do stuff like that. Again, welcome .

 

[witty8220]

Hi @witty8220 , welcome to the site . I have a history of complex trauma, depression and anxiety. I was a mess when i first joined but now life on the whole is so much better. Still have my sideways days but I'm winning!!! There's some great people here and a wealth of information.

The ptsd Cup explanation is worth a read. One of the moderators can post a link for you if you can't find it. I don't know how to do stuff like that. Again, welcome .

Thank you I think I’m in between the messy and becoming whole again process. I have complex MST/PTSD and gaining my identity back. I’m 43 but feel like the best years are ahead.

 

[Survivor3]

Thank you I think I’m in between the messy and becoming whole again process. I have complex MST/PTSD and gaining my identity back. I’m 43 but feel like the best years are ahead.

What's MST? Yes the best years are ahead of you. Your still young.

 

[witty8220]

What's MST? Yes the best years are ahead of you. Your still young.

Military Sexual Trauma…I’m in the process of getting my claim together for submission to the VA. I was a medic in the Army, non-combat. It was in 2002 constant sexual remarks, advances, inappropriate comments. My case is very complex. I was given no choice but to chapter out of the Military by the father of my daughter. He was an officer and I was enlisted. I felt somewhat safe with him…and my story is being told through my claim. I exited Army with a combat ready military mindset that never went away….went straight to mother mode living with the same officer who was emotionally, mentally and physically abusive. I’ve come a long way.

 

[Survivor3]

Got it! Thanks for explaining.

 

[Sideways]

Welcome to the community

 

[WinnieThePoohChris]

Welcome and well done!