New to the Community

[toavfd25]

I'm new here, I am looking for support and to learn more about my PTSD. It might take awhile for me to open up, since its hard to talk about it. Its not something you flaunt around and just want to tell everyone. I hate feeling like an outcast, a burden if you will when I let people know my battle. My purpose in life is to be there for people and help them with daily struggles, but yet I can't even deal with my own. I see a psychiatrist and go to counseling 2x a month sometimes more. I take 2 depression meds a day. I don't know what to do anymore honestly, my anger issues have it hard making friends and keeping anyone around. I was an alcoholic but stopped that, if I have pills in sight I will take them mixed with alcohol. I've stared down the barrel once not exactly fun I can tell you that. Sorry for the babbling, once I get going I can't stop.

[Shnookie]

Hi. This is Shnookie. Welcome 🙏 to the community. It’s very brave of U to come here. U sound like a very compassionate person. However for yourself now U need to take care of yourself. This community is very supportive and nonjudgmental. I have some PTSD from being the Jewish granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor who had survivor’s guilt. It is a delicate and sometimes painful topic 4 me. U can take your time here and express yourself when it is comfortable 4 U. It is positive that U R seeing a psychiatrist. Do U ever discuss your anger issues with him or her. I am here 4 U.

Hugs 🤗 S 💪

[toavfd25 in reply to Shnookie]

Yes, anything and everything I tell her.

[Lefty_Epee]

Welcome to HealthUnlocked! I'm currently struggling with alcoholism, I'm currently going to therapy to handle my anger issues, also affected by PTSD, and have danced with death too many times to count. So if you ever need someone to talk to, I for one am here for you. There's also 63,123 other people in this section alone, so connecting with someone will be no trouble. I can assure you that you can take care of others, and yourself. It will take time, but it is possible. Many people here are parents and can back me up on this. Letting people know your history is not burdening them. That's called being vulnerable; you're trusting others with a fragile piece of yourself as a sign of trust, loyalty, and commitment. That's a sign of healing. It's not easy, takes time, and takes a lot out of you. But if you have the right people, it's worth it. I wish you the best, I hope this site helps take the edge off or help you find something that will aid you. Praying for your healing.

[lisa40509]

Welcome Toavfd25,

I of course don’t know your struggles however self medicating with alcohol is not unusual. I hope you consider the free, and anonymous support of AA to keep you on a positive path. The support and ability to connect with like minded people who have the same struggles is very powerful. We are so used to struggling alone and keeping our dark side hidden we can forget that anything we’re dealing with is better and easier once brought into the light. Send you warm and positive thoughts!! Lisa

[Roxylox]

Welcome toavfd25

[RupertBrown]

I am sorry for whatever it is you went through, and I promise you this: you will never be viewed as a burden here. Trauma often leaves us feeling like an outsider, like no one could ever understand, like we are alone. You are not alone. It's good that you have the strength to get yourself some help healing your trauma. If you ever need some extra strength or support or understanding, we are here for you. Welcome to the community and I'm sending you courage and peace. Also, if you haven't already, check out The Body Keeps The Score. I just finished reading it and I'm recommending it right and left lol. But it really is a fantastic book oacked with useful science based information. Good luck and I hope you find what you're looking for.

[lovetodance2018]

Welcome to HU. This is a wonderful place to share and know there are others who understand struggling with depression, anxiety and PTSD. I am glad to hear you are in counseling that will help. Also, it is great that you are no longer drinking. Stay strong! You can do it.

What really helps me is learning to visualize letting go of the past. Whatever I have gone through I don't want to relive. So I did an exercise once where I wrote all my pains down on a paper, then I crumbled up the paper and threw it in a flame resistant garbage. Then I put a match to it and watched it burn. That was a great exercise because I also felt relief that I don't have to think or relive those pains again. I also work on focusing on positive self-talk. These techniques to really help me when I am struggling.

1) Healing comes from the inside out. It starts with letting go of the things of the past, forgiving and changing our focus and behavior. Becoming aware of what you need through self-care and personal nourishment. Take time for yourself - you are worth it. Like taking walks, baths, massages, mani/pedi/, listening to uplifting music/sermons and anything that makes you feel refreshed and renewed.

2) The 557 breathing technique is take 5 deep breaths in while thinking good thoughts about yourself like I matter, I am special, I am strong and then hold the breaths for the count of 7 focusing on those words about yourself, then let out the breath slowly for 5 seconds letting go of any anxious, self-defeating, unhealthy thoughts. I do this one to three times a sitting.

3)The gratitude journal is writing down something good every morning and night something that went well in the day, or something I appreciate about myself. Taking our focus off of the anxiety and depression and focusing on positive uplifting things really helps. What you think is what you believe. So thinking uplifting things you believe those things but the reverse is true - thinking negative self-defeating things, you will believe those.

4) Emotional Freedom Tapping - bit.ly/3AVYNiX You use pressure points to tap on those points while you repeat positive uplifting things to yourself.)

I will be praying for you. Feel free to pm me if you'd like to chat. Hugs and God Bless

[Lazy_dog_lover]

Welcome to the family, The best thing about posting here is that you only really have to acknowledge things to yourself. We are anonymous friends, here to offer insight, ask questions so you can go deeper or so we can clarify, or just say “me too”.

Don’t be fearful of posting. You will find the right mixture of private stuff you end up wanting to share.

What are your triggers? What have you tried? What makes you happy?

[Midori]

Hi There,

Did you know there is a forum for people with PTSD here on Health Unlocked? You might think about joining that one as well.

Cheers, Midori

[toavfd25 in reply to Midori]

How do I find this forum?

[Midori in reply to toavfd25]

Go up to the top of the page and click on My Hub; this will show you groups you are subscribed to and give options to join the others. You will find the PTSD one there. I have recently left it, as I feel I have done all I could there.

Don't leave this one though, You can join as many as you want.

Cheers, Midori

[lovetodance2018]

How are things going? I have been praying for you. Hugs

[toavfd25 in reply to lovetodance2018]

Its been rocky but I'm holding my head up. Thank you for the prayers, highly appreciated.

[lovetodance2018 in reply to toavfd25]

Remember you can always reach out here whenever you need to share or are struggling. Hugs

[catch_the_music]

When I am struggling - I love to pray using encouraging Bible scriptures like these:

'he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul'

Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Isaiah 40:31, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will fly up on wings like eagles; they will run and not be tired; they will walk and not be weary.”

[toavfd25]

I have a Bible sitting next to me at all times. I haven't opened it up yet. I know I need to read it but it's one of those things that I won't understand it if I start reading it.

[NattyBumpo in reply to toavfd25]

toavfd25, I would suggest opening it up,a nd just reading a little bit. This wonderful book was written for everyone to understand,not just biblical scholars. You're probably already familiar with the first part of the story told. Read a little bit,then think about what you've read,and you'll probably find it easier to understand than you thought. You feel like you need to read it,so you should feel good about starting. Read a little bit,then when you're ready,read a little more. No pressure,no hurry. Remember,there's a lot of us out here who want to help you in any way we can.