Well, I think I understand PTSD now. I got in a car wreck on Monday and was rear ended. On Tueday, my dad was taking me to the ER and I was jumping and screaming in the truck while he was driving because I kept thinking cars were going to hit him. On Wednesday which is today, I had to make a bank run and a car came up behind me, I jumped. I am also driving slower than normal. Hopefully, I will settle back down and this will go away with time.

Sherry

HUgggs bunny,hope this improves soon for you....I know NOW that I suffered PTSD for 3 years and was completely unaware of what was wrong with me. My son,then 9 years old became ill with what turned out to be menigoccocal septicemea (meningitis), gravely ill and unconcious for two weeks he fought hard and was a few months in hospital recovering.
Through all the physical therapy to help him walk again and tests to check for damage I was a Rock, My possitive frame of mind never faltered and I was convinced in my heart that all would be well, but strangely after his release from hospital I fell to pieces,panic attacks, uncontrolable bouts of depression and guilt I guess, I fealt guilty that I was falling to bits when I really should have been ok,after all he was on the mend. I now know that this kinda reaction is pretty common, but am thankful that I am out the other side.

kate x

Originally posted by Energizer_Bunny
Well, I think I understand PTSD now. I got in a car wreck on Monday and was rear ended. On Tueday, my dad was taking me to the ER and I was jumping and screaming in the truck while he was driving because I kept thinking cars were going to hit him. On Wednesday which is today, I had to make a bank run and a car came up behind me, I jumped. I am also driving slower than normal. Hopefully, I will settle back down and this will go away with time.

Sherry

Hugs Bunny. As the saying goes...Time heals all wounds. This too, shall pass :)

Originally posted by kitty_kaht
...I know NOW that I suffered PTSD for 3 years and was completely unaware of what was wrong with me. My son,then 9 years old became ill with what turned out to be menigoccocal septicemea (meningitis), gravely ill and unconcious for two weeks he fought hard and was a few months in hospital recovering.
Through all the physical therapy to help him walk again and tests to check for damage I was a Rock, My possitive frame of mind never faltered and I was convinced in my heart that all would be well, but strangely after his release from hospital I fell to pieces,panic attacks, uncontrolable bouts of depression and guilt I guess, I fealt guilty that I was falling to bits when I really should have been ok,after all he was on the mend. I now know that this kinda reaction is pretty common, but am thankful that I am out the other side.

kate x

Many hugs for you and your son, Kate. I suspect that this whole situation has also made you a stronger person too. :) :x

Thanks for the comments guys. I have gotten better about driving now. But vans still freak me out. I followed the directions from the ER and they sent me to a pain neuro who I did not care for and I decided to get a second opinion and I found a primary care doctor since I had lost mine. Well, in speaking with him he even suggested that I see a psychiatrist or psychologist which is something I have not been doing. The reaosn is my tourettes, ocd, and adhd is treated by a neuro. But things are beginning to get better and I am driving much better. I just have to remember that I am thankful that I am here and was not seriously injured.

Sherry

ptsd..i'm on zoloft for that..unfortunatly there are many forms of it .mine showed its ugly self when the goverment was pushing the iraq situation..brought out old skeletons from my time in army...i left there months b/4 desert storm...and had problems with underlying thoughts for our people that are there now..dont watch much of it on t.v. will sure be glad when all are back in the good ol'USA.

Oh wow night I am sorry to hear about this. I also went through a period of where I could not watch cop shows. But that was because I was arrested for attempted assault charges that had happened in 1992. But I was not arrested until 1996. Long story, but 12 hours in Harris Country Jail is something I never want to do again. Not to long ago, I was on my way home to see my parents, and some officers had a car pulled over and a guy was on his knees handcuffed. Oh I hated that feeling and it reminded me of what took place with me.

Oh and yes, the charges were eventually dismissed.

I too have a history of ptsd and my experience with it and what I have seen in others is that it takes different people different amounts of time to recover depending upon circumstances and events that brought it on....and it's not the kind of thing one can talk oneself into getting over...my suggestion to you Sherry would be that if you are still having symptoms say, several months from now as a result of your car accident, you might want to see that therapist that your doctor recommended.

It takes what it takes....for some people....and active symptoms that continue are painful...

Ok..gonna admit it..I too have ptsd..but mine stems from abuse & a car accident. I have major panic attacks because of this. Anytime a male raises his voice or there is the least bit of anger in it..I get all panicky. Also, in heavy traffic I freak..I usually let hubby (nightbreed) do the driving in the cities, but his driving scares the hell out of me too. I have learned to control the outward appearance of the panic attack because I used to get yelled at for it all the time. But inside I'm shaking like a leaf, and feel nauseated. I also get panic attacks in large crowds. I fear people in general I guess. It's not that I don't like to be around people but after what my dad, and my 2 ex-husbands put me through, I'm afraid of rejection, and mental, physical abuse because I'm not perfect enough.
I have went for therapy on this for many years off and on. And was told the last time I was there that I would just have to learn to deal with it. So I have accepted it, and have moved on with my life and just allowed these to come and go when every they rare their ugle heads. Medication has helped some in the past but until I can get over the fear, I think that it will always be apart of my life.

As for car accidents. I was in several major accidents when I was in my late teens and early twentys. One where I lost my fiancee in one. Although I was never the driver in the major ones, I have had a few minor accidents where I was driving..mostly deer hunting with my car. But it does bring back those ghost that I had thought I had locked in the closet.

