This week we look at the question “What’s it Like if You Have PTSD?” which is the title of Chapter 2 in the Recovery Guide. Let’s start with the basic logic and thinking process that occurs during and after psychological trauma. In the midst of the life-threatening or horrifying event, you know that something terrible is happening, and the normal survival instincts kick in. Logic says that it is obvious the event that is “messed up” and if I can just get out of this situation or back to “normal life” then things will return to normal. However, after enough time, numerous overwhelming symptoms cause more and more problems at work, in your relationships, disrupting your sleep, and changing your previous typical patterns of thinking and acting. Now, you think again, and the situation has changed, but things seem to be getting worse, not better.
When no answers are to be found, many people privately think, “Maybe I’m just crazy!” Again, to the person experiencing these things, this is a logical conclusion because it would seem that everything else has been ruled out. Many have described living with PTSD as total fear and confusion, a destroyed quality of life, frustration and regret, angry, tired, hopeless, and as a mental gloom that controls your life. Thoughts of what happened in the trauma seem to always be forcing their way into your awareness at any given time, and you can’t seem to get any rest because everytime you sleep the nightmares of the traumas cause you to fight in your sleep and then wake up in a cold sweat feeling complete fear and panic.
With untreated PTSD, it feels as if you are out of control, your life is ruined, there is danger everywhere, you can’t seem to feel safe or relax, you feel worthless, the symptoms seem to be inescapable, and all you see is danger, anger, and misery.
This is where most people are when they finally show up for therapy. Many people have said it was their last chance before suicide. As bad as all of this sounds, it is true that thousands of people have reached high levels of recovery from exactly what you have read above. Find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and are willing to try and place some trust. If money is a problem, call a local psychologist and ask for a referral to a reputable group that provides sliding scale fees. Also, therapy training programs at a university or medical school often have low fees and provide therapy that is supervised closely by experienced licensed therapists. If you are a veteran, call the VA or local Vet Center and ask about eligibility for services.
To finish this post, let’s look at the two major intentions that are prominent in A Mind Frozen in Time: A PTSD Recovery Guide. One of the first needs of the person described above is to cut through the confusion they are experiencing. The Recovery Guide provides concise, clear, and direct answers for understanding what PTSD is and how it affects a person’s life. With high-quality answers, the confusion begins to lift like a fog. The second immediate and practical need is to get some skills for actually doing something about these symptoms and related problems. Most of the chapters in the Recovery Guide are only 2 or 3 pages, and begin with an explanation of the issue, but finish with practical actions, techniques, or skills for practical use in daily life to address the issue. What most people find is that the symptoms are understandable, and there are practical skills and actions you can take to begin getting better.
Let’s be painfully honest. Seeking treatment for a trauma-related problem is very scary. Be encouraged. We now have good answers and people do achieve high levels of healing.
I wish for you courage and strength. Actually, you already have it within you because of the things you have survived.
