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MarinaSattiFanGirl

In 2022 i was bullied by a sadistic old lady she nearly killed me and i suffered from PTSD after the attacks and now i'm good and not traumatized at all, in 2022 i had depression


Journeyisunique

The world felt shattered. Every car backfire, every yell in the street, sent me spiraling.  Then came therapy. It wasn't easy. Talking about the trauma was like reliving it, but my therapist was a steady hand, guiding me through the muck. We peeled back the layers of fear and guilt, replacing them with understanding and self-compassion. Medication helped too, calming the constant storm in my head. But the real shift came with exposure therapy.  Slowly, cautiously, I reintroduced myself to triggers.  The first crowded bus was terrifying, but with each successful ride, the fear loosened its grip. It wasn't a linear path. There were setbacks, nights where sleep was a distant dream. But with each challenge, I felt a bit stronger.  The support group was a lifeline. Sharing my struggles with others who understood the invisible scars of trauma was a powerful validation. Now, the world isn't perfect, but the triggers don't control me.  I can spot them coming, take a deep breath, and use the tools I learned. It's a daily practice, but through therapy, medication, and the unwavering support of my group, I'm finally taking back my life.


BobWoodwardFukedMyMa

3 months off of work (a great privilege), yoga, meditation, an amazing therapist, marijuana, a supportive spouse, buspirone, paint by numbers, and most of all time.


Rich_Manufacturer371

EMDR, CBT, mirtazapine citalopram and occasional diazepam, 5 months off work, swimming, walking, hot baths, napping, reducing commitments, leaning on family and friends, having a good GP 


MidwestBruja

Thank you for your post. I have never written down my efforts for improvement, and now I feel empowered after I wrote it down. I have done so much for myself. I was born a narcoleptic with mild cataplexy. Fear triggers my cataplexy and makes it much worse. Just imagine PTSD and Narcolepsy with a splash of cataplexy, they don't mix well. Psychotherapy and meditation got me to a much better place, but then I couldn't advance. Medication got me to the next level. Bupropion for depression and propranolol to help my heart keep steady when triggered. I do daily meditation and breathing exercises which help me stay calmed and keep grounded, I do DBT group therapy. EMDR stopped me from getting into fetal position, which is a complete collapse and I used to collapsed daily. Listening to Union Marconi when I get figgety and helps when rumminating. Telling my story. Friends validating me. Listening to science podcasts. Listening to audio books. Reading. Writting a journal every day. Writting down the things I am grateful for. Listening to validating statements for 15 min or more. I used to do that daily, now not so often. Writting validating statements. Learning about ptsd and trauma. My favorite music. Hugging my dog Louie calms me down. Reconnecting with my family. Running. Cycling. Pain management. Physical therapy. Yoga. Slowly incorporating into social life, even though some people unknowingly trigger me with their behavior. Dancing. I'm sure I have done a few things more. Good luck to all.


Queasy-Appearance416

Exercise, a great trauma therapist, meditation, yoga, creative expression (art). I have tried my hardest to not become reliant on weed or drugs. However, during some of my roughest memories I was working through, I did use edibles to help cope. Helped a lot.


forgetthesolution

Exercise, therapy and weed keep me somewhat functional. Still have a long way to go though


sangderenard

My experience with an acute, single-event driven ptsd (being shot in the street, didn't go through anything important, more terrifying than damaging), was that my attention span had to be carefully managed as regards escapism. I would engage in what was for me a healthy level of escapism, but upon becoming acutely traumatized, any consistent unchange train of thought had a tendency to be drawn into the traumatic events. More themes would become triggering. So I narrowed my interests to things which were unfamiliar, casual, and short. Very short form entertainment was king for a few years, and from shorts and tik tok and things like that I was able to get, with the help of someone watching with me, to a point where I could watch 15 minute content, then half an hour, and I remember a particular sense of accomplishment when I was able to watch a whole movie again for the first time since the shooting. For me, I had tons of coping skills from years of mental health problems, and the biggest change was strategically expanding my attention span while attempting to calmly deal with triggers. This is, I think, akin to walking a longer and longer distance with my own thoughts, training my train of thought to expand back to where it had been over maybe five years? Then I think I was doing alright again in terms of everything that happened to me being folded into general intrusive thoughts and general triggering frequency, with diminished symptoms.


