Dismissal after accident

[ScarletPimpernel]

First thing you need to do is to see a counsellor.

They really help, much more than medications.

I know a few ex-army who were traumatised and suffering from ptsd.

After counselling they recovered or are recovering.

 

 

 

PTSD is a complex mental health disorder which is often co-morbid with other conditions. It is not simple to treat, and one size certainly does not fit all. It’s often necessary to try several therapies before finding one that works. Talking therapies are often helpful, but again there are many different approaches and what works for one person may not work for another. I know of very few cases where medication has not been required at some time, usually in conjunction with a talking therapy.

 

EMDR - eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing - has been found to be effective in some PTSD cases. But it doesn’t work for everyone. PTSD recovery is a long haul, often difficult, and every sufferers’ experience will be unique.

 

Telling people they need counselling and not medication isn’t helpful. There are many medications that are useful; the only people able to determine whether they are necessary or not are the treating clinicians, who have not only the proper training, but also the full clinical picture that enables them to make informed and appropriate prescribing decisions.

 

My job includes training people, including Armed Forces and NHS staff, about PTSD.

[ScarletPimpernel]

18million - I know quite a few people who describe their PTSD journey in much the same way as you. But they’ve made it through, and you will too. Family support is crucial.

 

All of them had difficult times during their recovery, setbacks and dark moments, but now have fulfilling lives - even though they aren’t doing the same jobs as they were before.

 

There are some useful resources at Mind, Rethink and Combat Stress. You might also like to look on YouTube for talks by Michelle Partington about her experience. I know Michelle, and she’s amazing - you’ll see that you aren’t alone.