Right now, I am in 12 weeks of a PTSD Cognitive Processing Thearpy. I’m quite fortunate to be receiving insight about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and steps on how to return to alignment and balance. I had been selected to take part in a research study to look at the changes in my brain before and after 12 weeks of cognitive processing therapy.
Prior to being diagnosed with generalized anxiety and PTSD, I kept thinking what is wrong with me, why am I not working out, why am I withdrawing from activities once I enjoyed and why am I not the same as I was before the accident I was in? Some of these statements are stuck points, meaning they are thoughts I have that keep me from recovering. Thankfully, right now, I’m able to get the therapy and support required to recover.
After a traumatic event beliefs about one’s self, others and the world are affected, in particular safety, trust, power/control, esteem and intimacy. (Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD: A Comprehensive Manual.
As of late, I did not feel safe in certain places and being in those places intensified my anxiety. After being in these particular places, I felt exhausted, drained, hopeless and tense. I was really, really depressed at one point until I came up with a plan with my medical advisors to take care of myself and not be in certain situations that delay recovery.
I am diligently working on assignments each week, identifying beliefs and thoughts/stuck points and challenging my thinking. The thing is over the last couple years, I stopped doing things I enjoyed like working out, started avoiding social gatherings, became more irritable and did not feel safe in many situations.
Thankfully, I am learning about anxiety, PTSD and my wellness. If you have experienced a situation where your life was threatened and you are currently struggling, I strongly suggest letting your health care providers know, getting a referral for therapy/counselling and taking care of your mental health. I am most grateful to be in therapy, gathering my strength and in recovery. I am starting to feel safer.
I send you love, prayers and the confidence to ask for help.
Brandi xo
