Ptsd Rehab

[Davidbowie]

Hello,
Not sure where to post this so here goes, I've been in therapy for over 5 years and am still struggling with severe depression and anxiety. Not sure if this is common or if I haven't found the right fit for me. I am wondering if anyone here has ever been to a residential ptsd rehab. What your experience was like, was it worth it etc.

Thank you

 

[Deleted member 31998]

I haven't been to an actual residential PTSD rehab although I can tell you that I have been seeing a psychoanalyst for almost 5 years now. She specializes in cognitive, trauma and eating disorders. The problem is, I don't think she is a right fit. I find if you are with the right fit or someone who knows, they can generally help with whatever you need assistance in. Over the years it's mostly been myself that has dealt with certain symptoms.

One thing that always helped me surprisingly was watching The Secret and The Law of Attraction. It's certainly no cure by any means, but it continues to reassure me that we are still in control of our situations. The human experience still gives us setbacks though, so best of luck in your recovery so far. We are here for you!

Warmest Wishes,
Jasmine

 

[Panda Bear]

I'm sorry to hear you're struggling. I also don't have experience with residential treatment. But If you're not sure your therapist is a helpful match, are you able to change that?

The right fit seems to be one of the best ways to gain freedom from your symptoms.

 

[Davidbowie]

I should have written this before -I've worked with 3 or 4 different therapists, all seemed helpful for a short period of time but never seemed to have any lasting impact. I've done cbt, emdr, and group therapy.

Thats why I'm not sure, should I look for a new therapist, new type of therapy, try rehab or what. It's just frustrating when you've tried so much and youre not sure if youre not "trying hard enough" or if I need or be patient and give it time. I've just been doing my own thing for a while, not sure if I should try some thing new or not. My parents mentioned they would send me to a rehabilitation place so I am trying to see if anyone has any experience - is it worth it or is it just group therapy.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

You didn't mention medication. Have you tried medication options for the depression and anxiety in addition to therapy? Medication can be a good stepping stone.

 

[Davidbowie]

Yes

You didn't mention medication. Have you tried medication options for the depression and anxiety in additio...

Yes! Great question - I tried celexa and it wasn't a good fit for me. My therapist (who I actually really like and have been working on and off with for 2 or 3 years) kept suggesting birth control bc I get hormonal depression. The birth control has helped me immensely with my depression and I use cbd oil for anxiety (as needed) and meditation and exercise for preemptive purposes. I've been on the birth control 5 months and no longer get suicidal but still get a little depressed around my period mainly, I am going to try skipping the placebo pills (dr said it was ok) to see if that helps.

The thing is there is a lot going on with my family of origin and my abusers and I am wondering if the depression an anxiety should just be expected to a point. Medication is great but can't be a cure all - I don't know if I'm expecting too much from the Meds and therapy and if I'm jus need to sit with the pain sometimes

 

[Changing4Best]

I've been in inpatent treatment before, but not specifically for PTSD. Usually when I go in, it has been for a meds readjustment. My last time in was several years ago now. I have had meds readjustments while not in an inpatient setting too, since then. At those times it was basically just to add one med and subtract another or others.

 

[Crow]

Haven't been in residential before. Have dealt with severe depression and anxiety to the point of being scared to leave my bed for more than a few minutes and the bout lasting 3 weeks. I still cycle through depression and have daily anxiety but I'm able to live a seemingly normal life to anyone not aware of my struggles.

I must say, my psychiatrist was a fit right off. After 3 years of meds checkin I started seeing her for weekly therapy. I finally got serious with the therapy five years ago. She got me off meds and once I surrendered to trusting her (I have major attachment issues), that's when the depression and anxiety became manageable. In the years previous every time I got close, I'd decide I needed to quit therapy or find someone new. Luckily she stuck it out with me.

 

[hodge]

My clinic offers an outpatient hospitalization program which I went through several years ago. That might be an alternative for you? It wasn't specifically for PTSD, though there were other people there who had it. We learned a lot of coping skills. It was a good experience, though I had to drive 60 miles round trip every weekday.

Yes, you can skip the placebo pills. I think they're just sugar pills, anyway. I used to have a really hard time on the pill, got very emotional. But without them I had really bad PMS and periods, like having to lie down all curled up for the first few days I was in so much pain. I was so relieved when menopause set in. But I take it you are decades away from that. Keep working with your therapist and ask her about seeing a psychiatrist. You can always try something else.

 

[Panda Bear]

once I surrendered to trusting her (I have major attachment issues), that's when the depression and anxiety became manageable

Yes! I can relate to Crowfeather on this one. My depression and anxiety are treatable, and manageable when I'm able to stay in and surrender to a trusting and attached relationship with my T. But I still have ups and downs, but if I let him help me process the trauma, it always gets better.

Forgot to add....I too sometimes think I might have to always deal with a certain level of sadness and at times I will accept that. But, I'm not sure it's the truth, sadness maybe, but depression...no. T tells me it's different, when I deal with the cause of the sadness and process it, it shouldn't throw me into depression anymore. It should just end up feeling pretty small and no different that a normal life issue. He is so far, right. But it has taken a loooong time to get to that point.