PTSD I need help.

[372rodeo]

5-6th Feb 2016 I was hospitalised 30 hours away from my home town, away from my family. I was sent to my family via DVconnect, I drove with a body so brutally bashed I felt like I'd been hit by a truck. Two fractured feet, still in crutches. (They wanted to send me on a bus but I refused as I'd have to leave my car & my dog behind). I had traveled with a fake name. He was arrested & realised on bail. I spent 5 months after moving from towns for the work but could never settle. Once I found out he had moved away, I moved back (crazy, I know). This was the only place I felt comfortable despite previous events. My PTSD is insane, & getting worse. He is sentenced on the 10th of Feb. I have vivid, horrendous nightmares that even now I could describe in detail. I live in a rural town with minimal support. I need some help, I don't even know what or how but I need it.

(Our relationship was ongoing for 18months, the violence kept escalating, i had left multiple times, he was a narcissist, he could eat Corn Flakes & tell you he was eating yoghurt...)

[MarkJT]

372rodeo, welcome to the forums and you are now part of a very caring and supportive community.

Domestic violence is a scourge on our community and I am sorry that you have had to go through this. Have you received and referrals from the police in relation to being a victim of DV?

So your PTSD, I have lived that journey. Are you seeing a psych in relation to this? If not, you need to get to your GP or see a psych and get the treatment started. I have recovered really well from it although I still have to watch myself very closely to ensure that i do not relapse.

If you are getting clinical treatment, it sounds like it is not being that effective in helping you recover. What has been done so far? I had exposure therapy which was harrowing to go through but if i had to do it again, I would as it really helped me power forward in recovery. A few mates have also had EMDR which has also been effective. If you are not doing these, perhaps ask your psych about it.

You need to identify what your triggers are and then work on how to combat them. I use mindfulness to combat mine. It is about living in the present and not worrying about the future nor the past. There are a multitude of great apps out there, i use Smiling Mind, that guide you through it. When you consistently do this, your skills get better and you become better at it. Very helpful for me so if you are not doing it, start now and persist with it.

Are you on any medication? If not, this is something you need to discuss with the GP and psych. It is a personal decision to make, whether to have them or not and one that is not made quickly. Their advice will be invaluable.

Bear in mind that the closer the sentencing date comes, it is likely that the more symptoms that you will show.

Breathing, sounds simple but you need to learn to breath deep. There are also apps that you can use, i use PTSD coach which has a real good breathing exercise. That really helped me control the anxiety attacks until i learnt how to properly do it.

You are not alone in your journey. There are so many of us that have walked in your shoes. We will support you along it.

Mark.

[PatT]

Hi 273rodeo,

Welcome to the forums and good job on making that first step to reach out. I'm sorry to hear about the misfortunes you've suffered and I can empathise with the struggles of PTSD, yours being especially warranted. I was wondering if you're receiving treatment for your PTSD whether it be pharmaceutical, psychotherapy etc.?

If not that would be your first best bet at tackling some of the problems you're facing. Personally I've found lots of help with DBT (Dialectic Behavioural Therapy) in treating my PTSD but there are heaps of other options available if you're willing to make a commitment to them. Speak to your GP about a mental health plan too which gives you 10 free sessions to a psychologist. Get better and keep us updated.