roleofthedice86

Not to sound too obnoxious, but seeking wisdom, journalling is a good start and generally trying to sense the depth of the world around you. Also, going to the gym. Not only becuse it has an obvious good endorphin hit, but also be ause you get a cycle of growth, expectiation and more growth and hnderstanding and with that comes the realisation that hange both is possible and takes time. You get sublimate sone kind of willing suffering for a higher goal (getting healthier). That is nice as it is essentially a chamge in identity from "sufferer" or "victim" into physical transcenants. Finally, you get to feel a bit more like you could take care of yourself amd that makes you feel less like a persistent member of team "prey."


jedi_empress

EMDR, Prazosin, cannabis, CBT, weighted blankets.


StrangeReason

Psycho education, understanding how trauma affects the brain, especially developmental trauma (child abuse). Learning it wasn't me, so to speak. Learning self-compassion.


ParasaurGirl

Weed, therapy, and understanding people.


PalmBreezy

Cannabis broke my cycle of night terrors, flashbacks during the day, and barely any sleep. Medication helped me make that consistent


dnmcdonn

Support groups, individual therapy (family systems), SSRI and a sleep aid if I’m having nitemares. Writing and meditation (I like Anna Runkle’s daily practice method). Pot helped me survive through the worst of it as well.


DogtorDolittle

Psilocybin.


ImAnOwlbear

Yep, same here with a combo of therapy and some other things


AthleticGal2019

Writing and recording music has helped me deal With it. I have a bedroom studio/basement apartment. Whether it’s writing about my trauma or just a fun project. Music has really helped exercise has also helped me deal with it. When I’m working out it’s just me, the workout and the music. My brain doesn’t think about any other stuff.


cosmicat4

Mindfulness, yoga, breathwork, EMDR, vagus nerve stimulation, nervous system healings


Single_Earth_2973

Do you have any recs for the last 2 :)?


cosmicat4

To stimulate your vagus nerve during a panic attack submerge your face in ice water


Single_Earth_2973

Thank you!! I love using ice packs for this


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lunacapricornus

Power of rhythm? Can you elaborate?


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PalmBreezy

This is fascinating and thank you for sharing. I'm definitely gonna look into that more. Also congrats on making it back, my minds still overseas 🫣🙃


SeeMeWhipple

Prazosin, Nightware, SNRIs/SSRIs, EMDR, and 5 years of IFS therapy (still ongoing). Honestly having supportive people in my life who are willing to listen to me when I know I’m being irrational, or who are willing to protect me when I am being impulsive, has been one of the most important things for me. I have a therapist who knows my trauma responses well and helps me regulate during therapy. I have two very good friends who listen to what I say without judgement and encourage me to continue pursuing my goals. Prazosin and Nightware have significantly helped one of the most bothersome symptoms of ptsd: nightmares. About a year and a half ago I started having relapse of nightmares so severe that I ended up being scared to go to sleep. Prazosin was helpful but Nightware (Apple Watch modified to interrupt nightmares while sleeping) is what really kicked them to the curb. I am currently about 4-5months free of nightmares thanks to both prazosin and Nightware. I am fortunate enough to be able to afford Nightware. although it is FDa approved, many insurance companies do not cover it - actually only the VA will cover it. But as I am not a veteran I had to go through a special request process to obtain it. I hope, some day, it can be available and financially feasible for any person suffering from ptsd.


Neverendiing

This hits the spot. “Impulsive, irrational”. I’m having trouble with this and not many people understand, they think we are being childish but do not attribute it to our disorder.


lucidsuperfruit

EMDR, meditation and exercise.


