CG303

Close Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

I am healing from childhood trauma. My father was an abusive alcoholic, so there is much trauma there. But the worst trauma was losing my Mom, who was very loving, when I was only 18. She got sick (cancer) when I was 16, and I really don't remember being 17 at all. My therapist and I have used EMDR in the past and it seemed to work. I'm just embarking on the toughest memories now. We talked about an incident with Mom today (as I had an EMDR session): I feel a difference.

Treatments

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Working / Worked

Helped in dealing with SEVERE panic attacks that I got years ago. I do have panic attacks anymore; although still deal with agoraphobia and some dissociation issues.

EMDR Working / Worked

Am just getting to toughest childhood memories and had an EMDR session today. Was EXHAUSTED afterward, but thinking more clearly and calmer this evening. My therapist has told me that other memories may be coming up, but I've always been positive about my various healing processes.

Psychotherapy Working / Worked

Reading Working / Worked

Read "I Can't Get Over It" -- highly recommended. Also, "Motherless Daughters" for women whose mothers have died. I was an adolescent, and that presents unique challenges -- not having Mom when I needed her so much.

Supportive Care Working / Worked

In the last six months, I have been eating less sugar and more fruits. Also, taking vitamins regularly and getting adequate sleep.

Zoloft Working / Worked

It doesn't totally take away my depression or, especially, my anxiety (as that is the most problematic), but it helps me to function better.