Submitting PTSD Claim - Why do I avoid so many things?

[witty8220]

I’ve been avoiding working on my VA claim for so long , now I have a week to get it submitted. Why do I avoid so many things? I finally, out my last minute mindset, started the submission process online. What surprised me was how easy it is so far. I’m now waiting on Nexus letters from Drs hoping the VA will give me that time to get all letters from Drs and therapists. I have family statements and 3 years worth of psychiatric records also. Thing is, in those records is no diagnosis for PTSD. However there is a referral to see a psychologist for PTSD. I’ve also been seeing a MST/PTSD veteran counselor for almost year now, aligning with my filed intent to file date. In the midst of all this, I was triggered by my son who is home from college, put his hands on me while I was arguing with my mother. My birthday is tomorrow. I just graduated from college with my degree in psychology. I seriously need to give myself some type of self care and allow myself to relax. This constant need to do something or fix something needs to go away. I take some strong medications to manage all this. 22 years living like this. All I can do is keep going.

 

[Survivor3]

Can you possibly do your claim/form in stages, and reward yourself with something good in-between?

 

[witty8220]

Can you possibly do your claim/form in stages, and reward yourself with something good in-between?

Yes, that’s what Im trying to do….relaxing taking breaks before starting a new task. The online submission is easier than thought I will have someone look over before I submit. I’m journaling a bit between tasks and I’m proud that I’ve made it to this point.

 

[arfie]

i strongly suspect why is at least a bit different in every case, but avoidance is one of the more consistent ptsd symptoms i know of. it seems to come with the turf.

in my own dealings with the va, i have wondered a time or three if the va is suffering organizational ptsd. they sure do avoid allot. dealing with their procrastination can be downright tedious.

steadying support while you work it through in your own time and space.

 

[Friday]

Why do I avoid so many things?

Because you have PTSD? So there’s both avoidance as a coping mechanism (see Stress Cup) attempting to manage your stress levels AND avoidance as a symptom (see below). Dealing with a VA claim??? Means you’ll be hitting up both.

C. Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidence by one or both of the following:

1. Avoidance of or efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic event(s).
2. Avoidance of or efforts to avoid external reminders (people, places, conversations, activities, objects, situations) that arouse distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic event(s).

Ptsd diagnosis

Aug 2, 2018

PTSD Diagnosis - Adult​

To fully understand the below diagnostic criterion, read the discussion after the diagnosis, which outlines specific meaning and understanding from the DSM V. PTSD Diagnosis for a child is contained at the end of this article.
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Note: The following criteria apply to adults, adolescents, and children older than 6 years. For children 6 years and younger, see corresponding criteria.

A. Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence in one (or more) of the following ways:

1. Directly...

• anthony
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Criteria C
Criteria C is specifically about persistently avoiding anything related to your trauma, avoiding talking, feeling or having memories about the event. Distraction techniques are internal avoidance cues, avoiding places or people who arouse recollections of your trauma.