PTSD Help

lemon26

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum but I'm wondering if anyone can help out. I found my neighbour hanging about 2 years ago, got him down and did CPR until the ambulance arrived. Police got there earlier but refused to help so it was me and the other neighbour doing the good stuff while chaos reigned around us.

I suffered from nightmares for about 6 months afterwards but they went away and life was back to normal for a period, however, my job is now under threat and the nightmares are back. I'm doing well if I get 4-5 hours sleep a night. I'm in the military so I have done things that most people haven't and I thay don't bother me in th slightest - so why does my neighbour's suicide? It's doing my head in and any advice is appreciated. I've tried the odd drink or so but mosty run until I'm tired. Thank you, L

Counting_Pennies_2

Our minds have the most amazing way of making us focus on unresolved things when stress hits us.

I would say the event might be highlighting another general issue, perhaps all that you have been involved in with the military.

I am assuming you have had counselling available to you in the military? That should surely be the least that is offered to help deal with the various traumas you encounter. Have you taken them up on the service if it exists?

I have had various traumas in my life, although I think your post helps bring mine into perspective, and I have found counselling a really helpful tool.

Take care of yourself

luckycat99

Hi

Sorry to hear about what happened.

I would strongly suggest going to see your GP. They can refer you to a service that can give you cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) which is really effective in resolving PTSD. Over the last few years something called IAPT has started in the NHS - its a new service which offers CBT for depression and anxiety disorders (I work for one of these services). PTSD is one of the disorders they specialise in.

Go see your GP and they can answer any questions you have about it.

Hope that helps.

CH27

lemon26 wrote: »

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum but I'm wondering if anyone can help out. I found my neighbour hanging about 2 years ago, got him down and did CPR until the ambulance arrived. Police got there earlier but refused to help so it was me and the other neighbour doing the good stuff while chaos reigned around us.

I suffered from nightmares for about 6 months afterwards but they went away and life was back to normal for a period, however, my job is now under threat and the nightmares are back. I'm doing well if I get 4-5 hours sleep a night. I'm in the military so I have done things that most people haven't and I thay don't bother me in th slightest - so why does my neighbour's suicide? It's doing my head in and any advice is appreciated. I've tried the odd drink or so but mosty run until I'm tired. Thank you, L

Because you were not in work mode.

Go to your GP & ask to be referred for CBT.
Look at Mind Gym online & practice their distraction techniques.

happierdaystocome

My OH has PTSD and after going to see the G.P he was given some medication and CBT which he found useful.

I would as other have suggested go speak to your G.P.

fannyanna

I was in a similar (but thankfully not as bad) sitaution to you - I had to give first aid treatment to my neighbour who was choking (complete blockage so unable to breathe at all). He became unconscious in the end and I really thought he was going to die. Luckily I was able to clear the blockage and he's alive and kicking but I honestly thought he was going to die and I was really freaked out for quite some time after (including nightmares and he didn't even die). According to him he was told by the paramedics that I saved his life as they probably wouldn't have got to him in time (I'm not sure if that's actually true or if he was just saying it for dramatic effect - although trust me when I say it was dramatic enough)

At the time I remember thinking don't die as I'm going to feel responsible. Obviously it wouldn't have been my fault but as I was the only one who was trying to save him I would have felt some responsibility and have thoughts like if only I had of done XYZ. I wonder if this is perhaps relevant to you and how you feel?

Anyway that was quite a waffle .

Basically what I'm trying to say is I understand that it must have been very traumatic for you. I would echo what others have said and go and make an appointment with your GP - perhaps they can refer you for some CBT. Alternatively what about something like a grief hotline. I guess these are normally aimed at grieving relatives but I'm sure they also come across good samaritans like you who have tried to help someone but were unsuccessful.

marywooyeah

hi OP firstly I am sorry that you suffered such a trauma. people who commit suicide don't tend to think of those who will find them. like another poster said, perhaps this affects you more as you werent in work mode, or perhaps you knew him well as he was your neighbour.
something very traumatic happened to me 5 years ago and although like yourself I had been through other awful things which didnt seem to affect me (I was sexually and physically abused as a child - which I seemingly dealt with myself as it does not affect me adversely) this one event destroyed my life and I was diagnosed with PTSD. I had counselling which helped greatly, but it will never fully be better.
you will have to "shop around" for counsellors aswell until you find one that you feel comfortable enough to open up too as its a painful process, and also one who is specialist enough to help (I had bad experiences with 2 counsellors before I settled with my last counsellor) I think your starting point should be your GP like others have said. I wish you well on your journey, because thats what it is. but please remember: your neighbour was suffering himself and would not have wanted you to be affected this way x

meritaten

I can only echo what others have said about having counselling. Dont feel you have to stick to a counsellor either, if you dont feel comfortable about opening up to them.

whatever happens I wish you the best!

Owain_Moneysaver

You might find Cruise Bereavement helpful.

whitewing

I guess there is a big difference betweenbeing psychologically prepared for something to happen on duty, rather than in everday Scotland. EMDR therapy is supposed to be good, short therapy for traumatic events. As far as I understand, it reprocesses the way your brain stores the event. It may be worth trying as a one-off private treatment so you get some immediate help.

jennihen

whitewing wrote: »

I guess there is a big difference betweenbeing psychologically prepared for something to happen on duty, rather than in everday Scotland. EMDR therapy is supposed to be good, short therapy for traumatic events. As far as I understand, it reprocesses the way your brain stores the event. It may be worth trying as a one-off private treatment so you get some immediate help.

My SIL was sceptical about EDMR when she was offered it 2 years ago but, happily, it has made such a difference to her life.

Good luck OP!