Hi Samantha, good news about the cognitive stuff. I remember you sharing here under the thread *Ptsd Reactions* details of losing your father and brother...I grew up in an alcoholic home/moved far away after divorce/but all the emotion/fear/guilt went with me plus BI and talk therapy plus the med I was on helped. You are really dealing with some difficult emotional stuff...I'm older than you but my past ptsd was triggered, so I started this group, but I also go to the PTSD site here at DS for help with coping skills..and I have posted/vented feelings a few times too. There are all kinds of people/some very heavy issues/but they really understand the trauma of ptsd and are a very understanding/sensitive group/many with dual diagnosis. Reading there helps me to process/think of different ways to deal, sometimes it surprises me. I don't know if you've checked out the board there...like the TBI site...being among people who have gone thru trauma, whatever it is, you are among people who understand. I hope you don't mind that I mention the other board, I was such a mess with anxiety/stress...I had to try. Calming Thoughts and Prayers to you...you are going thru alot!

Thank you for all your suggestions cheesecake! :)

My other has severe ptsd. At one stage his psyche told him to wear a rubber band on his wrist. And when he felt overwhelmed to stretch band and let go. Idea being the sting would distract him. I will be honest, thought this is really crazy, but never said anything. Times I would notice him pulling it to sting. I thought great, hes now got him self harming himself, still kept quiet. It became less often. Doesn't need now, somehow that crazy idea worked so he can mentally snap himself back now.
I am trying to walk again, having physio, get my feet 'stuck in the mud' as he calls it when they wont move. He snaps his fingers loudly to distract me and it works to calm me. So there may be something in this distraction idea. Just a thought. Not easy, but hold on. you have been through a lot.