ptsd is winning?

Question

After many years of sexual abuse from my father I am crashing at 42 seems like I cannot handle anymore stress
and am now on Zannax so I can maintain. I am gonna try
counciling again but fear that I will be on meds forever now.
Any input on what to transition from Zannax to? most meds make me too catatonic and give me headaches, weight gain etc.

Answer 1

My familiarity is with veterans with PTSD but I would assume that the differences between what you face every day and what my friends face only relate to the stressor but the symptoms are the same. Veterans pretty much have to accept that there is no cure for their condition. The best that can be hoped for is to learn techniques to live with it and to get know themselves. Self knowledge is a spiritual journey that has been shown to help. I say spiritual not necessarily in terms of religion (although that may have a part for those of us who accept a higher power) but spiritual in the sense of knowing how we are to be the most true to our true selves.

This is not the place to be asking about new meds,or to find out what the latest high priced miracle drug is on the market. That is too much like a fad. Doctors have the training to do that. Perhaps people here can give you information from their experiences, but you will need to work with a psychiatrist who is willing to work with you to find the right treatment and adjusting it till you are getting maximum results. Often this is a long task and you need to find someone who is willing work closely with you. And remember, if you are not satisfied with the first Dr. you work with, you are free to try another till you get the right fit.

Stick to it and you can have a better life. The idea of forgiveness suggested above has tremendous power when you are ready to approach it. Remember you are doing the forgiveness mostly for your own benefit not your abuser. If he happens to get some benefit from the process that is only incidental to the healing you will feel by allowing your spirit and energy to focus on something else but your pain.

Also I recomend study about your PTSD. There is a lot on the web. National Center for PTSD is part of the Veterans Administration but thier web site does deal with other stressors than war experience. Check it out. www.ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/information

I'll remember you in my prayers.

Answer 2

Years ago, I was on the verge of suicide and found MATRIX-- a therapy based on Transactional Analysis.. I don't even know if there are groups like that any more. But I had been locked in the bathroom when I was a toddler and taught not to make waves--disagree with anyone, and to do as I was told. I worked in group therapy and individual and fought my way out of that bathroom and LIVED!! I've led a healthy life ever since!! Needless to say, I never locked my own toddler ANYWHERE!! Talked and set a Time-Out in her own little chair when needed. She's a healthy, vital, wonderful woman now with her own 3 young children--whom she disciplines with a short Time Out occassionally and when needed.