PTSD

[louies]

I'm currently battling depressing memories from my past. I suffer from PTSD from a past bad marriage and I have just recently moved in with my current boyfriend who is lovely and completely different to my ex husband. unfortunately though it is the first time I have moved away from my mother and father and I am now living with a man in my own place since my divorce. I am currently experiencing depressive memories and thoughts from the first time I missed out of home though this time it's completely different not sure what to do I love my partner and I want to be here with him but I'm also feeling very down and depressed at the moment.

Is there anybody that has experienced anything like this before if so what do you recommend I do to get through this bad patch

[MarkJT]

Louies, I would say give your self some time to settle in. After coming out of a bad relationship, you may be subconsciously waiting for this one to go bad, but it most likely wont. Have you spoken to your new man about how you are feeling. If you have not as yet, he certainly sounds like a really supportive person so let him know how you are feeling.

The really exciting part of your situation is that you now get to create so many wonderful and happy memories to over ride the previous bad ones. It won't happen overnight but you need to settle in properly and allow yourself to be happy. I am sure you are a lot of the time, but PTSD has a habit of doing that (depressive feelings) from time to time.

When I am feeling low (also have PTSD, depression and anxiety), I just remind myself that it will leave at some stage and I will be back to being me. I exercise a lot, eat well, stopped drinking alcohol and do a lot of mindfulness.

Have you heard of the Smiling Mind app? Download it and give it a go. It is mindfulness meditation and works really well.

Most of all, be kind to yourself. You have come out of a bad marriage and it took its toll on you. Allow yourself to enjoy the new relationship that you are in.

Mark.

[louies]

Thank you for replying to me Mark. You have given some good advice. I'm going to down load the app now

Chere's louise

[MarkJT]

Louise, great to hear. It takes some practice to get it so please persist with it.

Once you understand it and can do it, you can do it everywhere. Stars, moon, clouds, rain etc.

Mark.

[Stuy]

Louies, Mark has made some very good points, mindfulness is a great way to start grounding your self. Other apps I use are PTSD Coach Australia, it has some great techniques there and just for relaxing I use Relax Melodies.

I only recently found that Tai Chi is a great form of relaxation and grounding. This can be done in your own home or in groups.

I hope these help.

Stuart