Dear rebuild101:

Among other diagnoses, I was also diagnosed at one time with PTSD. I would say “Complex PTSD” fits me best, if I am looking for a diagnosis more correct. Last I know, Complex PTSD, or CPTSD is not yet an official diagnosis but has been proposed.

I was also diagnosed with OCD, so I am familiar with the concept of “intrusive thoughts.”

You may have already shared here, but did you or do you attend competent psychotherapy?

This was the beginning of my healing: my first experience with a competent, caring, hard working and dedicated psychotherapist. My therapy with him started five years ago. What was useful and helpful in regard to symptoms of PTSD and OCD is learning the skill of Mindfulness, relaxation/ soothing oneself in non destructive ways, physical exercise, slow yoga, Tai Chi, guided meditation, unguided meditation… as well as insight into the past.

Share more, if you would like, about your trauma or traumas, in small portions, as you feel comfortable. Very useful for me was understanding that I need not be overwhelmed and when I feel overwhelmed, that is too scared, I need to stop what it is I am doing and calm myself. This is why this healing process takes so much time and why you need to be patient and gentle with yourself. No matter how patient you think you are, you need to be more patient and then some more.

Please let me know if any of this is new to you or if there is something new about it as you ponder it now… your psychotherapy situation… I will reply to you every time you post (unless you let me know you don’t want me to, of course!)

anita

Dear rebuild101:

You are welcome and post anytime. Hope you rest and that the EMDR therapy as well as the mindfulness/relaxation class helps you in your rebuilding efforts! Rebuilding your mental well being….

anita