Using Weighted Blankets and Compression Clothing

[Gloria]

Okay, I have been in trauma therapy over twenty years and thought that DBT was the most useful tool for PTSD. I keep learning and getting better at accepting my flashbacks and nightmares and other PTSD symptoms. My son bought me a weighted blanket and I wear compression clothing although I didn't realize that it cut down on my PTSD symptoms. I know they are beneficial for dogs who are anxious and I have fund that my anxiety and symptoms from PTSD are greatly lessened by these simple things. I was approached by a group doing research on PTSD to do a case study because they are my social workers and they know the degree of trauma I have experienced and how I function on a daily basis. They consider me very high functioning despite my symptoms and want to derive information about my coping skills. However, early into the interviews I found it was too disruptive to me and felt quite guilty telling them I would not participate. The reason is that my son and friends are affected when I have symptoms and I didn't want to do anything that would cause them more pain. However, I feel obligated (and excited) to share my new tools for handling my symptoms. I also use imagery when laying under the weighted blanket. I imagine that I am a child with loving parents and cling to that thought. It has reduced the severity of my nightmares. There is hope. I know I have been trying to manage my PTSD for years but It does get better and if you accept your illness and try to mitigate the symptoms you are doing very well.

 

[bellbird]

Glad you've found something that works for you :)

I've never used a weighted blanket as such, but I tend to sleep in minimal clothing, and under as many blankets as is reasonable for the time of year. Which in winter can be up to 6 or 7, so a similar effect I suppose :)

 

[Teasel]

Hi Gloria, kinda sounds a bit like what Temple Grandin found helpful for her anxiety? Same principle at least if different way to apply it.

 

[Lucycat]

My weighted blanket has resurfaced and I've used it a few times recently. I think the trigger was having guests from the area in which my abuse took place. They were in no way connected to it, but I think it took my brain back there. Having further guests in the autumn, so I think I should expect similar. It is far easier when you preempt things in my opinion.

 

[rosey]

I love my weighted blanket. Glad it has worked for you too.

 

[Darla Hahn]

I use compression clothes as well and layers of blankets. It does help alot! Looking for more compression clothes. Do you wear a certain kind that you would recommend?

 

[Amy Compton]

Okay, I have been in trauma therapy over twenty years and thought that DBT was the most useful tool for PTSD. I keep learning and getting better at accepting my flashbacks and nightmares and other PTSD symptoms. My son bought me a weighted blanket and I wear compression clothing although I didn't realize that it cut down on my PTSD symptoms. I know they are beneficial for dogs who are anxious and I have fund that my anxiety and symptoms from PTSD are greatly lessened by these simple things. I was approached by a group doing research on PTSD to do a case study because they are my social workers and they know the degree of trauma I have experienced and how I function on a daily basis. They consider me very high functioning despite my symptoms and want to derive information about my coping skills. However, early into the interviews I found it was too disruptive to me and felt quite guilty telling them I would not participate. The reason is that my son and friends are affected when I have symptoms and I didn't want to do anything that would cause them more pain. However, I feel obligated (and excited) to share my new tools for handling my symptoms. I also use imagery when laying under the weighted blanket. I imagine that I am a child with loving parents and cling to that thought. It has reduced the severity of my nightmares. There is hope. I know I have been trying to manage my PTSD for years but It does get better and if you accept your illness and try to mitigate the symptoms you are doing very well.

I, too, have been dealing with PTSD for decades (childhood trauma and a plane crash in 1998), and I've found compression garments to be very helpful in turning down the volume of symptoms. Here's another strategy I stumbled upon: I like to listen to classical music, and I often listen to YouTube videos of Bach organ fugues. These are pieces that have 2,3, or even 4 melodies going on at once. (My favorite is called the "Little Fugue".) I have found that if I listen and focus upon hearing each of the distinct melodies, which takes lots of concentration, it turns down my symptoms, especially dialing down my startle response. My therapist felt that it might work by the same brain systems by which EMDR therapy works, and encouraged me to focus on positive imagery while listening also. It's become a nightly habit for me. MOreover, it's free and as easy to access as my computer or phone.