Do you know of anything that makes PTSD better?

Question

Besides medication?? If you don't know what PTSD is - please don't answer -- I am looking for people who know what it is or have it -- my biggest problem is always being paraniod/anxiety about my surroundings and not feeling safe -- i won't go out at night alone. I was raped 6 years ago - that is why I have PTSD -- I finally got off of meds so i don't want to go back on them...I am home alone right now and I have a horrible time sleeping when i am alone because of it -- any REAL advise would be great - please be respectful.

thanks

i did do EMDR before with a MFT -- it worked - but only for a few months....

Answer 1

The telivision has become my best friend at night. Even just as background noise it helps me to feel like i am not alone. That slow deep breathing stuff never worked for me cause then I would try to listen for any sounds around me. Music can help too if it is completly instrumental or a CD you have heard a thousand times and will really be listening to. If you still can't sleep may I suggest a pair of warm pj's, blanket, movie (see my friend tv), funny or action movies only and lots of junk food.

Answer 2

Therapy is wonderful. I have PTSD and I won't lie and say I'm great now, but I'm so much better. I still have my moments, but they're few and far between.

Being this upset six years later isn't healthy at all and I don't think going off of your meds was a good idea if you're still having these feelings. If you're off the meds because they made you feel bad then please try to find a doc who will work with you and find the right meds and the right dosage. I've had bad experience with meds, too, but recently I've gotten on something that helps so much and it just makes life so much better.

Television is a great thing because it's a distraction. Find something to do to get your mind off of things. Also you might want to leave music or something on to fall asleep with. I really hope things go okay for you.

Answer 3

He's never going to have it any easier until he sees an M.D. psychiatrist and stops telling his therapist what he will and will not do in order to address his problems. The bit about medicines and feeling like a zombie, for instance: that does NOT happen with anti-psychotic medications. Xanax, in particular, does NOT cause nightmares or make them worse. He's in a rut and likely knows it - but it's a comfortable rut. He most likely enjoys the attention he gets when he acts out his panic attacks in front of others. But by constantly treating him like a helpless victim, those other people are enabling him, not helping him. Until he is made entirely responsible for himself, things will never change - and as his spouse, you'll have a life full of misery ahead of you. Is that really how you want to live the next twenty, thirty or more years? You don't owe him that much!

Answer 4

Have you tried relaxation therapy? Try taking some deep breaths, hold it, and then relaease it. Do this about 3 times slowly. Concentrate on your feet, and relax your muscles, and work your way up to your calves, then your thighs, stomach, arms, hands, back and neck. If you make this all the way through without going to sleep, imagine yourself someplace that you would like to be, such as a beach tanning, or by a pond, or whatever, and imagine the sounds of whatever place you have decided, and feel yourself relaxed, and hopefully you will fall asleep.

They have relaxation tapes, maybe you could do a search and find one that would work for you....

Answer 5

well you are asking for advice but don,t want to take your meds.My husband has PTSD,the doctor put him on Paxil 40 mil...You know what caused your problem,it was a rape,that was a very tramatic thing and it messes with your head...I cannot tell you that there is any home remedy,s because I know of none.My husband does well on Paxil,he is more out going ,ahs more interest in life.he got the disease from vietnam,it was the after reslts of being in such a terrible situation...I would suggest you get back on your meds,I know you don,t want to but if you want relief thats all you can do,unless you go to a rape support group,that might help.Good luck dear!

Answer 6

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy may be useful. But it is better to start CBT while on medication. You can taper off meds after you get enough response with CBT.

New antidepressants are very safe and you can take them for a long time. Paroxetine & Sertraline are very effective for PTSD.

More info : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PTSD#Treatment

 

Answer 7

You are alone, you can get a home security system or I personally have almost 200 pound of dog.

They bark at strange noises and are great company too.

I am alone most nights and if I didn't have my guys with me, I would never sleep.

Answer 8

Chamomile tea can help you relax - use two tea bags per cup. Starting_over is right - a security system and large dog will really help make you feel safer.