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PTSD ForumsGeneral & SupportTaking Care of Ourselves
04/05/2009 05:44 PM
metalynn

I've recently had some extremely stressful situations going on within my family that have brought up alot of PTSD. I know I'm supposed to be "taking care of myself". To be absolutely honest with you all, I felt completely stuck trying to come up with ideas on what to do - especially with small kids and not having a lot of extra money to do stuff with. know journaling is a good thing to do, but I was so stressed, exhausted, panicked, sad, and scared I didn't feel like I had the energy to do that. I did end up taking a walk and a hot bath the next day.

I'm just wondering what other things people do to "take care" of themselves.

Reply

04/05/2009 07:16 PM  Top
pirateprincess421
pirateprincess421
 
Posts: 31179
VIP Member

Little simple things help. A cup of tea, a bath, a good book, a nice magazine, coloring, puzzle books. Anything that is something special to you. I journal every morning. I rate my moods, my sleep, eating, energy, and keep my dreams written down. This is my special time in the morning. I also have bought flowers for myself. Gave myself a pedicure, gone out to get a pedicure. Browse in a book store or craft store. I do alot for myself and it has really helped me stay grounded and I have healed alot since doing these things.
Princess Lainey

Lamictal 200mg
Risperdal 1.5mg
Trazadon 100mg
Klonapin 1mg
Lexapro 20mg
Wellbutrin 150mg

PS...I hate the snow

Please note that I am not a psychiatrist or psychologist. My opinions are personal only. This site is not intended to be a substitution for professional care, nor is anyone here qualified to make diagnoses.

04/06/2009 12:22 PM  Top
ceegee
ceegee
 
Posts: 961
Senior Member

I'm sorry that I can't offer any advice on this because I haven't quite figured out what to do myself. usually try and keep busy so I don't think about it.
[IMG]http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq185/pshelby_2008/ceegee.gif[/IMG]

Previous discussions I participated in:
'nother newbie
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Question for you...

04/08/2009 06:27 AM  Top
taurus
taurusPosts: 2893
Senior Member

I agree with pirateprincess, I'm bad though. I go to the salon, buy a new outfit and go out to lunch or dinner with my husband or my Mom. I watch a movie that is inspirational and makes me feel good and romantic comedies. I read a good book play a game on the wii and get on MDJ. I also see my therapist.

04/08/2009 11:14 AM  Top
Nevayda
Nevayda
 
Posts: 7307
VIP Member

Hi metalyn. It sounds like you have a gorilla on your back. That makes anyone exhausted.

If your ptsd is being triggered by siblings or other original family memebers, perhaps you can pull back from them.

Any mom with young chidren is already using all her energies every day. I think it's necessary to protect yourself emotionally because you have children. Moms and children are very close and tune in to one another.

Can you pack a lunch and go to a nearby playground for an hour or so? Are you close to elementary schools that have playgrounds? The children would love it.


04/13/2009 01:47 PM  Top
dreamsofinsomnia
dreamsofinsomnia
 
Posts: 1719
VIP Member

i know that feeling with my daughter and husband straining my every nerve and being pregneant i have no time to do things that make me feel better and am getting run down- i can't remember the last time i slept good since my husband snores so bad i get 4 hours of sleep then expected to just lay there 2 to 4 hours till he gets up for work then sleep- sleeping a split shift is killing me

on top of that i have to sleep in so late that i feel i a not spending the time i want with my daughter

don't say ear plugs they don't work he snores to loud

Please, please forgive me,
But I won't be home again.
Maybe someday you'll look up,
And, barely conscious, you'll say to no one:
"Isn't something missing?"

You won't cry for my absence, I know -
You forgot me long ago.
Am I that unimportant...?
Am I so insignificant...?
Isn't something missing?
Isn't someone missing me?

Even though I'm the sacrifice,
You won't try for me, not now.
Though I'd die to know you love me,
I'm all alone.
Isn't someone missing me?

