Newly diagnosed

I haven't done it but I've heard melatonin works good.

I was the same, my ptsd was an issue for me in my teen years, I didn’t go down the antidepressants route though . It can be a great help for some people but it’s definitely a personal choice. If you think it’s necessary for you, then don’t hesitate to take them. However for myself, I moved over from a really self-destructive period in my teens to becoming much more “self-caring”, I noticed that maintaing a very healthy diet as well as exercise helped me. Though sometimes it can get out of balance, I’ve been into endurance running and when I get really stressed, I can over-do it. But you really have to put the effort in to not shut yourself off from the world. A support system is important and its a good thing you’re seeking counselling. It will get easier with time. But make sure you are exercising habits of self-care on a daily basis. 

Rose

I would strongly advise you take any medications that have been suggested, you will get used to these medications before your Counselling  and these will help you get more benefit of these appointments.

Sleeping medications are not prescribed for these problems, you would become sensitized to them in the medium term and they may loose effect, then the dose would need to be increased and that in turn would make you reliant upon them.

AD medications can make you more receptive to any treatment plans that they may suggest

BOB

Hello Rose

PTSD affects people in lots of different ways.

I'm glad that you have been put on the waiting list for counselling. Talking therapy is successful in many patients but in my case the degree of trauma is high and I've required additional assistance.

I'm pro- medication as a rule because my level of suffering is really bad, and I would be worse in health if I was not prescribed medication. Sleep is important re PTSD and your GP should not discount this option.

EMDR is another form of help but I hasten to add that it did not work for me.

i would suggest that you wait to see a counsellor and see what happens afterwards. Keep pushing for an early appointment.

God Bless

John

Thanks for the replies. For me I'm getting to the stage where I dread bedtime in case I have awful dreams or wake up throughout the night. I'm expecting a long wait for counselling. I feel I would function better at work if I wasn't so tired.

Hi Rose, my doctor did exactly that to me, so I ranted at her as I pointed out that when I left a rape counsellor to go to a PTSD specialist despite me asking several times for her help she did nothing so when she mentioned that she wouldn't then respond. I have Dyspraxia too so can't stand boundary changes and that what she did. I had to apologise in a letter and tell her how terrified I was. I have since discovered that MOST antidepressants affect your bowel my reason for definitely refusing them as they bung you up! I have diverticulosis and IBS, my reason for NEVER taking them. I have decided to take evening primrose and nytol to sleep. Sleeping tablets can be addictive! Hope you find the right thing for you.

I have a long history of taking various medications and after getting off everything due to side effects, I only take one medication, Tizanadine.  It is a mild muscle relaxer.  I take a very low dose at night.  It helps me get to sleep and I have fewer nightmares and do not wake up groggy or foggy.  I have never believed in the 'take the drug for two weeks and you'll get used to it" theory.  That is just my own personal feelings.  None of these anti-depressant, anti-anxiety drugs existed years ago, and if my ancestors could deal with PTSD without them, I can too. 

Rose

Generally Sleeping tablets are rare on prescription, they will use various AD medications, they will prescribe various medications before your course, then they may decide to try you on a different  AD

Understand  we are all different when it comes down to prescribed, what suits one patient will not help another

If you have other conditions and take other medications that may be problematic and your GP will make informed choices that He will feel are beneficial.

BOB