PTSD?

[Bayard]

Any experience out there?

I started reading about it a few days ago. I keep having flashbacks, or brain videos running through my head of some very traumatic times I lived through (barely) when I was in Calif, along with many of the other symptoms. Most people equate PTSD with war veterans, but looks like it effects many others with horrific experiences. On top of my existing bipolar, its a problem. I have not talked to my doctor about it (a GP), no therapists available around here (except for you guys).

I'd like to hear how others deal with it. Please don't suggest pot.

[irisblue]

1. I don't have any experiences to share with you

Just a hug.

[The River]

2. 45 Years of Experience

Know what "triggers" you, what sets it off?
Mindfulness. Be aware that you have been "set off".
Choose how you react in that moment.
That's the short version. To really understand it takes
years of therapy and a lot self education.

There are about 11,800,000 links to info on the subject and about 21,300,000 links to treatment.

[applegrove]

3. Find a passtime or web group that is your bliss. Then you can take it or not take it

depending on how you are triggering.

[hunter]

4. My doctor suggests it...

... but it's not a path I'm willing to explore.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

5. I don't have much info for you. I have Complex-PTSD, which is like PTSD, only more.

From inescapable, repeated abuse over long periods of time. It's sometimes called Developmental Trauma.

One of the most noticeable differences, for me once I learned about it, is that the flashbacks are not visual like regular PTSD.

Rather, they are flashbacks that submerge you in the emotional state of terror and abandonment experienced during the childhood times of traumatization.

So, I don't have much info on PTSD alone.

[steve2470]

6. check out EMDR

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eye_movement_desensitization_and_reprocessing

Find a therapist in your area who does this and who you can afford. Hopefully it will help you, and good luck