Recovery 101

[AnnabelleHope]

Hi all,

I haven't started therapy for C-PTSD yet (currently on waiting list) however over the years I have been experimenting with various adjustments, attempting to improve my wellbeing.

I see the term 'recovery' used on the forum and I am wondering what this means more generally regarding PTSD recovery, as well as people's personal journey or perception of recovery?

I'm not sure if this is a term for something I have naturally been doing already, or if it is a programme of work?

If possible I would like to independently begin this work whilst waiting for therapy as things have been difficult recently. I have been waiting for therapy for nearly two years and both work and my relationship have been affected. It would be brilliant to feel a greater sense of peace and security.

Any experience, guidance or thoughts are welcome. Thank you x

 

[zoie33]

In my opinion from both my experience and from what I've read, the first steps to recovery is basically working on coping skills. I would probably start with any grounding exercises, self compassion, and mindfulness. All of those things basically help you just cope with your feelings now and they are fundamental skills to develop before you can begin to work on trauma memories in therapy.

 

[Pjj]

I don't know the proper meaning but for me it is like a tree. The roots are my child abuse, the trunk is significant other traumas like exposure to political violence, death of a stepchild etc and the branches being current crises. So there is the immediate recovery, recovery from significant issues and eventually recovery from root causes, then relapses and recovery all over again.

Is this a good view or helpful?