Don't give up on yourself
Just a prologue: I know that some cases of Depression, PTSD, and GAD are resistant to treatment. I know some are very complex and severe. So please do not mis understand this post. I am only relating my story. It is only my story.
I have been depressed all my life. In childhood I was always anxious and I cried a lot at things other kids just didn't. My father died in front of me as he was being carried to the car (there were no ambulances at that time where I lived) and no one said a word to me except :BE STRONG. I took that to heart and all through my early adulthood, I did just that. Until my husband flatlined, and I saw him with no heartbeat for a full five minutes while they tried to resuscitate him. He gradually came to but was never the same after ward.
So the ground was shaken under me, he was my rock and I know women are not supposed to "depend" on their husbands... but he was my best friend. My depression took on a whole new level, and I had PTSD and Generalized Anxiety as well, and entered therapy after trying to be strong. I was on prozac and lorazepam, and that worked or at least it kept it to a manageable level until this past year.
It seemed my depression totally collapsed upon itself and I found myself suicidal. I had never had urges like that before. So I went back into therapy and got a new psychiatrist, who diagnosed me BIpolar 2, Generalized ANxiety, and PTSD. I was prescribed Lithium.
Before I started taking the lithium, I could not have written this post. I could barely sort silverware in my silverware drawer, or address an envelope. I feel better, and I feel like the suicidal self is fading away and the old self is coming back. I had almost given up, decided to just stay in my bed. I am still guardedly optimistic, I mean I am not out of the woods. BUt it sure feels good to feel like "my old self" before this depression hit.
Each person is different. I have tried at least 8 different medications before finding one that worked. IT was worth one more try.
What is lithium and what does it do? I'm wondering since I have PTSD myself.
Lithium helps as a mood stabilizer :)
Okay. You know of any medicines that help with the nightmares and flashbacks?
No, I dont. I'm sorry :( but you could try making an appointment with a psychiatrist and they will be able to get you exactly what you need. & please just remember, it can take several tries before you find the right medication that works for you.
Don't be sorry.
I posted this in hope that it may help someone else, I was not aware of all the ways that they have improved many medications, with extended release versions, etc. In the case of Lithiium, they use it for a mood stabilizer but it also has the effect of helping my flashbacks and nightmares. I've not had a single nightmare since starting it, and I am only on the starter dose. Not saying it would be that way for everyone, but it is sure making a difference in my life.
There are many variations in the skill of the doctors. I was lucky and found a very intelligent psychiatrist that is also certified in family practice, and she is very knowledgeable and keeps up with new developments like they are supposed to.
I have read that lithium also can be used for migraine.... and I can say my headaches have stopped as well. Just be willing to think outside the box and get a doctor who does as well.
Hopefully, I can find a licensed psychiatrist and hopefully be able to try lithium. I just want the nightmares and flashbacks to stop.
Wow! I'm not on lithium but I thank God for pills! I would not be here without them.
I suffered a TBI in 86 and have been medicated for clinical depression every since. There were good years on meds and as I got older and seizures increased it was discovered that the meds prescribed, were lowering the seizure threshold and I was having more and more. This fed my depression and then another med was tried and so on and on. I am not medicated for the depression now, and my seizures have decreased, but the Depression is at critical mass of being able to control with relaxation and organic treatment. So a word to those with TBIs or other seizure events beware and monitor, log your seizures more carefully as you are medicated. BTW this also includes Pain Medications as well. Personalexperience