work related PTSD

[TrailRunner]

Hi
I have been posting in the first responder thread but thought I might start my own post.
I have work related PTSD with the themes of anxiety and depression that come with it.
I'm back at work- totally different role though. Back to my pre-injruy hours.

I had thought that being out of there would solve all the problems, but I'm finding myself to be just as jumpy, startled and worried. Its
exhausting to deal with the hyper vigilance, the door opens i jump, workmate talks to me all of a sudden and I get a fright, noise outside
the office I'm startled. Exhausted. And not sure how much longer i can deal with it.
Any tips for dealing with hyper vigilance?
Thanks x

[Croix]

Dear TrailRunner~

I've seen you in the Responders' Thread and think maybe you became ill around a year ago. Also that you are now out of A&E, but still in the hospital environment and have reasonable work-fellows and manager.

The hyper-vigilance can be most upsetting, wearing and makes life almost impossible at times.

My body/mind learned to jump, react, cry, and do umpteen unwelcome things. I had to get it to unlearn them.

I have no magic formula. A lifestyle - including exercise - that promoted well-being, removal of the original environment (I do not know if you are all that far away from it) and time. I did try to do two things when practical, one was walk away from the place of my reaction into another room or preferably outside.

The other was to go straight into a relaxation exercise for a minute - again if practical , if not then breath control (4in via nose, hold, 4 out via mouth).

Rewards can help, even chocolate.

That was a long time ago. Then the app Smiling Mind was not invented, I use it now. It can help me calm myself, maybe you might give it a trail - it takes time to learn, but is effective

I can assure you things get better, it's the waiting for it to do so that is so hard.

Croix

Croix

[TrailRunner]

Thanks for taking the time to listen and reply.
I'm working on building into my work schedule "time out" where i take a proper lunch break, or get up and walk around the block. Just having my day written down in front of me eases some of the stress.

I've had to do the same (write out my schedule) for how to get ready in the morning- which i've put in listen to headspace while car is heating up.
I find the how to get ready for work, and how to get ready for bed instructions comforting in that nothing can be forgotten because it's written down on paper, but seriously?! How hard is it to remember these things that i need to write down minute details??

Although it eases stress, i feel rediculous and it's a little reminder of how far i have yet to travel.

[Croix]

Dear TrailRunner~

You are not alone by any means and no way is it ridiculous . MarkJT started a thread on just this

Forums / PTSD & Trauma / Poor concentration due to PTSD

Where you will find many have similar problems and solutions. My motto - the smartphone is my friend:)

No it's not a reminder of a long way to go. I'm miles better than I was - miles. I even drive to the place I intend nowadays:) And initial improvement was pretty quick, its the tail-end of improvement that's very slow, but livable (Mark could not be a serving policeman if it wasn't).

I studied (and passed) even if I did take longer than the norm

You are using your intelligence and existing tools to overcome a temporary defect. Good!

Croix