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Messages - CrystalB

#1
Ideas/Tools for Recovery / Re: Self-Soothing
October 09, 2014, 11:48:43 PM
Hi, all.  I have found Belaruth Naperstak ' s six CD Guided Imagery for PTSD very healing.  I listen often, especially when going to bed, as often as I need to alleviate symptoms.  Also Dr. David Illig - Stress reducing hypnosis with subliminals.  Both are excellent.  Naperstak ' s work is phenomenal.
#2
Just started seeing a psychiatrist along with therapist and MD.  Gabapentin and Prazozin are working well for me.  I used to take "heavier" drugs:  trazadone for sleep, clonzepam (only one month for acute anxiety), and he is planning on switching me from Cymbalta to Lexapro this month.  I have been suffering with symptoms and side effects long enough to really want stability, and the Gabapentin is providing me relief.  I did greatly miss the "knock out" effect of the trazadone at first, but I feel like I am moving forward on the Gabapentin. Time to adjust to a new medication regime, along with continued therapy, is key.
#3
Therapy / Re: EMDR Therapy
October 09, 2014, 11:07:28 PM
Hi, all.  I'm new here and it is good to hear voices who share my journey.  The healing road is HARD WORK! I have been doing EMDR along with cognitive therapy since 2012, with EMDR spaced out among the cognitive therapy.  This last time through EMDR wasn't as hard as in the beginning because I am further along in treatment now.  We strategies to do EMDR when we are able to meet a minimum of three times per week as big dreams and awakening with new realizations cause extra anxiety, and we keep doing it until the stress is diminished.  The long term results are worth it, but it is the hardest work I have ever done. 

I do want to let you know I understand the self-education with alcohol.  I did this for the longest.  I was able to quit, but just like making medication adjustments, it was very difficult at first no longer having it to dull the pain.  I get it.  It was after I was able to quit that I experienced larger gains.  I had to find something to replace the alcohol, and I discovered art and construction.  Now I work out a lot of self-healing through diversions which took the place of alcohol.  Some have had the gall to point out art and working on my home are new addictions, but hey, my house looks great and I have a new sense of mastery. 

Best to all on your healing journeys! Forward! No matter how small the step may seem, one foot in front of the other.  There is a brighter future for us all.