Help or understanding

[Waggy72]

Was in ICU while of December suffering with COVID since coming home ive been suffering from nightmares n night sweats n feeling very edgy, got help from my practice mental health nurse who has confirmed PTSD and has said I need help, but this help has a two year waiting list, anyone else facing this kind of problem with help or struggling to get further help

[Sepsur]

Although I didn’t suffer PTSD myself ( as the patient) two of my family members were traumatised by mine & significant others being hospitalised at a similar time. They were both diagnosed with PTSD.

This is what I understand of PTSD.

The brain stores memories in very specific places, these have been processed & accommodated in a healthy way.

Trauma memory often isn’t stored in the right place or in the correct way - so that you haven’t learnt to ‘live with the memory’

Treatment, CBT or EDMR, helps the brain to process the trauma memory and store it in the right place.

Talking therapies don’t necessarily help PTSD, because every time to dredge the memory up to talk about it - you re-traumatise yourself.

Both my family members couldn’t access NHS services in a timely manner & had to go private because the mental anguish was too great.

[LeopardGecko]

As Sepsur has said, EMDR is meant to be good for this. While my husband was critically ill I had talking therapies through the NHS and they suggested that I self refer for EMDR once life has settled down again. I have no idea of the wait time and assume that the 2 year wait that you mentioned is through the NHS. I hope you manage to find some help soon x

[Videodragons]

I too had psychological symptoms after discharge from a long ICU stay and like Sepsur found the NHS too slow (though I think you should try it first). I found a charity (a Hospice) who offered me appointments with a psychologist. These were extremely useful. But that was five years ago so I can't say whether it's still on offer.

[Mijmijkey74 in reply to Videodragons]

Details of that charity would be useful if you have them still? Thanks