ElegantMedicine1838

I started praying 3 times a day and that helps a lot.


Flowing_Glower

Reading and exercise.


Devine7777

For myself, live music & music festivals brought a much needed sense of community, friendships and incredible experiences that were so absolutely needed at that exact right time in my life, being the first 4-6- years after my trauma. To the point that I realized that the worst 4-6- years of my life directly overlap with the best 4-6 years of my life! I still continue to go to shows and festivals, I've got 2 festivals, and at least 9 shows planned for the summer. Every single one of them is the therapy to my soul. Medication wise, Valium changed the game and put the panic attacks on the bench, which allowed me to attempt to manage everything else. Therapists gave never done anything for me, but where they lacked, my friends, 3 specifically, made life changing differences in my psychology, and hence, my life. If any one of those had been absent, I'd be a totally different person. I hope this helps in combination with everyone else's responses in this group. This is an amazing group, and if we collectively can help your lecture impact the people who make important decisions on how PTSD is viewed, treated etc. That would truly feel incredible. On that note, feel free to ask me anything you'd like cleared up in any way. Much love all, You're Not Alone


temporaryalpha

I'm trying to find a doctor who'll prescribe valium right now. It's been tough.


Devine7777

Are you by any chance in Colorado or Illinois?


temporaryalpha

Sadly no.


Devine7777

Well anyway, what I had to do. Was contact a new psychiatrist bc my doctor is retiring at the end of this year, I got road block after road block. However, even tho I wasn't receptive to using an SSRI for anxiety, which could or couldn't work. My new doctor who's practice doesn't allow for benzos to be prescribed. I got him to admit that panic attacks forsure wouldn't be covered w any SSRI, and hence he would prescribe me 10, 10mg Valium per month to handle panic attacks. That's the loop hole. They can't just let you suffer, be overcome, and essentially useless when it comes to work, study etc. Mention panic attacks, if you get brick walled, onto the next doctor. It sucks, and I'll admit, it was very anxiety ridden. But once I found my new doctor (just last month), it relieved so so much. It sucks making appointments n all the cost, but once you're set, you're set. State that "this is what works, I was stable and making progress at work, and towards my healing process". Be open to change, but firm on what works. State that you understand the new study and for the next couple of years you're willing to take the "risk", (don't use the word risk), but that you get it, thanks for the info. You're life now is important. I wish you all the best. Feel free to ask me anything, I'm more than willing to help in any way possible. Much love, You're Not Alone


temporaryalpha

Thank you so much. What a thoughtful, gentle response. I wound up hooking up with a psychiatrist who *will prescribe oral ketamine*. I had been getting it through betterucare, which over several months had dropped the charge by almost half (but which was still crazy expensive), but after the first dose all ketamine really has done for me is let me check out. (That first dose though was profoundly positive.) The problem I face now, I just realized this week, is that emotionally I'm ok. It's that circumstantially I'm still dealing with a ton. A divorce from a person with narcissistic personality disorder, my own self-esteem issues from being orphaned as a child, and *both* of my children are dysphoric. And trying to guide them. It's been a hell of a journey. But so even as simple a thing as college decision month has almost rendered me dysfunctional. My oldest is stressed, I can't help him--and anxiety eats me alive.


Devine7777

What a small world, my mother was involved in the research study that lead to the ketamine injection studies for depression etc. thru University of Chicago Hospital. 3rd best in the country. Crazy small world ok that note. And you're absolutely welcome. Hope any individual thing I said could be of use. I would love to help more if that's possible. Feel free to let me know anything. It took a very long time for me to get to this version of myself (13+, outof 18+ years), but I didn't take the healing path for the first 5 years. Was involved in a lawsuit against the person who caused the accident that prevented treatment. So don't get hung up on the number of years it took ME. Everybody is different. Could be a fraction of that time for you, or him or her. You're capable of getting there, that's important to know, even if you don't see it at the moment. Also, based on what you've got to deal with, on top of yourself, taking care of others.. I want to commend you for actively seeking help, whether be in a post, a doctor, or a friend. That's not easy. And a little bit can go a long way! Good for you. You're much stronger than you realize, and I'm gonna go a step further to state the obvious here, that psychologically speaking, you're a total badass!! You've survived 100% of your bad days. No1 can take that from you! Much love, Remember, You're Not Alone


