I couldn't have asked for a better time to have all of the counseling that I have had in the past day and a half. Group CPT ended up being one on one because none of the other members of the group were able to make it. I individual therapy we discussed why the intensity of the anger, nightmares, and hypervigilance have been increasing recently.
Group CPT: When I got there and realized that no one else was coming, I almost left disappointed. I really needed to talk out what transpired over the past week. When the doc expressed a desire to talk with me relieved, I was really relieved. So I went over everything that happened. He grew very serious and we discussed two topics.
Needless to day, it was a productive session. It has helped me to put what happened into proper perspective and helped me identify an underlying issue that causes my PTSD to have such a deleterious effect on my health and life. Individual Therapy: My therapist's major concern is the increasing intensity of my nightmares, my inability to fall asleep easily, and my hair-trigger temper at work. She asked me how much physical activity I am getting outside of work. I told her that I don't really get much. She said that I needed to find a way to work exercise into my week. She said that I didn't need to go all out every day of the week. She said to start small - one or two times per week. Her concern is that only talking and thinking about things doesn't help to drain off the energy I build up over the course of a day. When the physical doesn't have an adequate outlet, it can have a very detrimental effect on the mind. So I promised her that I would talk to my wife about making sure that I have the time to exercise at least twice a week without distractions. So there you have it. I have a few new things to consider and act on. It gives me a sense of direction, of purpose. I don't feel like I am just reacting to my PTSD right now, which is a pleasant change. We'll see how it goes over the coming weeks and months as I work on these new tasks. Thank you for having the courage to share something so personal. My husband and a friend recently started a non-profit charity to aid wounded warriors through archery. I've made it MY duty (besides handling the paperwork/web/etc) to learn as much about PTSD as I can. I want the soldiers we work with to feel safe, to feel they can trust us. I actually enjoy listening, without interrupting. :) Thank you for aiding me in truly understanding PTSD so I can see the world through your eyes. YOU are important to many people in your life, both those who know you and absolute strangers who appreciate your contribution in making the world a safer place. 11/30/2012 12:10:27 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words. It is always heartwarming to hear that relating my struggles online is helpful to others. I wish you the best of luck. If there are any specific questions I may be able to answer for you, let me know!
fran luxton
12/17/2012 10:52:50 pm
hey Max, I put in a friend request on FB as I wanted to send you a message and couldn't see how else to do it !! So feel free to delete friend request if you want as I have found this bit .....Just wanted to say ..Wishing you and you family a peaceful and happy Christmas, enjoy the time as a family and have fun ..thinking of you guys .From Fran and family over the pond xxx Comments are closed.
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Max HarrisAs I continue my life with PTSD, I will share my challenges and discoveries on this blog. Archives
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