comingfromdistrict12
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I have it really bad this morning. To the point of almost throwing up.
I am taking my cannabis now and it’s getting me to a point that I can write.
When these attacks are really bad it feels like I’m about to die. Stomach, head, sweats, feels like I’m about to be hit.
Thank you for reading. Writing helps pulls me out of panic attacks
KoalaOnTheJuice
I know someone with PTSD well enough to know these things are no joke. Respect yourself, because absolutely nobody could handle that easily.
whoisyourdaddy
Yes it does suck! Learn your triggers, avoid them. Learn to see it coming, take action to redirect your brain, or calming exercises. *Talk to someone about it*, counselors, similar situation vets, 988, guys at the bar at the VFW, whatever it takes, find people to talk to. Find backup people to talk to. Just don't ignore it.
BangerFox
Im sorry, What you went through had to of sucked, and to still be suffering through it even now. Im sorry you had to come back like this, Im also sorry you have to live under a government that hates you.
flounder35
if you can look into microdosing psilocybin
GoatRodeo
I’m so sorry OP. This is no joke. My complex PTSD came from child abuse. I’ve been in counseling forever. I’ve recently started ketamine assisted psychotherapy- WOW!!
Finally I’m unhooking from things that had me trapped
Maybe you could check that out.
aedyk
Fuck man. I’m really sorry. Good on you for finding ways to pull yourself out. Weed has helped my demons for a long time.
PetricusGaming
I bet you really identify with Anakin's hatred for sand.
kosherpork
Thanks for sharing. In middle of episode right now. Helps to see others
Kiares
The VA has a really good PTSD program you can request to get into, it's immersion therapy + other stuff. Helped me kick my PTSD monkey a few years ago, I was unable to drive at night, throwing up anxiety attacks etc.
invaliduserformat
I've been waking and baking for some years now because of it...
AyatollahBahloni
I'm sorry you have to deal with this. Hang in there, and come here to vent any time it helps. We care.
worhan666
Stay strong Brother. Warm regards from Poland
sgtjim
2005 Fallujah here. You know what helps me? Having hobbies. Anything that keeps me busy and brings fulfillment. Hiking, kayaking, woodworking, metal working, grow a garden and tend it.. etc etc.
Also indica gummies for sleep.
What doesn't help? Alcohol of any kind. Even a beer or two in the wrong environment can lead to anxiety and my brain goes wild.
Good luck
comingfromdistrict12
I almost drank myself to death in 2018.
NonZeroSumGame
Panic attacks are freaking tough; awful physically and mentally. Take good care of yourself. Stay safe, friend, we're all in your corner!
EveryUsernameIsTaken4
I once had a panic attack as a side effect from a drug (a really common one for nausea) and that was the worse feeling I've ever had in my life. I hope you have access to whatever helps you with that.
Tallcastle
I served in Afghanistan in '01, have been dealing with that beast for a while. DM me if you want to chat or vent.
No one left behind.
comingfromdistrict12
Thank you for your kind words and your service
abbeyrosemama
I found therapy helpful. EMDR if you’re able to find it.
beetlenoodlepoodlebottlespaddledmuddledduddledfuddledfoxinsocks
I'm there with you. Multiple tours, Fallujah 08, etc etc. Take your time, go slow. Writing and playing piano/guitar/etc help me. So does working out. Find something active that calms you, if you can.
And remember, it only wins if you let it
TalkingSnake
Look... It's tough. But so are you.
And I think not only can you handle that but there is also an 80min ytube video about the bewildering history of Garfield and the internet that is also kinda scary.
https://youtu.be/O2C5R3FOWdE?si=okgak0sfxnaGcamq
Momster33
Thank you for your service. I’m sorry we don’t take care of our vets. My Dad was Vietnam vet who go zero support or after care; fucked up generations. *Hugs*
SomethingReallyFunny
Combat veteran with PTSD/TBI since 2010. I’m sorry that you’re struggling with this too. This might sound dumb, but I like to play video games to distract myself when I have one. July 4th fireworks every year for example. If your brain is distracted it’s harder to spiral.
