domestic violence
emdr eye movement desensitization reprocessing
flashbacks
post traumatic stress disorder
ptsd
ptsd treatment
rape victims
surviving violence
vietnam vets
Suffering From Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? There is Effective Treatment!
By Snickey
@Snickey (157)
United States
June 13, 2007 12:12am CST
Hi to all who are suffering from PTSD!
I JUST WANT YOU ALL TO KNOW ABOUT A VERY EFFICIENT, EFFECTIVE TREATMENT KNOWN AS EMDR (EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION REPROCESSING)! If you have viewed some of the discussions that I have responded to, you might be aware that I suffered greatly from the symptoms of PTSD for years. I was physically assaulted by my father, and paternal uncle; on two separate occasions, and both perpetrated by the two of them in separate incidences (father choked me in my hometown, and uncle beat my head against floors and cupboard to the point of unconciousness in his hometown); both involving abuse of substances, without any provocation on my part. As a result, I suffered from severe depression, and symptoms of PTSD including: night terrors, flashbacks, insomnia, hypervigilance, emotional numbing, and social isolation. Also, I was, and still am very easily startled by sudden movement, and unexpected noises in the environment.
EMDR is a lifesaver! It is often a treatment/therapeutic technique administered to those who have experienced, or witnessed traumatic events (Vietnam veterans, rape/assault victims, domestic violence survivors, events causing significant distress). Within the first, 90 minute session, I began to experience significant relief from the flashbacks, night terrors and insomnia!!!! No kidding! (I still have insomnia, but not nearly to the degree that I had prior to EMDR!) The therapuetic technique helps your brain to reprocess the traumatic events, and management of the PTSD symptoms is a direct result! I had to travel 2 1/2 hours each way to certified EMDR psychiatrist, but it was well worth it!!! If you would like to learn more about the treatment, the following website is exceptional and offers listings of EMDR specialists in your region:
www.emdr.com
Please give it a thought even if you have to travel, or pay for the sessions if your insurance doesn't cover it! I used all of my savings for 10 sessions, but what is more precious than piece of mind?! I wish all suffering from PTSD a safe and peaceful future!
3 people like this
2 responses
@Shaun72 (15959)
• Palatka, Florida
26 Jun 07
This is interesting. I suffer from being molested myself by a older family member when I was young it happed a few times. I have heard get over it but it isn't always that easy. My parents never really abused my physically but sometimes mentally. I was over weight and I still have a weight problem and my father more then once remended me growing up. So i dealt with kids at school and then coming home for him to do it. he realized now he messed up but like you said sometimes you need help.
1 person likes this
@Snickey (157)
• United States
28 Jun 07
Geez! I haven't signed on to MyLot in three days, so I apologize for not responding earlier than this date! There is a really good book, written by the doctor who developed this treatment. It is very informative, and provides a good overview of the EMDR treatment along with numerous case histories of PTSD victims who are now feeling major relief from the symptoms. If I can find my copy of the book (I am currently in the process of packaging books for a move ;.( I will send it out to you. Also, I typically paid $120-$160 for 60-90 minute treatments, but as I mentioned in the previous posting, it was well worth it! I felt relief, although not complete, during the first session! I have also gone to a therapist who did not use the hand/arm movements that are traditionally used by the doctor to direct your eye movements, and those treatments did not help me. Instead, I was given headphones that directed low tones of sound that are supposed to work equally as well as the eye movements. I, personally, don't believe that this method is helpful, and it seems like therapists who use them get tired from using their arm/hand to direct the patients eye movement. Anyway, amazon.com has copies of the book that I was referring to, and here is the title/author information:
"EMDR: The Breakthrough Therapy for Overcoming Anxiety, Stress and Trauma"
Francine Shapiro, PhD and Margot Silk Forrest
@Snickey (157)
• United States
28 Jun 07
Whoops! I also forgot to mention that I wish you well! I, too, for years heard that I should "just get over it" by family members who just didn't choose to understand PTSD and its symptoms. How frustrating is that when you are the one who is suffering the most! I know what you mean about the physical abuse vs. mental abuse, and believe me, even though I experienced horrid PTSD symptoms after being physically assaulted by family members, the mental abuse was 100 times worse while growing up. Take care and your kiddies are cute!
@kelly60 (4547)
• United States
30 Jun 07
This is interesting. I also suffer from PTSD after being mentally and physically abused by my ex, and then losing my two children in a house fire. I know that there is no, "just getting over it." I'm glad to hear that this is working well for you. I'm going to go check out this website now.
@Snickey (157)
• United States
7 Jul 07
Oh my gosh! I am so sorry to hear of this, and I can definitely imagine that you would be experiencing the symptoms of PTSD! I just got access to my boyfriend's computer today, as mine is getting the hard drive replaced for the next week, or so. Luckily, my boyfriend just went out for a run, and I was able to get some time on the computer. (He's a Star Wars PC game addict! LOL!) It is so true that there is no "just getting over it!" So true, and I just have to remind myself that these individuals who question progress are brought into my life for a reason. Possibly to help them develop more compassion and/or knowledge within their own experiences of life. I read one of the books, and if I can locate the title, I will send you the link for it. It gave a great introduction to the therapeutic process, and encouraging stories of those who have been successfully treated with EMDR. Best of luck to you, and thank you for responding!