And So The Nightmares Begin Again

[TBella]

I woke up from a nightmare & had panic attack. I am so over the nightmares, it just makes you feel so crappie for the whole day.

Im dreading going to work today & full of anxiety & nauseous. I know that since having PTSD that my current job is not suitable for me but I don't know what else I can do. I find the limitations of PTSD so frustrating, especially when people don't understand & think you're just making excuses.

Just feeling very deflated & sad today! 😢

Tbella

[Ken1]

Hi Tbella,

That sounds so frustrating and debilitating for you!

What is is about the nightmare that makes you feel crappy for the rest of the day? Is it the nightmare itself, or how it makes you feel? Sounds terrible for you!

Can I ask, if you could have any job - your DREAM job, what would it be?

One of the things I hated most about my mental illness was that I felt NO ONE understood. What a horrible feeling it is walking around trying to do your best and feeling like it's just not reaching other's standards.

The reality of it is that no one has walked in your shoes, and that it can be difficult to find support but that just makes the support you do find even more valuable - like the people on these forums!

Do you have many people close to you that are supportive and understanding?

Hope your spirit becomes inflated and that your nightmares aren't so frequent!

Bonnie

[TBella]

Hi Bonnie

Thank you for your post.

It is both the nightmare & the way it makes me feel that makes me feel crappy & anxious.

I am not sure what my dream job would be. I would like some sort of self employment.

I don't have any support or people close to me. All my friends left me when they found out I had PTSD, I haven't heard from them in 5-8 years. I do have one friend who has stuck by me but is overseas & going through a very hard time at moment.

My family live interstate. My mum text me most days but doesn't know how to deal with my mental illness. She minimises things. But I know she loves me. My sister who is a nurse does not believe in mental illness. She harshly made it known to me last week that my PTSD is not real just a label that allows me to play a victim because that's safe. According to her mental illness is a choice & just label that enables people to avoid taking responsibility for their lives.

I have a cousin who will text me to say she's thinking of me which I appreciate but I don't have anyone to talk to in person apart from my monthly Psychologist appointments .

I really appreciate you taking time to reply to my post. Thank you so much 😊 I hope you have an awesome day.

kindest Regards

Tbella

[startingnew]

hi there

i ahve PTSD as well and can relate to these dreaded nightmares. they are really terrible

im wondering do you see a therapist? they could help you with coping strategies and maybe see a psychiatrist as they specialise in medications and they might be able to help you as well

i can give you some coping strategies if you like though in the meantime

[TBella]

Hi StartingNew

yes I do see a Psychologist!

Thanks for your post 😊 have an awesome day!

Kind Regards

Tbella

[startingnew]

you too 🙂

im glad your seeing a psychologist though 🙂

[Croix]

Dear Tbella~

The nightmares and aftermath are horrible. If it is of any consolation they get weaker in time and the recovery period shorter and shorter.

The best I can offer is what I do, shower to change how the body feels, short walk outside in the street to try to get a bit of perspective, maybe Smiling Mind if I have time left.

If I'm driving that day I always have a podcast on an interesting subject (in my case the Science Show/Big Ideas) for distraction as I drive to help stop the thoughts and mood coming back.

Not ideal, does help

Croix

[TBella]

Thanks Croix for tips, greatly appreciated. 😊

I was sleeping much better for a while now. I think the incident with my sisters harsh judgement last week triggered me & May has many triggers also. Especially anniversary of my dad's death.

but I'm feeling better today.

I hope you're traveling well.

Kind Regards

Tbella

[A_Tech]

Hey TBella,

I can fully relate to EVERYTHING you said! The nightmares, feeling crappy. When I wake from them I have that panic/anxiety feeling and my heart is thumping, sometimes I'm soaked in sweat. I can't always remember the dream itself, just the panic, which leaves a whole other feeling of crap.

And it does stay with you for the day, what the hell is that about?

I have the same thing with everyone walking away too. My mother is the same as your sister, she told me to 'get over it', that I'm bringing it all on myself. And yet about 8 years ago my oldest brother had a breakdown and she was 100% supportive for him and had a go at anyone that said anything about him.

I have my husband and my dad but that's all. No one else wants to know. Those that didn't leave in the beginning did eventually because they thought I should've been 'over it' by now.

As for your sister, wow!! As a nurse she should know better and I'm disgusted and so sorry that you have to go through that from family. I'm embarrassed to be in the same profession.

Just know that there always people here that DO understand and support you unconditionally. It's not the same I know, but it's a start.

Donna

[TBella]

Thank you Donna

i think I learnt a valuable lesson with my sister, that is family won't always understand & we need to be choosy who we share our struggle with. That's why I love this forum, full of compassionate souls, who get it!

I think what has helped me most in the last month is ACCEPTANCE- I'm learning to accept things - they are what they are even if I don't like it!

I am finding the more I accept things ( including the panic attacks/anxiety), instead of fighting against it or wishing it be something else, the easier it gets. I don't have to like it but I've stopped fighting against it & just accept, it is what it is & im not responsible for anyone else's attitude, arrogance, ignorance.

My sisters response has done some deep damage & im dreading her visit here in a few weeks time but will be civil for the sake of her daughter who lives with me.

I hope that your nightmares decrease & you find the right support you need.

Thanks for your post, it has helped me not to feel so alienated & isolated

Tbella