Hi CoffeeSnob. I see that you have accumulated quite a fan club here. So good to see, and very deserving. Can I add my welcome as well?
I'm really happy to read that you are managing your PTSD and associated depression reasonably well. Ongoing management is so important, and its fantastic that it appears you have the much needed support required. Exercise and meditation works well for most, and is something we should all strive to continue. I also find writing helpful as a form of self expression. I'm generally very quiet and reserved, so it helps to get things out through my writing. Although it tends to be very dark, and often angry. Not like me at all, and it never sees the light of day. Its purely therapeutic and something my psych suggested. I've also recently started pursuing artistic pursuits - sketching etc. I enjoy that, and can become totally engrossed in it. Definitely a plus.
Yes I too have PTSD. For me as a result of a particularly traumatic and life threatening event which took place some 20 years ago. But I never sought help for it until earlier this year, at which time I was finally diagnosed. So far I have not had any specific treatment for it, as its kind of been a matter of skirting around the edges a little with a number of other factors also coming into it. Many years of DV adds to the equation, so there is a bit to work on for me. C-PTSD on top of PTSD. I have to say that your story gives me hope that things can improve, and you're proof of that.
Good on you for persisting with your police career, albeit in a different role. You say its taken some getting used to, which I'm sure it has. Do you now enjoy your new role? It must be reassuring to have ongoing support within your organisation, just makes things much easier than it would be otherwise.
I greatly admire your attitude and commend you for coming here. Firstly for your own benefit, but also for so many others of us here who are inspired by your story. I have been here on the forums since late December and have found the support and understanding received here to be invaluable. I have no other support other than a very good clinical psych who keeps close tabs on me now. But she only came onto the scene recently. I hope you find the forums as beneficial as what I have. There are some truly lovely and helpful people here.
Thank you for sharing your story, and I look forward to reading more from you as you increase your involvement here.
Amanda
