Is chronic anxiety and worry part of PSTD?
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I was dx'd with PTSD years ago and have cPTSD as well. I've had a number of car accidents and other things in life that traumatized me pretty badly - like being thrown in county psych wards for my depression and suicide attempts when younger.
I thought I was OK and then last year around this time, my dog got suddenly ill (my therapy dog) and died in my arms on the way back from the verterinatry ER 3.5 hours away. He was supposedly stable and I was supposed to bring him back after the weekend to see a specialist. I was driving over mountain passes trying to get him help and he passed in my arms. I was by myself. The whole thing was horrific and sad and this whole past year I have had terrible PTSD symptoms.
They include general anxiety, panic attacks, worrying about death ( my older parents and myself - or anyone I know) and feel unable to get another dog because I don't think i can go through another dog death at all. However, having a dog really helps me. (So I pet sit.)
Suicidal thoughts are part of this as I feel tired of life and being so stressed out all the time as I don't think I can take much more loss and trauma that I am sure life has in store for me. I practice yoga, swim, make art, and have fun with friends, but mainly I can't really relax. Sometimes I have to take an Ativan to get it all under control in spite of all the healthy things I do.
I find myself worrying about my health and growing old alone and having no one after my parents are gone. I don't make a lot of money, etc. etc. and ended up on SSDI years ago for bipolar and fibromyalgia - and the PTSD. Some days I feel like the only logical thing at some point is going to be to commit suicide and then I worry about that.
Is it normal to feel constantly worried and anxious about all kinds of things with PTSD and worry about the future? At some point, my brain just shuts down and I can't do anymore. Is that part of it too - chronic fatigue and shutting down and not being able to process more information? Thanks.
0 likes, 2 replies
tam111 catherine1966
Posted
Hi Catherine
I am not a professional in these matters but having lived with my own mind state and having heard others who have 'problems' like this then I would guess it is a result of what's happened to you. Can you not get any professional help. I also have to do a lot of guess work as to why I think certain things at certain times - it does help if you know why - but again, its just guess work if you have never experience it before. I have been referred to see a professional and I did talk to someone over the phone and they were really helpful. It was part of a set up called 'Lets Talk' - they offer counselling for cases like you talk about. It takes ages to get an appointment though as they are massively oversubscribed and it makes me sad to think that there must be loads of people like you and me that on the outside may look fine but 'behind closed doors' are not as stable.
?I would guess you have PTSD - but how to help it is the question. Worry, anxiety, stress are horrible things - you want to be positive but you can't.
?I have resorted to having patience - that nothing lasts forever and also trying to keep active. It helps if you can get out and about - even just walking - and this is where a dog comes in. If I hadn't had a dog I think I would have gone nutty!
?Make targets for yourself - and try to honour what you have committed yourself to at all costs.
?As for me I decided to do care work with old people - to make others happy and be of benefit to the lives of others gives you a sense of fulfillment.
?I found that turning round to look at others and how I could help them, indirectly helped me. I took the focus off myself (which stopped me concentrating on my own mental worries) and focussed on others.
?And make the intention before I go to help others that they may be happy and stress free. By making these positive intentions for others comes back to us and will make us more positive - that's how nature works. See for yourself
?For me I find all of this better than any medication
?stay well and happy and radiate good and positive things with your mind
wait and see what happens
?and try and look for a counsellor - look up 'lets talk'
?My GP advised me to look them up
sam18386 catherine1966
Posted
Hi Catherine, I too have PTSD. I have been told having it heightens all your senses, leaves you feeling en guard, my sense of trust is shattered, I have some levels of depression, anxiety, panic attacks, nightmares and fear persistently. I watch everyone and hate anyone who has children due to the nature of my PTSD. If you google PTSD you'll discover the range of symptoms. It's not pleasant to live with, good luck, keep in touch.