Not coping with ptsd.

[MLeighb]

I’ve struggled with anxiety & depression since I was young and managed to distract myself enough to make it bearable, then a year ago this month I went through a traumatic event in my home, I live alone so there’s never anyone else around. Something happened that put my home/me in danger - it happened in the middle of the night when I was sleeping, balaclava type job so it was just really grim - the police did put it down to a hate crime in the end and it didn’t happen again. But something triggered/switched in me and I completely broke down in the months after - and was severely unwell for many months. No sleep, shakes, panic attacks, not eating, nightmares, sweats, serious dark mood, didn’t leave my home not unless absolutely necessary. The doctor did diagnose ptsd and I’m awaiting counselling on the list. I moved house 2 months ago, and thought hey it’ll go away now cuz I’ve moved home. And it hasn’t, I still struggle to open my curtains, my windows and jump at a single noise. I’m far better than I was last year, I go out all the time now and do normal things I even work still. But at home, at night, is like a living nightmare and it’s exhausting. Not sure how this works but wanted to share and see if anyone has any tips or advice on any tricks or tactics I could work on. Thank you for reading x

 

[Mario82]

Hi MLeighb

I am not surprised that what happened to you has caused you to become frightened of being robbed or put ind anger again. It sounds terrifying. Unfortunately some people don't care about how they hurt others.

I'm glad it has got a bit better. I have never been burgled or anything (touch wood), so I am not sure about tips or anything. Maybe try watching a funny movie before bed or something, or listening to relaxing music, do you do those things already? What about some type of anti-anxiety medication? Medication is far from the answer to everything but it might help you feel more at ease.

 

[MLeighb]

Hi thanks for your reply yea it was really unexpected and just frightening as they weren’t there to rob anything it was just to cause distress but I acknowledged it happened and kinda accepted it but just can’t seem to get past the fear of being in fear all the time lol. Yea they’ve given me propranolol as I don’t like medication I have to be honest as in the past it’s done more harm than good for me - but I do take the anti anxiety if it gets really bad. Maybe leaving the tv on with a film while I fall asleep might help to distract, thank you I appreciate it x

 

[Mario82]

Hi thanks for your reply yea it was really unexpected and just frightening as they weren’t there to rob anything it was just to cause distress but I acknowledged it happened and kinda accepted it but just can’t seem to get past the fear of being in fear all the time lol. Yea they’ve given me propranolol as I don’t like medication I have to be honest as in the past it’s done more harm than good for me - but I do take the anti anxiety if it gets really bad. Maybe leaving the tv on with a film while I fall asleep might help to distract, thank you I appreciate it x

You're welcome. Just wish I could help more, it must be awful to not feel safe in your own house. I am sorry the medications have made you feel even worse as well. I think leaving on a funny movie or happy music on youtube or something would be good for helping you sleep yeah. I would stay away from triggers at night like disturbing music or scary movies, but you seem sensible anyway and probably already do that.

 

[MLeighb]

No even talking to someone about it helps so you’ve helped! I’ve listened before bed and watched tv but never thought about leaving it on while falling asleep tbh so I’ll give it a go tonight. Thanks, I just can’t wait to to be able to relax in my home again one day

 

[Mario82]

No even talking to someone about it helps so you’ve helped! I’ve listened before bed and watched tv but never thought about leaving it on while falling asleep tbh so I’ll give it a go tonight. Thanks, I just can’t wait to to be able to relax in my home again one day

I'm happy it helps to talk anyway, that's what the forum is for

Well you can leave it on, if you don't feel it will cause issues with getting to sleep. I can sleep with music on but not the TV. Have you tried anything like meditation or breathing exercises? Some people on here try that and swear by it.

 

[MLeighb]

I’ll stick a comedy film on down low because the funny voices etc will probably distract the bad thoughts while I try sleep if that’s makes sense? Didn’t actually think of that one before really. I did try meditation for a little while at the start of the year but struggle badly with concentration so it’s something I am working on, yea I’ve heard it works wonders if you can manage to focus. I’ve never been on a forum in my life so I was **itting myself

 

[Mario82]

I’ll stick a comedy film on down low because the funny voices etc will probably distract the bad thoughts while I try sleep if that’s makes sense? Didn’t actually think of that one before really. I did try meditation for a little while at the start of the year but struggle badly with concentration so it’s something I am working on, yea I’ve heard it works wonders if you can manage to focus. I’ve never been on a forum in my life so I was **itting myself

Yeah try throwing a comedy film on. Something like Home Alone or Home Alone 2 would be good and the Xmasy feel would make you feel good too. I know it's even harder right now with all the extenuating circumstances in the world.

I sometimes struggle with concentration as well, you can get medication for that as well, Adderall or Ritalin I believe. I wanna try something like that anyway, but meditation sounds really good. A few people on here say they meditate 10 minutes per day and it works wonders.

You shouldn't have been shitting yourself about coming on the forum, but I understand it seems daunting. People here and non-judgemental and friendly and just wanna help and be helped. You were very courageous just to open the thread and talk about your issues so well done to you anyway.

 

[Nukelavee]

I had a bad experience in my home once, I used to have to keep a light on, for years, when I slept.

