My most respected shrinks theorate that PTSD is not caused by the trauma we experience so much as the way we process those traumas. Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) is a normal part of the human condition. Where, when and how normal PTS acquires the "D" of the disorder is still hotly debated.

My list of things I have tried is entirely too long to type, much less assimilate in a single sitting. The list of things which actually work for me isn't quite so long, but still more work than my tired, old fingers can handle this morning. My most simple general gee is to take ^it^ one round at a time.

Have you talked to a doctor about your symptoms?

I have he recommended a counseling place here in town

And? ? ?

Try the counseling. I remember more of the traumas than any good in between. But the counseling really helps. I didn't realize that I felt like I was holding my breath with my hurt so much. Learning to let go of some of that really helped. Learning ways of acceptance that allowed me to move without everything being a trigger. Allowing ourselves to put our energies into our selves in a compassionate way helps.
Learning how our emotions on relationship to us and others may be re-steered helps.

http://pete-walker.com/fourFs_TraumaTypologyComplexPTSD.htm

tools from the same site.
http://pete-walker.com/13StepsManageFlashbacks.htm

I use art, studying , reading and music along with many basic exercises to help.

ive started facing my ptsd in stead of numbing it like i used to. I attend group therapy, meds alot ....Nothing really help with it just the fact of being able to vent on here and in group seems to help with me the most. Ive also found that Hemp oils and hemp buds/flowers helps a whole lot more than any med the doc gave me. But just being able to vent about it help me along with the hemp. Now sleep is a different story, my ptsd affects my sleep more than anything. 1-3 hours a nite will really keep you down and feeling like shit. I hope you find ways that help and know we are all here for u ...........

BIG HUGs!!!!!!

I too recommend trying the counseling. I started counseling 3 years ago. For the last year and a half I see two different people, one specific to EMDR processing of trauma memories and one for everything else (coping, distortion in self perception, etc). On the plus side, within a few months after starting, people noticed a positive change in me. On the down side, it moves at a slow pace at times and can feel like a painful roller coaster. Biggest tips for counseling is remind yourself to be patient, realize setbacks happen, and if you don’t feel comfortable with your counselor or feel you are making progress don’t be afraid to try someone else. That said, it took me 6 sessions to start talking to my counselor and over a year before I really trusted him. Complex PTSD can really mess with trust!!!!

I've had my evaluation appointment at that counseling place to know what counselor will be best to fit my case... all my life though I have tried counseling and they helped me to remember some of the things that I have blocked off but didn't tell me what to do with it so I'm left with more trauma I remember... so that's what I told them in my assessment... I need someone who not only can identify but to help deal with it...

I've done ok myself all my life considering but the last few years its getting harder

thanx for the replies... hugs to all
Phil

Honestly great to hear that you were able to speak up and be clear about your history and needs. Hoping that means a better fit for you! Hats off to you!

jewell i love the links you provided. those are awesome.

i have had therapists for years and years, but never felt like anyone really heard what i was saying or could really give me any feedback that was helpful or made me feel more in control of my life.

the first time i really felt that way was with a DBT therapist. Dialectical Behavior Therapy. i love this, it makes me feel like i have tools to deal with situations and my life,and i feel BETTER afterward, not fearful and worried but stronger and positive.
hopefully you get a great T and can get some good input right away.
good luck!