Any women members here that have PTSD, and Acute Clinical Depression?

I have both diagnosis, of PTSD & Clinical depression.<br><br><br><br>

Hi Kathy I hope you are back online soon. I am a woman with PTSD and have figured out some great ways to take care of myself, be loving with myself, and maintain good nutrition with quality foods. I'm so sorry to hear you have had such horrible trauma. I had PTSD begin after an awful injury years ago. Years later I went through horrific tragedy and of course, a level of PTSD was then constant. I still have trouble with crowds and simply avoid them. Exercise out in nature is one of my greatest health weapons. But wow it is an odd way to live sometimes! The adrenaline, fear, and high alert state is draining and exhausting! I am religious and know a loving 'God watches over me, so that has been a powerful lesson for me. I will pray for you. Hope your move was ok and you can connect with others soon!

Here is a suggestion for anyone dealing with past trauma.
I don't have PTSD myself but my husband does and he has found that EMDR Therapy has been quite helpful.
(Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
I was treated with EMDR Therapy for neglect-abuse and found it extremely helpful.
If you decide to try it, research Psychologists in your area that have experience with treating PTSD AND EMDR Therapy.

Hello, yes..I do. It is severely debilitating. I cannot work. I now have agoraphobia, insomnia and breast cancer with oral cancer in remission. I have gone through so much like you have. I understand and its increasingly difficult to find a doctor who will prescribe benzo treatment. Benzodiazepines are one of the best for treating PTSD and major clinical depression. I am on klonopin 6 mg. TID and my new doctor wants me off these ASAP...?? Concerning for me since I have tried everything on the the market..ssri's , snris, antipsychotics..with bad reactions yet, no help from Doctor except to seek psychotherapy which I do..ten years now but I'm at a loss. If anyone else out there knows of a good alternative drug besides benzos...please let us know..any info is helpful at this point. <br><br>

Hi Kathy, I am so sorry to hear of how difficult things have been for you. I too have PTSD, and am now considered bipolar although originally I was considered major depressive. it is a tough fight but one worth fighting. I hope you have some friends and family members nearby wherever you are moving to to help you get settled and feel a part of your new environment. let us know how you are doing.

I so value the new threads and posts! Social support and compassion is such a powerful element of healing. May God bless and watch over all of you.

I am so sorry to hear of the terrible things you have had to live through.  I am an incest survivor.  I have PTSD and severe depression.  I also have rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia and sjogren's syndrome.  There have been some studies that suggest fibromyalgia may be linked to having been abused when young.  I was also physically abused as a child.  Got a broken nose and broken ankle from it in addition to many bruises.  The thing is, my dad didn't drink.  He was bipolar.  Anyway, I have three sisters, and we were all sexually abused.  But, by the grace of God, we have all grown into productive citizens.  I have a sister who has her degree in special education, a sister who is a doctor and a sister who has two masters - one in special education and one in English as a second language.  I am a legal assistant.  My mom was and is a wonderful woman.  We were also very close to my grandmother, uncle and aunt on my mother's side.  I think those close relationships are what kept us from doing drugs or drinking or having more difficulties than we have with our past.  Three of the four are also Christians and very involved in our churches.  I believe my faith helps me very much.<br>I would be glad to correspond with you.  Have you been to therapy?  I have been in and out of therapy over the years.  I am also on my third marriage.  It seems I am doing well with this one.  My first husband was an abusive creep.  He almost killed me.  But the Lord has blessed me with three beautiful children and four wonderful grandchildren.  My first husband's parental rights were removed.  He didn't drink, either.  He was just mean.<br>I have found hope and healing.  The abuse does not have to define you.  Just let me know if you'd like to correspond.

Hi @jeanner, Thank you for your reply. I have heard of EMDR. I see my new VA psychiatrist this week. I hope he will help me! I live on a limited income so I can't afford private Psychologists. I survived my move, however I'm also extremely ill with Autonomic Neuropathy. I will most likely be placed on home IV infusion of steroids to try to slow down my physical decline. I'm looking for local support groups in my area. So much to do, I'm very overwhelmed. I hope to find other ladies to connect with here! ~Katt~

Hi susandenise! Thank you for your reply. I have been through 18 years of different meds & even 9 sessions of ECT! Now I'm waiting to see my new VA Psychiatrist this week. I hope he is a good doctor. I stopped all treatments for my PTSD/Depression in 2012, I got sick of taking pills that did nothing. Now I'm also dealing with Autonomic Neuropathy, an Autoimmune disease on top of every thing else. I do try to take a walk outside every day. Very overwhelming! I would like to hear from other ladies. Any ideas or info appreciated! ~Katt~

Thank you Susan! My sister was diagnosed with bipolar last December. She is also an alcoholic. She has been placed in a facility for her safety. Depression/Alcoholism is in my family. I drank & used drugs for many years to self-medicate. Not in over 30 years though. I lost a cousin to an alcohol/drug suicide when I was 16. She was 32. I need to be at the top of my game every day. I like to think clearly as I have so many issues to deal with. I have a younger brother here, and a few family members. Now that I'm moved back to my hometown, I will be looking for local support groups. I will stay in touch! ~Katt~