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Suggestions for dealing with PTSD after ICU
I suffer from PTSD due to an operation that went wrong and landed me in the ICU on a ventilator. Long story, but I had my esophagus replaced and got a bad case MRSA. Over the past 10 years, I have had multiple chest surgeries and other complications. I go some periods with doing well but still suffer from PTSD. I have taken many anti depressants and other medications. I am now trying MBRS (Mindfullness Based Stress Reduction) Does anyone have other suggestions?
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Healing scriptures, read by pastor John Hagee on utube has been The answer for me . I pray that you will listen to it:) <br><br><br><br>
Hi @rsinger22, I'm sorry to hear about what you've gone through and how it continues to effect you. Have you tried therapy or joining a support group? I'm not sure where you're located, but you may be able to find some that are local to your area here: http://www.meetup.com/topics/ptsd/
How long have you been doing the MBRS? Do you like it so far?
thx. I am trying to find one and will look at your link
Research EMDR and find a certified EMDR therapist in your area. I found it life-changing.
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2 ReactionsWhat is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy. Just Google EMDR and the info comes up.
Lamerex4 can you tell us more about EMDR and how it helped you?
Those of you participating on this discussion may also be interested in this ongoing discussion:
- Any women members here that have PTSD, and Acute Clinical Depression? http://mayocl.in/2bW3DGQ
From http://www.emdria.org/general/custom.asp?page=119: "EMDR seems to have a direct effect on the way that the brain processes information. Normal information processing is resumed, so following a successful EMDR session, a person no longer relives the images, sounds, and feelings when the event is brought to mind. You still remember what happened, but it is less upsetting. Many types of therapy have similar goals. However, EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Therefore, EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically based therapy that helps a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way."
I have found this to be true for me. I used a light bar and headphones with an audible beat. Some people use a light bar and percussion. My therapist elicited a negative experience from my past then took me through specific steps until my reaction to the same stimulus changed. I have found that the negative self-talk and sense of worthlessness is gone; completely. It's difficult to describe and is different for every person depending on their experience. I can't stress enough just reading what the research has to say about it on the web.
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2 ReactionsFinding a support group may be a helpful adjunct to individual pharmaceutical and psychological treatments. It can sometimes to help to be around other people who "get" what it's like to live and cope with PTSD on a daily basis. Your doctor or current therapist is a place to start for a referral. Checking out what an organization like NAMI or Mental Health America offers in your area may be an option too. They host local support groups and may have something in your area or the local chapter may be able to point you in the right direction.
The ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association) also has many resources about PTSD on their site as well as educational tools, help finding a clinician, etc. https://www.adaa.org/
Stay strong, and best of luck to you, @rsinger22.
-Melody
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