....is PAST traumatic stress syndrome. The mantra I use is "Face Forward"....to try to help me be mindful to live in the present and look to the future rather than the past. I can shape the future but I am powerless over the past. It remains there, frozen forever in time.
I look at "time" as a cold, half-frozen river in which we are floating. As we flow with it, it takes us with it on its journey. But instead of bringing the flotsam from the past with it, it freezes as it goes and the flotsam stays back where it was, locked forever in ice, as we travel further and further away from it.
For those of you who have suffered PTSD, anxiety attacks, nightmares, flashbacks...
I'm curious how long before the symptoms faded and if you were treated for PTSD including CBT, medications, exposure or EMDR.
My symptoms faded at about the two year point. I took Xanax to control anxiety attacks and panic disorder symptoms. I was diagnosed by a physician and met with a professional specializing in PTSD treatment as part of this treatment.
I also used exposure to reduce the symptoms. This was self-administered after reading a great deal about PTSD treatment and deciding that I wasn't ready to "share" the exposure experience with anyone.
My PTSD symptoms are mostly gone. I'm wondering how others approached PTSD treatment and if they feel they were successful.
-Susan
This message has been edited by stillkickin on Dec 17, 2005 1:17 PM
Susan, I didn't experience PTSD like you've described, but I found that I was obsessed about the affair for several years after it was discovered. It has diminshed from what it was, but I still have times when it is formost on my mind. In addition, I think I developed several compulsive habits, due to the trauma, that I am only now beggining to address.
Tom I am surprised you did not? I guess I assumed we all did.
Susan I went to therapy for three years was also diagnosed with PTSD. I considered going for more help but the Xanax did the trick for me too. I remember when you went through it and researched and went to an expert on trauma recovery. Just thinking about it scares me!
I never took much Xanax. She prescribed lowest dosage and suggested I break up the pill and take fractional pieces as needed. Great advice. I like this illusion of control it gave me! So I would take a fraction every few days. I waited one long year before going on the Xanax.. dumb dumb dumb. I should have started when it was first suggested.
I now take Xanax when needed. Which is maybe once or twice a year. Like now.. when I should be preparing menus for Christmas but sit here writing.
I am feeling totally overwhelmed and came here rather than doing what I don't feel like doing!
I now look back on the hell and can not believe I survived it. I am able to see it through pardon the word.. a fog. I am grateful.
