Self-help

[Meadowsweet]

I'm not sure if this is the appropriate section for this post.

it looks as if the UK waiting time for therapy could be months or even up to a year. I went to the doctors because I'd had as much as I could take and wanted help to change. Now I'm at a loss of what to do.

I'm eating and drinking more than I was before I went to the docs, and thats not what I want to do to get by. I have read about exposure therapy and using this site for some exposure, but I have no support around at all, and I would be concerned about pushing that exposure too far without anyone to help. I know some relaxation techniques, sometimes I use them and other times I dont find that discipline or control.

I'm so frustrated, because I want to make things better for myself, but I don't know how to, or what I'm able to do by myself. So can anyone think of something I can do now to at least make an effort to get better and not worse?

 

[The Albatross]

I use moderated forum support, a self care checklist, and try to use consistent stress reduction tools as well as practice short/medium/long term goal setting and journaling.

26-28 days makes a new habit, 6 months makes a new behavior... practice, patience, persistence, and perserverence. Capitalizing on the things you are consistently doing successfully and being mindful of what you want/need/desire but still fall short without self abusing/guilt/shame. We'll support you as best as we can.

 

[James B.]

Just my 2 cents:

Can help to be fairly stable and all, before starting Exposure Therapy. The "exposure" part can be a steep learing curve in 'trigger awareness', but it helps. Hard, but very informative when happening.

PTSD seems to qualify as major league stressor, it will earn the sufferers respect.

As a (major league) stressor, PTSD/anxiety disorder is a foundation-level "taxation" on your system: take wonderful care of yourself. Eat, rest, and exercise as though needing to make yourself "indestructible".

Basic understanding of Adrenaline, and the other stress hormones, for some is (highly) useful.

Basic understanding of the toxicity of the medications commonly offered for PTSD/anxiety disorder, is very prudent.

Temporary break (hiatus) from life-goals can help unidentified (psychological) stress from messing w/ you.

Basic understanding of environmental stressors and health issues:

EG: some respond very well to daily direct sunlight (for treating depression). Others benefit from (simply) opening the windows, or otherwise exposing themselves to more ionized (energized) air (at the beach) and for some, classical (or meditative) music at home, helps.

Not sure of any of this will help, Meadowsweet. Good luck on your path to a better life!

 

[The Albatross]

Ah, James... all good stuff.

 

[Meadowsweet]

26-28 days makes a new habit, 6 months makes a new behavior... practice, patience, persistence, and perserverence.

I think these are worth reminding myself of as I go. Thankyou for the support Albatross.

James, again thankyou. Ironically I trained years ago in holistic therapies, including stress management. Maybe it has helped and Ive never appreciated it. And I do know ways to keep me healthy, but sometimes I feel almost stuck to the spot and just want to lie down, and I dont do the things that would help.

But, with that in mind, I think at the moment I need to start keeping a journal simply of symptoms, whats going on, how Im feeling and how Im reacting. Because at the moment I dont seem to notice much at all. And I think small goals will help too.