Any recommendations for alternatives to medication for the treatment of PTS?

2015-06-06T22:28:52-04:00

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 6 at 2015 10:29 PM

2015-06-06T22:29:59-04:00

Weed!

J/K, maybe a PTSD Assistance Dog.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 10:33 PM

2015-06-06T22:33:25-04:00

Find a calming hobby. Fishing, or hiking. Whatever you choose needs to be quiet and calming, preferably shouldn't include the regular use of firearms, as that is a possible trigger.

Also, there are therapy dog programs out there so you don't end up hiking alone.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 2:35 AM

2015-06-07T02:35:13-04:00

Find what you love and do it. Too many years in emergency medicine as an EMT got to me. I never admit to PTS but one of my Medical Corps docs keeps telling me that no one gets out of the ER and trauma care without PTS. I still don't admit to it!

But, on the off chance there is some truth to the observation, I do the following: I don't dwell on the past or worry about a future that may never arrive. Despite the urge to fight tough memories from my past, I let them pass and focus on the here and now. I cut myself some slack. I play golf, collect old coins, ride a bike, take walks and sometimes, do nothing at all. I don't worry about how much I sleep unless it interferes with something important. If I want to stay up late, I give myself permission to do so. I take myself out to dinner but I drink my alcohol at home (with a limit of no more than two, ever!). I do my best to get along with others but if it doesn't work out, I don't get stressed. I flirt for the sake of flirting and if it goes somewhere, that is great. If not or if someone takes offense to it, I'll apologize and move on. (PTS can be a relationship killer). For those who do work out, I focus on the time with them, in the moment and not about the last date or tomorrow (this is tough with women because they remember everything and will hold it against you!)

The most important and toughest thing to learn is that the only opinion about you that matters is yours. Whether or not 100 people show up to my funeral or no one does won't matter to me because I'll be dead.

PTS and the associated anxiety attacks, depression, self-doubt, suicide tendencies, alcoholism, addictions and troubled relationships can either be accepted as part of surviving or rejected and ultimately being the result of your death. Whether you use bio-feedback to manage anxiety, sunshine and activities with others to fight depression, telling yourself that others still need you to fight suicide, limits on alcohol to control alcoholism, moderation in your addiction and acceptance of your loneliness for your troubled relationships, you will need coping mechanisms. People don't beat PTS, the manage it.

Also, be aware of things like forgetfulness, confusion and defensiveness. They are a pain in the ass and hard to cope with but you need to work through it.
Good luck.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 2:49 AM

2015-06-07T02:49:17-04:00

My former squad leader, SSG Jon Warren, has been undergoing an experimental treatment in California called magnetic resonance therapy. It is the only treatment that has worked for him and is gaining popularity.

‘Brain zapping’: An experimental treatment for PTSD that war veterans say has changed their lives...

Veterans say this experimental magnetic resonance therapy is offering them hope and normal lives.

Response by TSgt David L. made Jun 7 at 2015 3:07 AM

2015-06-07T03:07:49-04:00

If you want an alternative to the standard PTSD treatments you need to ride a motorcycle. Get out on two wheels and leave your issues behind for a while. I might not be here if I couldn't have ridden as soon as I did after coming home. Nothing like having the wind at your face to help you forget your problems. Plus chicks dig it! LMAO :-)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 5:04 AM

2015-06-07T05:04:39-04:00

Fishing. There isn't the issue of people. It's just you and nature.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jun 7 at 2015 9:30 AM

2015-06-07T09:30:56-04:00

Yes. I never like psychotropic medications, as we prescribe them too frequently. LTC Private RallyPoint Member. Meds should offered with counseling, not alone. I believe the best remedies are talking it out/counseling, staying active and busy, and exercise. Finally, I believe dogs (animals) provide great comfort; we have 4 and it is near impossible to be sad around a dog(s).

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 7 at 2015 3:33 PM

2015-06-07T15:33:02-04:00

What symptoms do you have?

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 4:57 PM

2015-06-07T16:57:35-04:00

I find the gym helps. May sound lame but the exhaustion after an intense weight lifting session helps promote sleep and a more relaxed body

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Jun 7 at 2015 7:30 PM

2015-06-07T19:30:44-04:00

I only WISH I could get my son-in-law interested in helping himself thru other means besides the drugs the VA shoves at him.
He takes them, feels fine for a month or two, then he decides they just don't do anything, stops taking them, ends up back at the psych ward because he dumps them all cold turkey.
When he feels good, he does nothing but play video games, which really can't be all that good for him, considering his problems started in a war zone, right?
We try to get him out of the house, doing something like walking, or riding a bike, or anything that might be physically demanding, and he just refuses.
If there is a way to get him to help himself, I'd love to hear it, because right now, we just haven't got a clue as to how to help him when he refuses most every form of help.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2015 1:42 AM

2015-06-08T01:42:15-04:00

Meditation worked for me. That, and writing out my experiences, basically reliving it down to every smell, feeling...everything.

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Jun 11 at 2015 6:45 AM

2015-06-11T06:45:09-04:00

I have always found that a couple hours of martial arts training to be helpful at clearing the mind. It works the body, and calms the mind.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2015 9:08 PM

2015-07-13T21:08:09-04:00

Try some essential oils. Young Living has pretty good products.

Response by PFC John Henry Parker made Feb 10 at 2018 8:53 AM

2018-02-10T08:53:33-05:00

https://vimeo.com/253898431

Part 1: Transitioning Veterans Audiobook Explainer Video (Closed Caption)

This is "Part 1: Transitioning Veterans Audiobook Explainer Video (Closed Caption)" by John Henry on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people…

Response by PFC John Henry Parker made Feb 10 at 2018 8:53 AM

2018-02-10T08:53:50-05:00

https://vimeo.com/253862435

Part 2 Managing Triggers and Emotional Responses (Closed Captioned)

This is "Part 2 Managing Triggers and Emotional Responses (Closed Captioned)" by John Henry on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who…