Sufferer New and looking for like minded people. 7/7 bombing survivor.

[TheWrongWren]

Hi there, I'm new here. Names Wren, I'm 26 and from England. I've had PTSD since I was a teenager, It stems from being involved in the 7/7 bombings of 2005. I've always had help for my PTSD, its always been very well controlled by medication and a regular routine but I find with every year that passes, the anniversary is becoming harder for me to deal with and my flashbacks are more regular. I used to be fine as long as there was no trigger, but now its getting to the point that they can happen at ANY point whether a trigger is present or not and as you can imagine, its making being an independent young person so much harder and I'm losing faith in myself.

I've always been open to different methods of treatment however my psychiatrist thinks group therapy may be very helpful in helping me learn to deal with things in a more pragmatic way. However I can't deal with being around other people very well, even small amounts. He's very understanding, especially once I made it clear its more because of control and general distrust of other people for obvious reasons, but I'd really like to get to know other people with PTSD even if I can't always deal with doing it in person. I'm working through exposure therapy with a support worker to see if its something I can one day do. I'd also love to hear if anyone has any suggestions I could also try.

Thanks for any replies.

 

[barefoot]

Hi Wren

Sorry to hear you were involved in 7/7. I can’t imagine how horrific that must have been. I’m glad you survived.

Sounds like you have an understanding psychiatrist and it’s great that you’re open to trying different treatment methods to see which work for you. Maybe the group thing will be something you want to try one day...maybe not! I think joining this forum is a smart way to dip your toe in the water with peer support though. Welcome!

 

[Justmehere]

Welcome to the forums!

 

[alwaysworkingthruit]

I flew into London on the day of the attack, as I was living there at the time and was returning home from a trip abroad. While I cannot pretend to understand what you have gone through, I have never in my life experienced such loneliness and confusion and sadness upon arriving in Heathrow. This is a place of understanding and acceptance and help. Welcome.

 

[Friday]

Welcome to the community!

Though it may sound overly simple, though some of the best things often are, have you tried going on holiday during your anniversary? It’s a trick I often use -change everything- when things get really hard, to start training in new expectations, making new memories, etc. Change the way the air smells, the way the buildings are built, the angle of the sun, the tasks for the day, etc. It’s not a total solution, wherever you go there you are, but it’s something I’ve found that’s very assistive. Even if I’m just in a hotel room ordering room service (because today all my fun plans are canceled and I’m staying in bed) I’m still being looked after (I’d rather be looked after by staff, rather than by doctors/nurses) and the moment I DO feel better? Voila :sneaky: Can go for a swim in the pool, or out exploring, or skiing, or whatever my loosely laid plans were. As opposed to being at home. With the washing up & other things I “should” be doing, and the people, and responsibilities and f*ck this, I’m going back to bed. :shifty:

Of course, I can’t always afford to go on holiday, but when I can, it’s like at least one of the weights has been lifted. And sometimes, that’s all that was really needed. Everything didn’t have to get better, just one thing easing up enough to get back into control.

 

[alwaysworkingthruit]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this idea! I will most certainly keep it in mind for my "anniversary. " I appreciate such great words of wisdom from a place of support.

 

[katz]

Hi there, I'm new here. Names Wren, I'm 26 and from England. I've had PTSD since I was a teenager, It stems from being involved in the 7/7 bombings of 2005. I've always had help for my PTSD, its always been very well controlled by medication and a regular routine but I find with every year that passes, the anniversary is becoming harder for me to deal with and my flashbacks are more regular. I used to be fine as long as there was no trigger, but now its getting to the point that they can happen at ANY point whether a trigger is present or not and as you can imagine, its making being an independent young person so much harder and I'm losing faith in myself.

I've always been open to different methods of treatment however my psychiatrist thinks group therapy may be very helpful in helping me learn to deal with things in a more pragmatic way. However I can't deal with being around other people very well, even small amounts. He's very understanding, especially once I made it clear its more because of control and general distrust of other people for obvious reasons, but I'd really like to get to know other people with PTSD even if I can't always deal with doing it in person. I'm working through exposure therapy with a support worker to see if its something I can one day do. I'd also love to hear if anyone has any suggestions I could also try.

Thanks for any replies.

Welcome to the forum. I hope that you find some comfort in the reading about others who understand your pain.