Newly Diagnosed with PTSD

[MargW]

I  am new  . I ended up in hospital emergency because I was feeling a extreme fear feeling and didn't know what was happening, I was visited by the mental health team and with the link to a  psychiatrist I was diagnosed with PTSD. I was in hospital for 6 days while they adjusted some meds to help with night terrors and day time extreme fear feeling.

I was loosing my confidence over the last 5mths and didn't know why. I had 2 brain tumours removed 6mths ago and haven't had a good time at recovery ,things just kept being thrown at me. The team at the hospital feel that this is my reason for feeling the way I do.

I am on meds until I can have a vid conference with a psychiatrist next week. The meds seemed to be helping in hospital but not now I am home. My triggers are many and not sure what is what. The scared feeling is at times overwhelming and I don't know how to help myself get through  them.

I sleep better but I don't like waking up as that terror feeling is there and I deep breath ,go for walk and try to continue daily life through it but at times I find it hard and it takes over .

Has anyone got some advice or tried methods that has worked for them to help calm down.

I have been told I will be doing 'talk therapy' and am on antidepressant and a med to help calm me

I find it is crippling me and my whole days now are consumed. I am trying not to let it by distracting myself.I havnt left my home since I have come out of hospital.

[Chris_B]

Hi MargW,

Thanks for joining the forums. Well done on your recovery to date, please try not to be too hard on yourself. Removal of two brain tumours and surviving that is amazing, plus you've recognised what you need to do to move forward and you're seeking the help that you need.

In terms of coping with feelings of panic while they are happening, there are a few things you can try:

1. Control your breathing: you’ll want to breathe rapidly, but try and slow down. Place one hand on your chest, and another on your stomach – breathe in for two counts, and out for four. Try and concentrate totally on this action.

2. Counter negative thoughts: repeat simple, short sentences to yourself that reassure. ‘I will get through this’, ‘My heart will slow down’, ‘I am in control’, 'I am in a safe place here at home'.

3. Take notice of your body: sit down if you can, with your feet firmly on the ground. Tense your muscles for five seconds, then release, working in groups up your body. Feet, then legs, then back, all the way up to your face.

At other times, you can try and occupy your mind with simple activities that you enjoy and give you that feeling of warmth.

For me, if I'm really tensed up, then lying down on the bed and listening to some music, an audiobook or a podcast is very enjoyable.  Watching a TV show or a movie that will make me laugh can really change your mindset.

Anyone else have suggestions?