I've recently been diagnosed with PTSD, triggered by family violence.
I've began treatment but its making me worse. Its stirring up all my anxiety and fear, I'm nervous about what will happen next in therapy. And I feel like I cannot explain anything that I'm feeling because its either humiliating or doesn't make sense.
I guess I just want to hear some positive stories about recovery. Give me hope that things will get better.
PTSD treatment and recovery
PTSD treatment and recovery
Posted in:
Mental Health
4 Replies
I have PTSD from DV - was with my ex husband for nearly 16 years - and it does get better! It never goes away but it gets so much more manageable. I went on anti anxiety medication for the first year or so after I left. I saw a psychologist as well and it made everything so much worse before it made it better. I’ll be honest I still have nightmares, thinking he’s in the house. Some smells trigger me. Seeing someone who looks like him. Home security was a big deal, I got some cameras and a security gate. I was sooooo paranoid for years, I’ve been gone for 4 years and it does still affect me but so much less than before. I listen to self guided meditation for stress and anxiety too. I’ve since remarried an amazing man, something I never thought I would do. He is so understanding which most people aren’t, they’re like well you’re not in that situation any more so you should be fine. It’s not like that at all. There is a treatment I’ve heard of called EMDR eye movement desensitisation. It’s meant to be very helpful. I haven’t done it but it’s been on my mind to look into. You will get better! You’ll get so much stronger and more able to cope, in your time. Don’t pressure yourself to be “fixed”. You can get through it!
You’ll get there, I always think you need to get worse before you can get better.
EMDR psychotherapy is the most effective clinically, however, many people find it so exacerbating that they can't persist and need CBT prior to the more targeted EMDR therapy. Your psychologist can adjust as required if you're open
I would advise you to go through it now and heal rather than be years down the track and still dealing with these overwhelming feelings and the ways they can negatively impact your life.
You should be leaving with something positive to work with though. Something to think about or do. Even if its a very small step.
And remember its nothing they haven't heard before. I know you feel its not you and wish it wasnt but it doesn't define you. They won't judge you just help you get through where you have been and are, and back to the real you.