I'm not saying this is the best solution, but, having a dog helped. I mean, she was pretty small, but I knew she'd hear if something were in my place. Plus, her random noises desensitized me enough I got past it.

I hope adding a bit of background noise helps you out.

 

[MLeighb]

Home alone one of the all time favourites so it’s on the list now haha. Yeah the lockdown isolation has most likely what’s brought on the bad wave, I’m sure like so many others. I actually didn’t know you could get medicine for concentration, I’ll mention it to my gp next time. Thanks, unfortunately after it happened I saw the world as a really scary place, and that everyone one in it was out to get me or be horrible so it’s nice to hear and see that it’s not actually like that.. and there’s people here. The power of the internet

 

[MLeighb]

I had a bad experience in my home once, I used to have to keep a light on, for years, when I slept.

I'm not saying this is the best solution, but, having a dog helped. I mean, she was pretty small, but I knew she'd hear if something were in my place. Plus, her random noises desensitized me enough I got past it.

I hope adding a bit of background noise helps you out.

I had a bad experience in my home once, I used to have to keep a light on, for years, when I slept.

I'm not saying this is the best solution, but, having a dog helped. I mean, she was pretty small, but I knew she'd hear if something were in my place. Plus, her random noises desensitized me enough I got past it.

I hope adding a bit of background noise helps you out.

Thanks for your reply, sorry that happened to you too. Aww I did actually have a dog before, but because I got so ill I couldn’t look after her so she lives with a relative now. But getting one when I’m well enough again might be an idea. Thank you x

 

[Mario82]

Home alone one of the all time favourites so it’s on the list now haha. Yeah the lockdown isolation has most likely what’s brought on the bad wave, I’m sure like so many others. I actually didn’t know you could get medicine for concentration, I’ll mention it to my gp next time. Thanks, unfortunately after it happened I saw the world as a really scary place, and that everyone one in it was out to get me or be horrible so it’s nice to hear and see that it’s not actually like that.. and there’s people here. The power of the internet

Yeah the first two Home Alone films are awesome lol. And you're right, it will be the lockdown that has brought on a bad wave, a bit of my anxiety has returned recently and I think it's because the lockdown has gone on so long.

I understand those feelings of paranoia, you can get med to control that as well, and definitely look into stuff like Adderall or Ritalin. I don't know if Adderall is available in UK but Ritalin is I think.

Aye, the power of the internet indeed. You will find they are good people in life both online and offline, you just have to give them a chance and let them in.

 

[MLeighb]

I actually watched both of

Yeah the first two Home Alone films are awesome lol. And you're right, it will be the lockdown that has brought on a bad wave, a bit of my anxiety has returned recently and I think it's because the lockdown has gone on so long.

I understand those feelings of paranoia, you can get med to control that as well, and definitely look into stuff like Adderall or Ritalin. I don't know if Adderall is available in UK but Ritalin is I think.

Aye, the power of the internet indeed. You will find they are good people in life both online and offline, you just have to give them a chance and let them in.

I actually watched both of the films last week, but it’s going on again tonight lol.
I just can’t imagine how many people’s anxiety has sky rocketed since all this started, like caged up and too many thoughts. Hopefully lockdown end soon.
Yea the paranoia is bad, no I don’t think think addarall is a UK one but Ritalin is I think. Well I’m very glad I registered on here tonight I’d recommend it to others

 

[Mario82]

I actually watched both of

I actually watched both of the films last week, but it’s going on again tonight lol.
I just can’t imagine how many people’s anxiety has sky rocketed since all this started, like caged up and too many thoughts. Hopefully lockdown end soon.
Yea the paranoia is bad, no I don’t think think addarall is a UK one but Ritalin is I think. Well I’m very glad I registered on here tonight I’d recommend it to others

You should watch them again just to drift away to anyway. My Cousin Vinny is another hilarious Joe Pesci film. 'Look honey, you got it, the case cracker! Me in the shower!' hahaha

Anxiety has certainly skyrocketed, it's hard for sure. Lockdown is necessary for sure and I think it should go on as long as it has to so we don't get a second wave, but it sure is hard.

The paranoia is something I only find eases off with meds, but who knows. You could look at ritalin aye.

I am happy you are liking it here. I hope you stay around as I say to all new members as I think it will do people like us who have mental health issues a lot of good.

 

[MLeighb]

You should watch them again just to drift away to anyway. My Cousin Vinny is another hilarious Joe Pesci film. 'Look honey, you got it, the case cracker! Me in the shower!' hahaha

Anxiety has certainly skyrocketed, it's hard for sure. Lockdown is necessary for sure and I think it should go on as long as it has to so we don't get a second wave, but it sure is hard.

The paranoia is something I only find eases off with meds, but who knows. You could look at ritalin aye.

I am happy you are liking it here. I hope you stay around as I say to all new members as I think it will do people like us who have mental health issues a lot of good.

Oh I love joe Pesci ! Goodfellas & Casino
I hope it eases for you, I just realised you’re in the US? That must be awful over there at the minute.. I mean it’s bad everywhere but America seems to be getting it bad. I hope it passes soon.
I was always a little bit paranoid but it was manageable then since last year it’s been craaazy, to the point I’m like ok you’re officially nuts medication might have to be the answer for that one. And yup I’ll stay around