Well, it's official...

[Pisces]

Hi,

As some would know, I've finally seen a doctor about my problems, the drinking, low self esteem, and a string of crappy relationships, etc etc.

Anyway, he prescribed Campral and gave me a referral to see a phyciatrist. I have been assessed as having Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I kinda thought so, as I have been wondering and searching for a reason for the way I am, and I'm glad at least I can put a name to it and begin to get better.

I'm not trying to use this for an excuse for my drinking, but I do know that I can't seem to handle my emotions very well, and drinking has helped me numb them, for too long now.

I will be seeing the phyc each week and a drug & alcohol councellor each week too, and I'm glad that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I've tried so hard to keep it together, but I'm so tired of falling apart...

Wondering if anyone else here has PTSD, would just like to share and find out if you have gotten better, I need hope that its possible!

Love to all, Jas xx

[paula]

Well, it's official...

Hi Jasmin,
so pleased you have a diagnosis, I nurse people with ptsd.people tend to deal with it
in different ways alcohol being one of them. At least you are getting the right help
talking about feelings etc. is a major part of treatment. You certainly have lots of
hope, I see people getting better all the time, it dosn't happen overnight but gradually
Best of luck Paula. x

[Guest]

Well, it's official...

Jasmin,
So happy to hear you have sought help, and that good will be coming of it. We all deserve to be happy. Best of luck and keep us posted on your progess. Always love hearing success stories, or even little victories.

[Cinders]

Well, it's official...

Jasmin,

While I don't have PTSD, being an army brat and subsequent army wife, I have known many people who have had PTSD, especially in my youth from the Vietnam War.

Like you, many of these people turned to alcohol - some to heroin or other drugs - to alleviate the symptoms.

I have known many who have worked their way back from it and overcome with the help of some very compassionate counsellors. A few I still know today have grandkids like me and are happy as can be!!

Hang in there!! Knowing what the problem is lets you figure out how to deal with it.

Best of luck and good thoughts your way.

Cindi

[lucky 2.0]

Well, it's official...

Jasmin,

So glad you can see the light @ the end of the tunnel. That is HUGE!

All the best-
lucky

[Guest]

Well, it's official...

Glad to hear this Jas, Good luck to you sweetie!
Hugs
Mar

[hart]

Well, it's official...

(((Jasmin)))

I definitely turned to alcohol and other things to cope with things. Some were memories I have tried to supress. I am also on Campral and find it works great for the cravings. Now the coping.....that's a little harder to kick. We can do it!:thumbs:

[irishlady]

Well, it's official...

Jasmin, I'm so glad you have taken the first steps towards a better life for yourself and I wish you all you wish for yourself..

Love, Louise xxx

[MDBiker]

Well, it's official...

You go Jasmin;
You are doing the right thing. I am proud for you. I think we all have a little PTSD from time to time. Even when I am not directly involved, things affect me. The tsunami that killed all those innocent people was hard for me to take. People living a hard life losing so much. The 911 attack all the innocent people dying there. Hurricane Katrina, same thing; innocent people lost for no good reason. I wasn’t directly impacted by these, but it did affect my mind. I am taking campral and I also think you will be happy with the results. Working through the mental issues is harder than working through the physical ones.

Congrats on your decision.
:l
bear

[DidItForMe]

Well, it's official...

Jasmin:
Good for you! I am so glad you are working on finding a solution. Working on the underlying issues will help to solve the problems. Easy to say, hard to do, I know. But it's the first step in the right direction. You go!!!!

[diamond]

Well, it's official...

Jasmin: good for you girl, get all the help you can while its on offer, in UK it is difficult to get certain types of help.

You are going to get there xx

[psychmommy]

Well, it's official...

Hi Jasmine - Happy to hear about your diagnosis. I work in the psychology field and PTSD is one of the easiest problems to treat. . . So while I'm not happy you have it, I am pleased you got a diagnosis and have something that is amenable to treatment. Also, it is not unusual at all for someone to treat PTSD with alcohol - The VA subtance abuse units are filled with people with PTSD who abuse alcohol. Hang in there! And if for some reason you're not getting symptom relief with the psychiatrist you're seeing, see someone else. You should not have to continue suffering with this.

[psychmommy]

Well, it's official...

Ooops. . . I see you live in Australia. . . The VA hospital system in our country serves the needs of those who have served in the military. A lot of the people have PTSD as a result of combat. Just thought I would clairify.

[louise]

Well, it's official...

Jasmin, I'm so glad you are getting good support. I hope you have a good counselor and the medication helps. I do not have PTSD but my sister does. I don't know what is available where you are but your counselor may be able to recommend a support group depending on what caused the PTSD. I wish you the best

[ScoobyDoo]

Well, it's official...

Jasmin, this is such good news and I'm not surprised with the diagnosis after what you've been through in the past. A solid diagnosis by your GP is the biggest step.

It might be difficult at some points along the way but I firmly believe that you will get better and this is your first step. 2 visits each week will keep you on rack. Good news!

Some pain also means some progress - and the pain is only temporary *hug*

Scoobs