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.
I just joined this group. I am not diagnosed, but PTSD is the best way to describe what I have been dealing with for so long. I cannot say what exactly happened, but after some events that took place a little over a year ago, everything changed. I cannot get myself back to normal. I'm afraid I never will. I still have nightmares. I sit straight up in bed in a sweat, cant catch my breath, heart racing... and It's been over a year. I'm not sure how to get past this, or to at least lower my level of anxiety. Any words of advice?
-Hannah
-Hannah
I believe knowledge is power, and the way I've tackled my PTSD is to read, research, and learn as much as I can. Once I understand something, I can deal with it better. Just learning to recognize what triggers your symptoms is a huge first step.
Do you have nightmares every night, or just sometimes? If it's sometimes, review what happened the day before... I bet you'll find something that reminded you of the trauma (a person who looked familiar, a sound, a scent, something on the news...) Once you can start to identify what triggers you, you can begin to anticipate your symptoms and "head 'em off at the pass" as the cowboys used to say.
What can you do to make yourself feel secure at night? Maybe leaving a nightlight on, or keeping a flashlight next to your bed (which could be used as a weapon). How about some relaxation before bed? You may want to avoid watching the news or any action movie that might trigger you for the last couple hours before bed. Some people find that spending the last hour before sleep with some soothing music and a good book helps settle them down so they sleep better. You'll have to discuss with yourself what will be best for you.
When you do wake up from a nightmare, how can you comfort yourself and regain your sense of safety? My best advice here is don't get mad at yourself. We often judge ourselves harshly for "succumbing to our emotions," when they're just our body's way of saying it's still hurting. Instead, comfort yourself as you would a scared child. You may tell yourself that it's okay to be frightened, that you're safe now, etc. Allow your breathing to return to normal before you go back to sleep, and congratulate yourself when it does. Encouragement and love go a long way when recovering from trauma.
I'm glad you found DS. Hang in there; it WILL get better.
Wistala