Please, please forgive me,
But I won't be home again.
I know what you do to yourself,
I breathe deep and cry out:
"Isn't something missing?
Isn't someone missing me?"

Even though I'm the sacrifice,
You won't try for me, not now.
Though I'd die to know you love me,
I'm all alone.
Isn't someone missing me?

And if I bleed, I'll bleed,
Knowing you don't care.
And if I sleep just to dream of you
And wake without you there,
Isn't something missing?
Isn't something...

Even though I'm the sacrifice,
You won't try for me, not now.
Though I'd die to know you love me,
I'm all alone.
Isn't something missing?
Isn't someone missing me?



contact me on yahoo messenger under jennyleuchtman

04/13/2009 02:51 PM  Top
Nevayda
Nevayda
 
Posts: 7307
VIP Member

my sister's husband snored so bad that she couldn't sleep either. He finally got a c-pap machine as he was experiencing sleep apnea. That is serious as oxygen is not getting to the brain the way it's supposed to. The c-pap machine gets the oxygen to his brain while he sleeps so he sleeps all night, doesn't snore, and is not at risk for stroke etc. Maybe you can ask your husband to mention it to his Dr. to see if he needs that kind of help.

04/13/2009 10:48 PM  Top
hanginginthere
 
Posts: 300
Member

Hi metalynn,

Hopefully, things are turning around for the better and the stressors in your life have diminished....

To answer your question, taking care of myself includes the following:

-take a walk/walking the dog (exercise)

-stay busy around the house (especially outdoors-it's so relaxing)

-read a newspaper, magazine or book

-watch a movie and actually hold the remote

-surf the net

-clean out MY closet/drawers

-meet a friend after work for a drink

-do my nails, straighten my hair, pluck and wax (this could take hours)

-turn the t.v. off and just listen to music and actually hear the lyrics

-play board games or card games with the kids

-try a new recipe

-take a nap

-go for a car ride

-stay up late when everyone else is asleep (like right now!)

-make play dates for the kids so they aren't sitting around "bored"

-go through old photographs that bring back wonderful memories

-teach my kids how to dance (it brings beautiful smiles to their faces and mine)

-ignore my husband when he is in one of his moods

-pray and think about things getting better

-have a good cry

-I rarely like to shop or talk on the phone, but sometimes it helps too...

Don't feel guilty for taking a little time out each day for yourself in what ever manner you see fit and make a habit of it!!!

Hugs!!!

"Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for." - Joseph Addison

04/14/2009 10:03 AM  Top
alexandra10143
 
Posts: 58
Member

Those are great ideas!

What is the best way to take care of yourself after a flashback?

I have ways of taking care of myself when I am feeling sad, stressed, hyperaroused, etc. But after I flashback I am especially vulnerable and I don't know how to take care of myself. I always want to be around my boyfriend after a flashback, but I'd rather not depend on him for this. It makes me feel guilty and I feel guilty enough as it is! I'd like to stand on my own, especially because he is moving to another city and I won't be able to call him at a moment's notice and have him come over.

What do you do to take care of yourself after a flashback?


04/14/2009 01:17 PM  Top
pirateprincess421
pirateprincess421
 
Posts: 31179
VIP Member

I try to relax myself as much as possible. But go with the flow. If you need a chance to think about what happened think about it, but remember is wasn't real, just a flashback. I try to process it that way. I tend to isolate when these things happen, so being around people isn't a big deal. I just try to relax and plug along. Doing something nice like take a nap or a hot bath also helps.
Princess Lainey

Lamictal 200mg
Risperdal 1.5mg
Trazadon 100mg
Klonapin 1mg
Lexapro 20mg
Wellbutrin 150mg

PS...I hate the snow

Please note that I am not a psychiatrist or psychologist. My opinions are personal only. This site is not intended to be a substitution for professional care, nor is anyone here qualified to make diagnoses.
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