Sufferer Tired Of Suffering Alone

[KimV]

Hi, my name is Kim. I was diagnosed last year and am still having a hard time accepting it, even though the reality of it slaps me in the face every moment of every day. CBT didn't help, and now I'm trying DBT, which is helping, but was not specifically designed for PTSD, so I need something else. I have "lost" a lot and am not coping well, and am now on disability. Today has been rough, so I'm reaching out. I am willing to try this roller coaster ride with you.

 

[intothelight]

@KimV Welcome to the forum!

It is a shock when a diagnosis of PTSD is made, on one hand it is good to know what is wrong; but on the other, the diagnosis and treatment options can be overwhelming. There is a lot of information about various types of therapy and the support here can be very helpful as you find what works for you.

 

[JEKBreatheandBelieve]

Hi, @KimV . Welcome to the forum. I am glad you are reaching out. This is a great place to reach out to with lots of people who can make you feel less alone.

 

[KimV]

Thank you for your replies. I did a search on "morning" because that is my toughest time of the day, and apparently it's normal with PTSD. I'm already learning. :o)

 

[joeylittle]

Hi @KimV , and welcome. You mention needing something else - you might want to start learning about exposure therapy and EMDR - those are two proven methods for working through trauma. I found DBT always useful for the mindfulness and the emotion regulation/distress tolerance - so not actually dealing with my trauma, but instead as skills to help manage the symptoms.

 

[aimeegreen]

Actually, DBT is a therapy that is designed for people with Borderline Personality Disorder. I have never heard anyone without that disorder being given it. I have BPD and I'm currently in DBT. Maybe they do give it now for PTSD because BPD is often the result of childhood trauma - but it is a therapy for BPD originally

 

[KimV]

@joeylittle - thank you for your suggestions. I will look into those two options, but frankly am scared as hell to work through my trauma even though I know it's always just beneath the surface.

@aimeegreen - You are right, which is why I'm here. I am paying 600 dollars out of pocket for DBT and am beginning to wonder if it's really what I need.

 

[Namenotdiagnosis]

When I first strted my emdr 12 weeks ago I said after my first session I'd never go back, after much persuasion from my t I continued this roller coaster and what a journey I travelled. Trauma rape violence abuse everything that I really didn't want to face, each week i went through the same routine of oh god I don't want to go I can't face it to feeling better every week with new techniques on how to manage it, currently I'm looking at alternatives from emdr as I need a break from this as I have now been left with lots of anger and frustration which is now affecting my job. Another journey on a very bumpy roller coaster and more fears and emotions to deal with. Just another day in a cptsd life! I'm very pleased you joined this forum , personally for me it's the best thing ever, I joined over a week ago and feel I've been given so much support and the understanding has been amazing coz we've all experienced similar things, and I feel comfortable writing about my experiences and offering suports to others that need it if im able to, my only regret is I wish I'd found this forum soon. Good luck in your journey x

 

[joeylittle]

I have never heard anyone without that disorder being given it.

In the US, it can be common, depending on which state or region you are in. I prefer it to CBT because I have no patience for thought records :). But I think the aspects of DBT that are used for general mood disorders (I have Depression) are the emotional regulation/distress tolerance skills, which are wonderful and so very practical. Interpersonal effectiveness is interesting, but really critical for borderline folks. I think with PTSD it's OK to have a lot of different tools in your toolbox, so long as you like and use them.

 

[Chava]

I don't know much about DBT, but trauma-focused therapy could be very helpful for the PTSD. I say 3am is the worst time of day. Horrible! Mornings...not so great, but like a sweet fog...