Ok putting it out there, A guy that was lost for a while

[Just_talk]

Hey, I will keep it brief, I lost my way and struggled with depression and PTSD and this has been a bad time. I wont fight it anymore. But guys its time to speak up and deal with it. I NO YOU GUYS HAVE GOT THIS. PLEASE TALK.

[White_Rose]

Dear Just Talk

Hello and welcome to the forum. So pleased you have trusted us by posting here. How can I help you?

Depression and PTSD are both horrible illnesses and I agree it does give everyone affected a shit time.

I'm not sure fighting these conditions is the best way. Sometimes we need to sit back and take a look at what is happening. Fighting takes a great deal of energy, it's the other side of trying to push all our hurt down and out of sight which also takes energy. The effort of putting on a mask or happy face to show the world there is nothing wrong can be exhausting and will also catch up with us.

May I ask if you have any professional help? It can be very helpful to have some professional help in our lives to provide a bit of direction and reassurance. However it's not for everyone.

I'm not sure how best to help you at the moment. Can you tell me a little bit more about yourself, how long you have been depressed/PTSD and what help you have, if any. Remember friends and family can also be good supports. Do you know much about depression and PTSD? If not I suggest you look at the information BB has. Start at the blue tab at the top of the page The Facts and go from there.

I will be here to talk further if you would like to do this.

Mary

[Just_talk]

Hey Mary, Depression for a few years but they have recently diagnosed its PTSD after a major accident that left me in hospital for a month. Still see it over a few nights a week Yes seen a person and meds are high. I just need to sleep

[geoff]

Hi Just Talk, having depression along with struggling to cope with PTSD is never an easy problem to overcome so I feel so sorry for you.

I've been in the same situation before after a car accident, 3 operations and 2 hip replacements and possibly facing another operation as the last one was 10 years ago.

Your PTSD can have an effect on your mental and physical health, work, and relationships.

No one can pressure you into talking, and remember everyone is different, and you may have to talk about it any time you want because if anybody tells to keep quiet this only makes your PTSD worse.

Your emotions on how you feel are so important and please don't ever feel as though you can't talk with us, because people have experienced this in many different ways, that doesn't matter PTSD is mentally draining.

Geoff.

[Just_talk]

Cheers Geoff,

Yes its draining, 18 months ago I had a major tractor accident on our property and was airlifted to hospital for a month, I don't remember much but see it over 2/3 nights a week. I dont no how to get off this merry go round.

[White_Rose]

Hello Just talk

Good to hear from you again. What a horrible accident to have. Have you recovered physically? It helps when you can get around easily and not have that constant reminder of the accident.

I presume you are still talking to a psychologist or psychiatrist. Do you find it helps in any way? I am always hesitant to make any suggestions when someone already talks to a psych. Mostly it's because you already have an expert in your corner. While I have by no means the same experience as you I can remember going over a minor event for a short time. That was uncomfortable but thankfully did not last long.

I am big on writing down what I am thinking. Usually I write and leave it for a while, sometimes adding to the previous comment. I do go back to read what I have written and I am often surprised by my words. Looking back in this way we are more able to see how far we have come. It's good to look back occasionally.

I'm not sure if this would help in any way, it really is horses for courses. Have you discussed ways to stop these flashbacks with your psych? Silly question I know as no doubt this is a large part of your therapy.

Getting off the merry-go-round or the roller coaster is difficult. I have not yet mastered that skill although I find they both have slowed down after several years of hard work. You said earlier that you have given up fighting. Do you think this has helped in any way? I wrote a little about this in my previous post.

One of the ways I have found helpful is to meditate. This is what helps me and may not be for everyone. I find the discipline of sitting down and focussing on one thing helps me through the day and was especially good when I first became depressed. I think it was because I could concentrate on something other than my dark thoughts. I found this started to help during the day. My thoughts became less distressful and I felt more calm. It's still a work in progress because I need to meditate daily and sometimes I skip that part.

I will not be around for a few days but please write in again. Someone else will talk to you in the meantime.

Mary