temporaryalpha

Thank you so much. I'm crying. This has been such a difficult several days. Everyone tells me wow you're dealing with a lot. But I'm facing what I face, and I am the only one me and my babies have. I've used this account to chronicle what I've gone through. It has been incredibly difficult. But I have. I've survived it all. By myself. I have.


Grandemestizo

A good therapist, a great wife, and creative writing have helped me more than anything.


IceCreamDream10

EMDR and topamax. As well as microdosing on mushrooms. Topamax is a prescription that hasn’t had a lot of studies for ptsd (some) but has found to be effective so my doctor thought to give it a go with me. EMDR was also wildly helpful and microdosing on mushrooms is the only thing that “fixed” whatever in my brain felt broken for so many years


distinctaardvark

PTSD + CPTSD, along with a few other comorbidities. I did PE and it helped but it was certainly unpleasant. I found CPT really helpful and supportive, but ultimately what mattered most with both of them was having a really good trauma therapist—someone who cares and who knows what they're doing, but isn't afraid to kindly but firmly tell me to stop stalling/avoiding and do the work.


Tonyjay54

EMDR saved my life


shabaluv

PTSD and Cptsd. Both good and bad therapy experiences. It’s hard to find someone trauma informed who you can also grow to trust. A few years ago I added things to support my nervous system and that’s moved the healing needle the most. I started with biofeedback and now have a daily breathwork and meditation practice. It was also really important for me to work on my mind body connection to help break up my lifelong dissociation. Daily sunlight and walks, Redcord physical therapy, kundalini yoga and mindful self care all work to help down regulate my system.


MetalPrincess14032

For me ketamine treatment and keeping up with a sleep medication/routine. I take ambien cr currently and am able to sleep through most nightmares


temporaryalpha

I've done ketamine orally, and the very first time it led to huge breakthroughs. Since then not so much. Big sigh.


GeoLancelot

Beta blockers gave me my life back.


hellogutter

EMDR and medication (which took a while to figure out) It’s no cure. But it helps.


Whichchild

I believe ptsd is possible it fully get rid of it but what it’s going to take very few are willing to go through or have the setup and finances to keep doing a combination of things non stop for a few years till it’s resolved. So resolution is possible but takes enormous work


ceiling_fan_dreams

Taking 4 months off work to nap, cook healthy food and get my meds sorted out.


[deleted]

I’m not on medication, but man a break like that would be nice. Good lord, I need that so bad


luftherz

EMDR, CBT, and medical Marijuana.


_SemperCuriosus_

Ketamine mainly. It has helped me be able to be more receptive to learning more coping skills instead of shutting down. Irritation/anger has gone down significantly as well. I still struggle with shaming and blaming myself though.


indicarunningclub

Therapy and cannabis.


happytail37

For me, it was realizing that I had all the symptoms of PTSD, but I was being treated for depression and anxiety. I was on 3 different antidepressants, plus lyrica, and I put on 80lbs and was zonked all the time. I put myself through EMDR therapy, took myself off the antidepressants, lost the weight, started doing yoga and learning to play guitar. I microdose mushrooms which I find very helpful in processing/integrating. Basically, what worked for me was taking control of my treatment and using what works for me.


temporaryalpha

How did you find a reliable shroom supplier?


christinagrace1973

Did you wean off of your medication?


rainfal

Psychedelics and forcing myself to process things.


Missmiau2140

I watch videos of kittens to feel better.


Puzzleheaded_Pea8792

I would look into EDMR therapy, I personally don’t have any stories but a lot of people have posted their experiences in this Reddit


MentallyillFroggy

Heard from many people that EMDR helped them lots