What Do I Need To Do To Get Better?

[OneToughCookie]

When I was diagnosed with PTSD, I wasn't really told what I need to do to get better. I've read about the condition, and know I have to relax, take it easy, exercise, and talk with my trauma specialist. I've read running and music therapy reduce PTSD symptoms. Is self-care and talking the extent of what I can do? Do you know of any other ways to overcome extensive trauma?

 

[Silver.]

Therapy is going to be very important for you (you will hear that from everyone here). Having someone, who is a trained professional to help talk us through the trauma is key. Yes, self care does play a big role too. Finding things that you like to do is really key. Drawing, coloring, painting, crafting (I call it arting). Reading, knitting, sewing, any sort of hobby really. A lot of people will tell you they have a ton of little hobbies, and it helps, because you can get "bored" or just "not into" one for a while, but keep it in your circulation of activities. Journalling to get the thoughts out has been really helpful for a lot of people. A lot of us have our own stack of notebooks filled with writings.
Even mundane things like organizing your house (it really is rewarding in the end). I recently joined a local book club, to help get me out around people. (social anxiety). So if there are local clubs that might interest you, it would help to get out and around people.
Things that get you to feeling "normal" (if there is such a thing for us)
Reading PTSD geared books and workbooks is a great way to not only know more about what is going on with you, but help you to work through it. CBT is something you might want to bring up to your therapist. When we can rework the way we think, we can have a better outlook on things, and create more positivity.
For me, yoga and meditation have been helpful as well. People shy away from meditation because they think they are doing it wrong when they can't shut off their brains. But allowing the thoughts to come in and recognizing them is all a part of meditation, and you can find so many different techniques online.
So I guess I have just listed a lot of self care. I have found that the more things I could find, to take care of me, the easier I could make my day. But I could never have begun any sort of journey if I hadn't read about my condition. (you can search the forums for a ton of book recommendations, and there is a PTSD workbook that a lot of people swear by as well). I cannot list one for you right now as today my brain is "scrambled", and I cannot reach back and recall any titles for you (I apologize).
I know a lot of other people will read this and have a list of books that have helped them, and better ideas then I can give you, but I hope I have helped a little. Take Care x

 

[EveHarrington]

Process your trauma with a trauma specialist.

I highly recommend reading books on PTSD and healing as that will give you a good idea of things you could do to move forward in healing.

PTSD really does require you to be pro active. Nobody will tell you what you need to do in order to heal. But to be fair, they can't.

 

[Deleted member 34535]

Hi, how are you? I have been seeing my Doc and Therapist for about 2 years now. I have some things that helped me a great deal. 1) I would go and get yourself a pack of legal pads and nice pens. I write a lot and it helps a great deal. There is something very therapeutic about putting your thoughts down on paper. It clears your mind and makes room for more of the thoughts that are just waiting to be dealt with.
2) If there is a person who you need to confront that has to do with your trauma, you need to work deliberately up to confronting that person or persons.
3) There are times that will be rougher than others, like the holidays. I volunteered at the church that I am now a member of helping with the Thanksgiving Dinner rather than staying home and feeling sorry for myself.
4) If you can work, work. And work as much as you can. This way you are doing something positive and not feeling sorry for yourself. Idle time is not a good thing.
5) Don't be afraid of losing old friends, family members, and acquaintances. Right now, your focus should be about number one, and that is you. You will build new friends, and acquaintances as a whole, well person.
I hope this gives you a few ideas and helps if in just a small way. Bless you.

 

[BlueOrange]

I'm a disciple of Nijenhuis (see The Haunted Self: Structural Dissociation and the Treatment of Chronic Traumatization for more details).

According to that theory, there are 3 things you need to do:
1) Learn how to survive in your current reality
2) Overcome your fear of the facts that you remember
3) Overcome your fear of the feelings that you remember

It's important to work through them in sequence. (Trying to overcome your fear of the facts won't work if you're not coping with your current reality, and you can't deal with the feelings if you can't deal with the facts.)

Important to have a therapist, and to take things gently. Generally speaking, if you're frustrated by the slow pace (but still moving forward), that seems to be the most sustainable pace.

Confronting people about what happened is very desirable, but unlikely to be satisfying if you do it (I did it many times, it never worked).

 

[OneToughCookie]

Thanks so much for all your insights!!! I'll definitely start reading books on PTSD. I'm guessing I haven't overcome my fear of the facts because my feelings shut down automatically, so I'll ask my therapist about that. I'll keep up the writing and self care as well. Much appreciated!