How do you manage your PTSD symptoms? Do you have any tips to share with others?

Hayley Sykes — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 16:16:50 -0500

Some of the service members on PatientsLikeMe have been discussing the different treatments they’ve used to manage their PTSD. Join the discussion with other service members or vets on PatientsLikeMe, join today at http://www.patientslikeme.com/join/rallypoint (it’s free)!

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Response by SSG Edward Messervy made Jan 30 at 2017 4:19 PM

SSG Edward Messervy — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 16:19:09 -0500

Thanks I'll check it out.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2017 4:20 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 16:20:49 -0500

In many different threads, I have expressed my love of LEGOs. While most of the time I use the LEGO reference as light humor, I do find it helps with my particular issues.

I find that it gives you focus on task at hand. It gives you a goal. And a sense of accomplishment when complete (the Millenium Falcon took me 4 hrs to complete). I read an article about another Vet using LEGOs to help with her PTSD:

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/veterans/2016/03/26/legos-help-ease-iraq-veterans-post-traumatic-stress/82208836/

legos-help-ease-iraq-veterans-post-traumatic-stress

Retired Army medic Robin Krauth found relief from post-traumatic stress in her computer and a massive pile of Lego bricks.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2017 4:34 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 16:34:55 -0500

Floatations therapy helped me!

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jan 30 at 2017 5:36 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 17:36:37 -0500

I have a lot of friends and family that know not to push some of the wrong buttons, mine is a mild form, my loving wife is my rock to lean on at times.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Jan 30 at 2017 6:03 PM

SPC Brian Mason — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 18:03:30 -0500

I didn't at first. I'm sharing, because our brothers and sisters need help from us as well.
I was quick to anger and cussed almost more than I breathed air. Had a bad view of a lot of people based on looking at them. I got help through the VA near me years ago. It took over a year of me putting it off before I got fed up with how I was. Music was my best help; always has been.
I've done one-on-one and group counseling. Both were helpful. I've done a short, temporary regiment of prescription drugs. I've been 'good' for almost 2 years give or take now. Am I fixed? No. Am I damaged? I would say I'm changed. I doubt I'll ever get over it. The many things that have caused it will be with me till I die. Learning to manage it, with people who can empathize with you will help. Don't turn down the VA. There's a lot of problems the people who work for it face. It's not entirely their fault, but that's for another day.
I will tell you that most veterans are willing to help if you just ask.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2017 6:24 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 18:24:21 -0500

Tip #1 Surround yourself by positive people.

Response by GySgt Melissa Gravila made Jan 30 at 2017 8:12 PM

GySgt Melissa Gravila — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 20:12:59 -0500

I help others-I firmly believe in karma, you pay it forward, you do the right thing. And each morning I get up look in the mirror and decide to have the best day I can have. Life is about choices- I choose to be happy, to be blessed. Sometimes I miss the mark, but there is always tomorrow to get up and try again.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jan 31 at 2017 1:05 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 01:05:03 -0500

For me is was working hard to put the Dragon into its cage. Took a long time with help. You are never fully "cured" so cage maintenance is an ongoing thing. Little things out of the blue can start triggering stuff, so you get out the big hammer to deal with it. I remember one of my counselors asking me "What is the Universe trying to teach you about it?" Got me off my inward looking misery and onto figuring out the answer. Down the path a bit, I had enough of an answer to deal with that Dragon.

Response by SFC Robert Luscomb made Jan 31 at 2017 10:33 AM

SFC Robert Luscomb — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 10:33:11 -0500

Stay busy and stay focused.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made May 8 at 2017 2:15 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Mon, 08 May 2017 14:15:44 -0400

SSG Marc W. Why the vote down? I'm curious - share with the rest of us what you didn't like about the question? Thanks

Response by PVT Raymond Lopez made Aug 7 at 2017 2:48 PM

PVT Raymond Lopez — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 14:48:26 -0400

I suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and it was so bad that I would go for days without sleep until I would fall asleep from sheer exhaustion then I adopted my first rescue dog and I am able to sleep soundly every night. Find a rescue dog you never know who is actually rescuing whom.