I have PTSD, & I can't find help in DE...

@puddinpop I know what it is like to be without a helpful dr to address a mental health crisis. Can you ask your primary care dr for a referral to someone? There is a website that you list your zip code on, that can offer you resources for many things: https://myhelpnavigator.auntbertha.com/

Also, you state you are in Delaware. Here is the link for tracking down a local National Alliance on Mental Illness [NAMI] office/resource in your state: https://www.nami.org/Find-Your-Local-NAMI/Affiliate?state=DE

I see it has been a while since you joined, but this is your first post. I hope you have been reading from others, and see how we can be supportive here, and relating our experiences on our journeys. Welcome to Mayo Connect. There is an existing conversation about PTSD within this Mental Health group, that you may find encouraging https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-else-with-ptsd/

Please let me know if this has been a help to you, and come back for more support!
Ginger

WebMD has a link for treating PTSD through EMDR, suggest you view the link and look for a therapist that has experience in this form of treatment. It helped me more than anything, Group therapy also helps. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/emdr-what-is-it#1

Thank you Ginger!

Thank you! I would love to find a therapy group in DE for PTSD.

@puddinpop I'd like to invite members @lolaemma @vickimurray and @marjou to the conversation.

There are many important variables when approaching treatment for P.T.S.D. and treatment often happens in layers.

May I ask if you experienced isolated event(s) of trauma or ongoing and/or childhood trauma?

@puddinpop NAMI is a good resource or checking into behavioral health facilities as they are called here in NM. What about checking local hospital to see or local physicians for referral.

I've had probably twelve incidents that contributed to seventyseven years of PTSD. The three biggest annoying residual continuing problems is trying to get CBT Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and transportation to their office. Second is trying to shut off the continuous stream of flash backs of not only painful memories but sometimes just inconsequential thoughts from many years back. Lastly is the pending divorce which has been keeping my equilibrium off balance for eighteen months so far. As I'm self representing and half my pension is being held until the judgement it's been difficult to concentrate on following up on necessary activities. Fortunately the pandemic has allowed me to isolate most of the time and resist the temptation to rant about my frustration.

@lolaemma Your situation sounds extremely difficult. Until Covid-19, most therapists did not see clients online. If transportation is a barrier, I encourage you to request your therapist to see you online or to find a therapist that will do so.

Would that be something that would interest you?

I wasn't completely clear. I had online therapy for a short while but the therapists contract ended at the beginning of the pandemic. I haven't checked to see what new arrangements that have been made. My insurance possibly may cover it. I assumed that I would be contacted. Then transportation remains. I had ER visits July August and October for residual muscle pain from badly healed "accidental" injuries. Took my mind off my mind. I've been trying to get motivated to follow through on projects already started. I enjoy hibernating too much maybe.

Hello @lolaemma,

I would encourage you, as @erikas, did to check and see if you can have some online therapy. That sounds like a good plan for you right now.

Yes, hibernating is something that comes easy to those of us who have suffered from PTSD and/or depression. Unfortunately, you cannot cure these types of problems with bed rest or by hibernating. Connection to others is very important.

I applaud you for using Mayo Clinic Connect as a way of expressing your thoughts and feelings. It is a good beginning to this process.