I am struggling with my PTSD and anxiety.

[redrabbitniner]

My PTSD and anxiety have been triggered again, over the past 6 weeks, following a fight with my wife. Having trouble reigning in the overthinking and hypervigilince. What have you done to manage your mind in tough times? I feel a bit bombarded by worry.

[Agora1]

Hi redrabbitniner and Welcome to a safe and comfortable forum.For whatever reason, I think we all get bombarded with tough times from

time to time. Some of us struggle daily but being here with others who understand

and care can help you not feel so alone.

As for myself, I use Meditation and Breathing both morning and night. It allows the

overthinking of negative thoughts to find a place to escape. A place where I can

regenerate and calm both my Mind and Body. Staying in the present moment can

also help in not escalating the issue. One day at a time.

I'm happy you are here with us. Wishing you answers as well as peace xx

[redrabbitniner in reply to Agora1]

Thank you. My Dad used to say by the inch it’s a synch—couldn’t be more true. I will do more meditation—I sometimes wish that the diagnosis would subside and that I didn’t need to keep up all the self care, all the time, you know?

[EndUser13]

Welcome!

I have a number of ideas I've picked up for coping over the years. When it comes to panic, deep breathing is easy enough and you can do it anywhere.

I enjoy listening to music to help get me in a different mood (or maybe listening to something soothing), doodling, or any number of little things that can hold my attention while distracting me- bonus if it's something creative that makes me feel accomplished.

Having a routine can help you get the sleep you need and help you feel productive and positive and not stuck in your head with intrusive thoughts. I don't say this thinking ignoring your thoughts and keeping distracted all the time is a positive thing either, you gotta find a balance.

[redrabbitniner in reply to EndUser13]

Thank you! Good reminders and ideas. I sometimes mistakenly think that I can think my way through problems—so the music or being busy ideas are great. I know these things but can forget them when I’m down the rabbit hole! Thanks!

[EndUser13 in reply to redrabbitniner]

Oh yeah, this reminds me of another great thing a lot of folks do- journaling! Letting your mind wander, on paper or on a walk can be a helpful tool for mental health. Keep coming back, there's a great community here

[catsrock]

So sorry for your struggles. One thing that has helped me that I learned about from a book is doing Designated Worry Time (DWT). You set a timer (I usually do 10 minutes) and worry the hell out of a problem. You don't jump around, just stick to one worry until you've addressed all of your worries about it before you go to the next thing. I have found this helps me because then at other times of the day when I start to worry I think - Nope, save that for DWT. Sounds silly - and I was definitely skeptical at first - but I have noticed a difference particularly with not worrying when I wake up in the night.

[redrabbitniner in reply to catsrock]

Good idea, never tried it!

[CindyKatherine]

I am sorry about your situation with your wife, it must have been difficult. Well, for me at times, it is to mend the broken wall if it has not been done. There is beauty all around when peace and love are flowing incessantly at home (even amidst our sightings😊). This reassures us of our immediate human support—our family.

Also, to add to the already suggested strategies, knowing that our worry cannot make us taller than we are is essential in dealing with my anxiety. So, I do my best and leave the rest alone. The places my best does not seem to "reach" will take care of themselves.

In athletics, there is the common saying (here) "no pain, no growth". We all reject pain, and rightly so. It is an intruder into our lives and the world, but, we cannot deny it is a living reality in all our history, lives, and relationships. This conscious recognition, realization, and acceptance give us, perhaps unknowingly, the culture and attitude of preparedness towards it which lessen our anxiety when faced with painful (mental, physical, emotional, and other) challenges. I humbly think this is fundamental in coping with anxiety.

Also, I do pray. If you are not religious, do communicate to the one you see as an Uncaused cause, the Big power, or anyhow you can relate.

I hope you find it useful. Thanks.

[redrabbitniner in reply to CindyKatherine]

Thank you. Beautiful sentiments.

[CindyKatherine in reply to redrabbitniner]

You are welcome.