Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group

Find support with others who have gone through a traumatic experience. Whether you have chronic or acute PTSD, we are here for you.

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Needing support

powerpurplewarrior
powerpurplewarrior

I have a bad habit of making mole hills into mountains and of self sabatoge.  This usually leads me to creating a crisis which then leads to a hospitalization.  I am not doing that well emotionally this week.  I don't understand what's going on? 


I just need some support through this unfamiliarity. I know it's just everyday life stuff, stress about finances, being (mentally) sick, having an injury etc...  


All I know is crisis. This stability stuff is really scaring me cause I don't know what to do.  Life is scary and adulting is scary for me. On bad days like today and yesterday and the day before I get really emotional and think the sky is falling when it's just a normal day in an adult life. I hate the expression of Just put your big girl panties on and deal with it, or pull yourself up by your boot straps.  It just makes me mad because most people don't understand what it's like in my head.  


I'm scared and can't stop crying.  This is really hard and it shouldn't be.  I don't understand how regular people live everyday?  


Any advise on how to deal with life and try to make it less shitty and more joyful or happy or at least content?


I need some love and hugs. I'm just having a really shitty day and the PTSD stuff isn't making it any easier.  It seems that when I'm not doing ok emotionally that I get triggered over the littlest things and it's just plain hard.  


Please help.  Thanks.


PPW

silverlight
silverlight
i'm sorry all i have to offer you are gentle hugs...please be gentle with yourself right now as well,and give yourself the empathy you so deserve.
jewells1
jewells1
Hugs R, Panic attacks feed more panic attack, we get afraid of being afraid. Try some sensory stimulus, like touching different textures and describing the. Cold water sips, feeling the coolness. I even put the ice cold water bottle against my neck (right side, external carotid artery) since this area is sensitive, but not quite as much as an ice-cream headache, just very cool and noticeable.
Write a silly billy goat song and sing it out loud. Or sing a known song that makes you feel good.
Support, we are here, if you just want to sort.
J.
Community LeaderLeo
Leo
Like Jewells said, and I can handle Epic Crisis okay but everyday stuff like a grocery store can send me spinning. Big hugs.
Novembergirl1950
Novembergirl1950
I like what Jewell is saying. Finding ways to divert your attention to the immediate present. Staying in the present moment is similar to meditation. Just let the thoughts flow in and out like a scarf blowing in the breeze. Acknowledge your thoughts and let them move on and go back to your present meditation of whatever you want to do to divert your attention away from the "crisis" at hand.This takes practice. Don't fret as more thoughts will come pilling in, just acknowledge them and let them flow on by you. Remember you are not the sum total of your thoughts.
patti22
patti22
I don't have much time....but give yourself some MAJOR credit. Striking off on your own is hard, far more complex than 20-30 years ago.

Heartfelt hugs, Patti
freefalling
freefalling
hugs! Something that helps me on bad days is to think if I can get through the next minute I am ok, and I repeat that till the day is over. I think all those saying are by people who don't understand real struggle. A mole hill can feel like a mountain, just take it one step at a time.
lovebombyourself
lovebombyourself
First of all, here is love and a million hugs! I've had two horrible days full of panic attacks and depression. No one gets it if they haven't been through it. I have dodged hurting. Lately I've let myself feel it. My therapist wants me to just feel it. It hurts. I laid in the front yard last night. Stared at the sky and cried. It's ok to be upset. I am triggered a lot from trauma. I remember that there are people everywhere feeling this and that I have to keep going. I am listening to an amazing book right now. Gillian Anderson wrote it. It's for women, but anyone should read it. It's called We A Manifesto for Women Everywhere. I can't even begin to tell you how much it has helped me. Check it out. I listen on my phone. Download Audible. They will give you free credits. I can't read because of anxiety. Listening to it is calming. Just an idea and much love to you.
lovebombyourself
lovebombyourself
If you get the book, grab a spiral notebook. You go through exercises and write a little. It's nothing overwhelming. I am already feeling better. I need tools for trauma to live. You are going to make it! You are right now! You reached out and are brave. ❤️❤️
lilmissy7
lilmissy7
Big gentle healing hugs <3<3
LillyPotter
LillyPotter
loads of gentle hugs, we are here and you are not alone.
LillyPotter
LillyPotter
p.s. i notice you have this really great habit of coming here and talking with us when you need support or even just hugs : ) what a wonderfu habit you are growing!!!!! that's only one of them :O) you are THAT awesome!!
Mena
Mena
For better or worse, this helped me. It even has a farting dog that may make you smile ;-)
You are not alone.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OAkkbWlznNs
Community Leadermujicaptsd
mujicaptsd
Hey, PP, you know your skill set well. "All I know is crisis. This stability stuff is really scaring me..." So, as they say, dance with one that brung ya. In other words, approach "normal" and "stable" life like it's another crisis, and voila, skills galore.

It's a cheap trick, I know, but it's worked for me for 6 years now and I've been more stable than ever. Without having turn into Leave It To Beaver, which I can't do no way no how.

You got this.
Novembergirl1950
Novembergirl1950
In reading thru the responses, I'm reminded of a few thoughts. When going thru a trauma treatment program, one patient told me this little phrase and I never forgot it "wait 5 minutes, a miracle could happen". I'm going thru some recent reactivation of my PTSD myself now and after the initial shock is subsiding, I am going to try the recommendation of the booktape on Audible. I used to have a toolbox of useful books, etc so going to go back and review them now. One of the biggest helpers of trauma recovery is DBT which is Dialectal Behavior Therapy, which is teaching one to live in the moment by Marsha Linehan. Perhaps it's time I review her material starting in her Mindfulness chapter. Hoping that some of what everyone here is helping you. Hugs to you :)
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