Spirit......just read your post...I'm sorry you have gone through all those painful experiences....a lot for one person to go through in a lifetime...um, thanks for having the courage to share it all...I'm glad you felt safe enought to share it here...you have been through a lot of trauma...are you gentle with yourself for the most part?? -- I hope.... And by the way....grrrr :) to the therapist who told you you would just have to deal with it....not very supportive I'm afraid....

I was wondering, have you ever tried group therapy??? I've been in a few therapy groups in my life -- women's groups -- led by women therapists...and they've been safe and supportive and at the same time have dealt with the issues -- and have worked wonders for me....Anyway, thanks for sharing....

Joan,

I am very gentle as a person in general. At least until someone makes me angry. It took me along time to be able to allow myself the simple pleasure of showing my emotions. As for the group therapy..yes I have attended several over the years and have came to grips with it for the most part. What I find that works the best though is bio-feed back relaxation techniques. It helps me accept that which I can not change and change that which I can.
I used to have a ferocious temper, but now I only bark loud..partly my park service career as I was in charge of my group and had to bark orders..lol
Age has mellowed me considerably, and my current hubby (nightbreed) is very gentle with me..and allows me to be me. Even with all my twisted upside down traits...lol

Thank you, for your kind words and encouragement.

Huggz

Spirit: accept that which you cannot change and change what you can...the serenity prayer, right???? Does Nightbreed have a brother??? lol (for me?)

I'm curious -- what exactly is biofeedback?? I've heard of it...but never knew what it was....anyway,,,,sounds like you've come a long long way.....a long long way....:) and it's wonderful that you have a mate in your life who loves and supports you unconditionally....:)

Joan,

Yes it is apart of the serenity prayer although I have never had an addiction persay to drugs or alcohol. But I did attend Adult children of Alcoholics.

As for bio-feed back..it is a meditaion technique that helps you relax.
It goes something like this and I will also look up a link that is more specific.

Sit in a quiet place, maybe with some soft instrumental music playing. I like to listen to nature and intruments combined together and also tibetan music. Once you have gotten to that state where you can start to relax ..start taking deep cleansing breaths in and out. Now close your eyes and put yourself in a place that you totally enjoy being. Visualize it as if you are there (don't freak if you are in a field of flowers or a rose garden if you actually smell them)..while in this place think of things that bring you deep inner peace. Maybe a new calf that has just found it's legs, or the start of spring when the flowers and trees start to bloom. The purr of a kitten or cat even. Now beging to relax the body starting at the toes and working your way slowly up your legs to to the rest of the body..limb by limb feel it start to relax and all the tension floating away into the air. As your body begins to relax and you feel the tension float away, you can imagine something wonderful going on around you..like butterflies dancing in the breeze, the suns warm embrace on your face. The laughter of children playing. The soft stroke of a hand on you face from someone you love..even a grandparent. Continue this until you are totaly relaxed and you feel a deep inner peace.

You may not achieve all of it the first few times..but with each time it gets easier and more relaxing.

I also like to burn candles instead of using any lights, and I do this late at night usually when everyone else is asleep or hubby is gone at work. This also helps me get a more restfull sleep.

After a time you will get good at this, to the point you can do it even if there is a lot of noise around you. You'll be able to shut the world out and go to that special place.

BTW..this has changed my whole life. It has made me more acceptant of people around me..even those who are filled with hate. And it has allowed me to forgive the abusers in my past..mainly because without forgiving them it was eating at me.


P.S. Nightbreed has 2 brothers but you don't want them..although they have the same gentle nature about them..one is an alcoholic and the other is married and has his moments..lmbo

Thanks you very much Spirit for this beautiful meditation and assuming it's okay, I will print it out....and then tape record it for myself so I can enjoy it to the max....since sitting still is such an effort for me, I know it will take time...but I know it will be worth it...if for no other reason than to relieve some of the anxiety in my life....and the candle idea sounds great....I love the scented ones....so thanks again

your a sweetie for going to the trouble....:)

Joan,

Your very welcome. You might also be able to find some books on it. I know our library carries them. I too have a hard time sitting still, that is why I do it late at night when all is quiet.

Oh and btw..Lavendar candles work the best..it is a natural relaxant.

Good Luck..I know you'll enjoy it once you get the hang of it..and also..you can wiggle a foot during the process or do what I do..I rock back and forth with my legs indian style in front of me. Gotta keep moving..lmbo.

Huggz :D

Spirit -- No kidding -- it's actually okay to MOVE while one meditates??? i.e. rock back and forth?? or wiggle a body part? I thought the ONLY way was to still still perfectly...never occurred to me to move...and I agree...GOTTA keep moving...at least I have to...

Lavendar candles, huh? Hmmm. Lavendar is one of my favorite colors...sounds good...

by the way, I've been a member of alanon for years as well and ACOA meetings are something I used to attend quite regularly as well before moving west to go to school.....amazing, huh?

Well thanks again for the information.

Joan

I find if I rock back and forth, it helps me to meditate..kinda like setting a rhythm. This is why I usually do this to music..I rock to the beat of the music and it helps me to calm myself and begin to drift off to that relaxing place in my visions. Rocking has always calmed me. :D