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← Return to Anyone Else With PTSD?
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No doubt therapy has saved by life. I had some smatterings of therapy as an adult, but the real work began after I returned from Afghanistan. My PTSD doesn't have anything to do with Afghanistan, as a matter of fact, that two years was the best of my life. I was the executive assistant for the director of a DOS program training Afghan police officers. I made amazing friends from all over the world, some of whom I still correspond with. The biggest advantage was getting to work with my son who had retired from the army and was working for a DOD Afghan program eradicating poppy. Getting to see him in his environment was truly (uh oh, I'm going to say it) a blessing. Not many mothers get to serve in a war zone with their child. I was happy, engaged in my work, and I felt wonderful about myself, especially when I went home and my folks treated me like the greatest thing since sliced bread. That was the general rule; if you were doing something out of the ordinary, they loved you; if you were just normal old Vicki or normal old Matthew, they didn't care about you so much. Anyway, when I came home from Afghanistan, I was definitely on the verge of losing it. I was working for a small social services company, and I picked up the phone and called their help line. I met the most extraordinary therapist who specialized in PTSD, and who completely understood the nature of PTSD, civilian or any other kind. Through my therapist I met a psychiatrist who really has his head screwed on right, and knows more about medications of all kinds than any doctor I've ever met. I've been seeing my therapist and psychiatrist for almost ten years. So, in answer to your question about whether or not therapy has done me good, oh, yes. However, it has to be the right psych team, and it has been my experience that that scenario is sometimes very hard to come by. I wish you luck in finding an appropriate team for yourself.
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Hello, Vicki. I also have Complex Trauma/PTSD/Clinical Depression/Insomnia from 18 years of abuse as a child. I am 65 now. When I was 64 I came to Mayo Clinic for a diagnosis thinking I might have Parkinson's Disease. The right side of my body was in almost constant tremors from slight to extreme, my head was bobbing yes, yes, yes. After two years I'd finally gotten into a Neurologist in my area who diagnosed me with essential tremors.
The Neurologists at Mayo did a full workup and four days of tests later, the wonderful, Dr. Ali showed me my test results. She said I have what is called "Conversion Tremors". It is a fascinating diagnosis and it filled me with hope just knowing it was not PD. My Neurologist here at home went over my results with me from Mayo and referred me to a Psychologist who specializes in the area of Complex trauma/PTSD. He agreed to accept my case if I agreed to weekly appointments, with the understanding that this could take years. One year in Vicki, my life has completely changed for the better. I now have a PSychiatric Service Dog who has changed my life. There is hope out there, Vicki. I'm not "cured" but have made significant progress that is noticeable to myself and my husband says it's a huge difference he sees. I have had decades of Psychiatric/Psychological treatments Vicki, finding one who specializes in this area of trauma is going to make all the difference in the world. Sending you healing energy.
I also wanted to add, that when my parents died twenty-two years ago three months apart I knew they were at peace and could no longer hurt anyone or themselves again. I found a deep peace knowing that.
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@vickimurray Thank you for your service in a challenging place, and thank you to your son for his service, too. To serve others in a war zone, whether you are military or civilian, is a challenge all in itself. And, thank you for sharing your story. I have no doubts that your words have helped someone. You're absolutely right, finding the right care team for yourself is critical to recovery from anything.
Ginger