Hello all. I'm 53 and was diagnosed with CPTSD two years ago. I've been in treatment ever since. I've used EMDR and therapy with some good results, but I am still struggling a bit. I have had trouble with allot of antidepressants because of allergic reactions. So most of the help has come from EMDR and therapy. I don't talk about this much outside of counseling, mostly because of fear, etc., but this is a step...so I'm working on it! My hope is that I can find strength/wisdom in the stories of others who have suffered as I have...and maybe one day.....well let's just say I have hope. Thanks for your time.
Pigeon
Welcome, Pigeon!
I relate to not talking about CPTSD much outside of therapy. I've found this place to be a really wonderful exception and I hope you do, too! :)
Hi Pigeon, and welcome! I am so glad you found this site. We are here to share with each other our support and compassion as we deal with cptsd. I hope you will find that being here helps to reduce that feeling of isolation that usually accompanies cptsd.
Our #1 recommended reading is "CPTSD: From Surviving to Thriving" by Pete Walker. It is a warm and compassionate discussion of the many aspects of cptsd.
And it is a good idea to read the Guidelines for Members. They help us all post and share in a supportive and compassionate way.
I hope you will find a sense of community here, as I have, to my surprise!
Big hug, pigeon, and best wishes. :hug:
Yes, Pigeon welcome! That feeling of isolation and having no one to talk to who understands can be crushing to the spirit. But you are safe here. Everyone here is kind and compassionate and understands what you are going through. So please look around, find your niche and once you start posting you will find amazingly that we all get it.
I am so glad you are here and that you found us! :hug:
Thank you for such warm replies. VerryFoggy you brought tears to my eyes when you said "you are safe here". Thank you for that. i really appreciate the info and suggested reading, I have ordered the book and read the guidelines. Again, thank you for the warm welcome!
Pigeon
Hi pigeon
Thank u for sharing
Yes I too have problems with anti dep - it's side effects for me sedation - cognitive problems and headache and also numbness ..
To be honest now I've been seeing a child trauma specialist and understand much more about post trauma and from this forum too I am not even sure the anti dep are doing anything --
I tried to come off them last year and went into mass terror and went back on them -- I am going to reduce after the summer and see how that is
i have suffered with mood and emotional regulation all my life (42 yrs but I do now see I am coping better
For me stress is a major factor and I have to keep things very contained and manageable - I don't have the 'big life ' that some do but it is ok I like my life
I've found this forum so validating and to connect with many others who have been through similar and how they have gone from surviving to live in a more thriving way I find so encouraging
We are not alone anymore and we can share our experiences of recovery each day
Relationships are my big one -- gee they are confusing -- :)
Best wishes