PTSD Help

patchwork_cat

Not going to help you now,I don't think, but thought I would let you know following a traumatic event there has been success with taking beta blockers, I think it is immediately after the event, but you could try researching whether there has been any success 2 years later. Have heard about EMDR, I believe it is quite specialised, but if you are in the military that might be the best place to look.

lemon26

Firstly, thank you ever so much to everyone who has posted, I will make enquiries about CBT when I see the Medical Officer next. In the meantime I have a referral to the mental health department so hopefully that will help. I get so frustrated that I can't stop having these nightmares when my future is at stake and I may have to move house, learn a new job etc...

May I ask what other people in my situation would have done if you had heard the screams? It was my instinct to run towards the screams to see what I could do, would other people do the same? If only I had spend another 10 minutes at Tescos!

bestpud

Do you mean screams from the people around at the time of the suicide, or screams from the guy himself?

How people would react depends on many factors I guess, but I'd say occupation would play a big part in it.

Personally, I'd keep well away if there was lots of people about, but I'm not good in situations like that.

If I couldn't see anyone, I'd still keep away, but I'd call 999 or possibly see if I could check from a point of safety - I wouldn't just wade into an unknown scene iykwim?

Most people I know would react as you did, but I don't know if that's typical.

Mental illness is frustrating but you can overcome this with the right support. I've heard great things about EMDR. It didn't work for me, as I couldn't cope with the process of it, but it can have a rapid effect. I would certainly look into it.

For now, take care of yourself and don't beat yourself up for being human!

paddy's_mum

PTSD! Been there, done that - it's not a happy place to be, is it? Corny though it may be, there is a very great deal of truth in the old saying that time is best healer. I wish you the very best on your journey back to pleasant dreams and a peaceful mind.

whitewing

I would have been scared if I had heard screams. (I'm female). I wouldn't have run towards them but I would have maybe slowly tried to check it out/call the police (not that they helped you; I can't believe that).

I have to say that I think you are an absolute hero. It cheers me greatly that there are people out there who would do as you have done in those circumstances - it makes the word seem a safer place somehow.

fannyanna

lemon26 wrote: »

Firstly, thank you ever so much to everyone who has posted, I will make enquiries about CBT when I see the Medical Officer next. In the meantime I have a referral to the mental health department so hopefully that will help. I get so frustrated that I can't stop having these nightmares when my future is at stake and I may have to move house, learn a new job etc...

May I ask what other people in my situation would have done if you had heard the screams? It was my instinct to run towards the screams to see what I could do, would other people do the same? If only I had spend another 10 minutes at Tescos!

I'm one of those people who can't just walk by and do nothing so I would probably have done the same thing as you.

I think it's such a personal thing though. Some people may be too frightened to intervene, some might want to help but panic etc.

I think you just need to do what you can to the best of your ability or whatever you think you can do which also keeps your conscience clean. That may be jumping in and doing CPR or it might just mean calling for help or consolling a loved one. There's really no right or wrong (unless in my opinion you see someone needs help but you do nothing because you can't be bothered).

P.S. I'm glad you're seeking some counselling. I hope things improve for you. I don't know if this is any consolation but just remember you tried to help. I get the impression that you're the type of person who would feel even more cut up if you had of just stood by.

fannyanna

whitewing wrote: »

I have to say that I think you are an absolute hero. It cheers me greatly that there are people out there who would do as you have done in those circumstances - it makes the word seem a safer place somehow.

Oh and I agree with this.

It scares me that a lot of people feel unable (I stress unable rather than unwilling) to help people in need these days. I think it just makes those people like you shine that little bit brighter.

meritaten

lemon26 wrote: »

Firstly, thank you ever so much to everyone who has posted, I will make enquiries about CBT when I see the Medical Officer next. In the meantime I have a referral to the mental health department so hopefully that will help. I get so frustrated that I can't stop having these nightmares when my future is at stake and I may have to move house, learn a new job etc...

May I ask what other people in my situation would have done if you had heard the screams? It was my instinct to run towards the screams to see what I could do, would other people do the same? If only I had spend another 10 minutes at Tescos!

The same as you - run towards the screams. not because I am trained in any profession.......but because I am a mum and grandma and have been programmed over the years to respond to a scream of pain or fear! Its also well known psychologically that screaming for help in a crowd is useless - but, you are far more likely to get a helpful response if there are few people about! Something about a crowd mentality thinking that someone else will be far more qualified, brave, or whatever!

bestpud

meritaten wrote: »

Its also well known psychologically that screaming for help in a crowd is useless - but, you are far more likely to get a helpful response if there are few people about! Something about a crowd mentality thinking that someone else will be far more qualified, brave, or whatever!

I've heard that too.

Fannyanna: The problem with running blindly into a situation is, sometimes, that can put yourself and others in more danger, and then you are less able to get help for the person who needs it.

Also, there is a big difference between helping someone who you can see and running into an unseen person inside a building.

We are talking about the latter here and I think people will be more cautious in that scenario.

FWIW I'd definitely help someone if I could see what was happening And I would not walk away if I couldn't see them - I'd call the police, or whatever. I don't think many would just walk away.

OP: I agree you'd probably feel worse if you hadn't waded in.

ClootiesMum

No question - would have run towards the screams..

But back to PTSD - get to docs. After finding Mum dead after her suicide I "coped" for just over a year & then a friend's son hung himself & that was the trigger. Thought I was going mad. But excellent GP referring me for counselling (only needed 4 sessions) and a year on a mild dose of citalopram & I'm human again.
You did the right thing & never think otherwise - you would not forgive yourself if you hadn't helped.

I wish you the best - you will come through this but it might take time & be gentle with yourself.