Have any of you had to cope with PTSD and delayed grief?

Question

I am having counselling which is definitely helping. How did you cope and do you have any other advice for coping with it?
I am finding it so hard and painful don't know how I am going to make it through the next couple of weeks.

Answer 1

I'm glad you have someone with whom you can talk. It helps me immensely. Over time, as you deal with your emotions of the events that caused PTSD, the sadness and anxiety no longer haunt you on a daily basis, and life returns to something near normal. Years later I still have days when I sit and cry and need to see a therapist for a couple of sessions. My brother, who was in Viet Nam, still screams in his sleep sometimes. I guess what I am saying is, the emotions never completely go away, but we learn the triggers that will cause them, and we learn to cope/handle them when they rear their unwelcome little heads. You may email me if you would like.

Answer 2

U.K.
Samaritans 24 hr. Helpline. 0845 7909090.
U.K
MIND Mind Helpline 0845 766 0163 Open Monday to Friday 9.15am to 5.15pm SANE (http://www.sane.org.uk) SANELINE - 0845 767 8000 Open 1pm-11pm 365 days a year ...


These are good help numbers, do you have a few people you can explain your situation to , and then call them everyday in turn,so that you're not always leaning on the same person...

I think, the bereavement leaflets say there are 5 steps/stages you go through with grief, they can go in & out at different times, I think they are:

Disbelief/Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression/hopelessness
Acceptance

I may have this wrong.

But I think it's just learning to allow yourself to go through all these horrible feelings, which can be engulfing and feel all-encompassing,..and say to yourself,I had a bad day, tommorrow is another day, things may change...

It's awful to say ,but small,mundane tasks that you can complete so that you have lots of little things to do...

Also ,if your G.P. is any good they might ask you to come in routinely every week/fortnight until you feel better

You are doing very well by trying to help yourself already,well done

One day you will wake up, and not find the first thing you remember, is this thing...

All the best at this time to you

M : )

Answer 3

Depression doesn't always kick in immediately after an event...it takes time, each event changes the chemistry in the brain, and you've has many instances of death around you, so you're suffering from depression. My father died in July (years ago), but it didn't hit me till October, I didn't know what was wrong, until my doctor explained the delay factor. I believe you should see your doctor about how you're feeling, so he can refer you to a therapist, or at least offer you medication. I hope things smooth out for you soon.

Answer 4

I have PTSD the only thing that has helped without taking 20 yrs is Theophostic Prayer Ministry

Answer 5

During the first gulf war with the first president bush, I had to hand pick from among my friends at work those that would go to war. At the same time, my brother committed suicide and my best friend for life (gay) died from AIDS. When the guys began to come back from the war, I broke into a million pieces. The guys I sent all came back OK, but the stress just broke at that point. I just left the job and retired and moved in with my best friends mom and she helped me by letting me heal in my own way at my pace. She supported me every step of the way. I think just one person who you know cares will be your biggest help. I care.

Answer 6

I have been told a hundred times to attend PTSD counselling, which I flatly refuse to do. It's just garbled psychobabble bullshit designed to waste more of my time and the insurance company's money. Take a hot bath, take a walk, drink a beer, and stop feeling sorry for yourself and stop victimizing yourself.