Meditation can help too if you’re good at that.
You might know this already, but the VA has Vet Centers for veterans with combat experience that help our issues. Easier to become eligible than other services there too.
WorksForTheHutts
Same here. 2007-8. Video games and audio books give me something to focus on that pulls me out of whatever is going on inside my head.
mjmphd
I have seen miracles take place at EHVP (Emory Healthcare Veteran Program). It's a two week intensive PTSD treatment program that is completely free of charge to anyone enlisted after 9/11. Many people leave at the end of the 2 weeks with symptoms so low that it's like they don't even have PTSD anymore. Feel free to PM me if you want more details, or you can just call 888-514-5345. It's completely free.
Littledirtybirdyfeet
I haven't had PTSD but I have had stress bad enough that it made my stomach feel like it was eating itself. I'm sorry you're experiencing this. May I recommend microdosing shrooms?
mjmphd
There is no evidence that microdosing anything treats PTSD, especially not psilocybin. There is some evidence that MDMA can be effective but it must be paired with an appropriate evidence-based psychotherapy to be maximally effective. The psychedelic is facilitator of the therapy for people who don't respond well on their first treatment and is not a front line treatment. The evidence-based therapies are already 80% effective in treating PTSD when done appropriately, and they don't require meds.
Littledirtybirdyfeet
Not with PTSD, but it helps with mood. There's a lot of comorbidities with PTSD that can be helped by it. One less stressor/antagonizer is always good.
ParallelParkingInABurka
lozeldatkm
But hey, at least now Iraq is fr..... oh.....
DasBeaker
Honest question. How do you know you have PTSD? I have many time woken up or hear screams of either my name or something random. But just kinda chalked it up to being something else.
comingfromdistrict12
You don’t until the doctors tell you. They thought I had a heart issue at first. My resting heart rate was 180bpm some points.
I was diagnosed with ptsd in the military; but then came the panic attacks. 5-7 a day. Felt like bad heart pain. Went to the emergency room a lot. Went to the cardiologist a lot. End story was that it was all anxiety
amberliketacoa
Look into EMDR! It is a proven method to help with ptsd. Trauma rewires your brain and EMDR helps rewire it back
5meoDMT
A mate does it for veterans in Melbourne and has amazing results! Basically the brain is tricked to unlock trauma by shining a light from the side. Look it up in your area
mycatisamonster
I'm an EMDR therapist and I approve this message. The first studies were made with war veterans and it showed amazing results.
TheGhostOfFutureDisappointments
Just an fyi if you decide to go for EMDR (from someone who has also done it): you're gonna feel emotionally hungover/like crap after a session, so plan accordingly.
5meoDMT
Yep this
banderan
I had severe PTSD from abuse as a child and I went through a therapy called EMDR and it changed my life. And I also smoke weed 😉
chevymonster
I am desperate for help in dealing with same type of PTSD. EMDR really helped you?
NightOwlRally
https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/
chevymonster
Thank you.
NightOwlRally
Didn't do much for me, but I truly hope it helps you.
banderan
It did. It’s an intense therapy. Try to remember, too, that there is no “silver bullet.” I’ve experienced healing in many different and diverse ways but EMDR is special for traumatic experiences and is grounded in science. Another commenter posted a link so check it out.
chevymonster
Thank you, I will.
LeekofLegend
I'm sorry that you had to go through what ever you did for a bank war 😕 I also wish the VA took better care of y'all. Shits fucked
casualladydinosaur
I have CPTSD from a violent dog attack, fatal car accident, an abusive relationship, and by being raised by people stigmatized by mental health treatment (guess who they vote for). it's not just veterans, it's rampant. this country dispenses trauma.
bananaspitz
The VA has been decimated by musky. I’m afraid all the US vets are on their own.
spookyu
Any of us that aren't wearing a red hat knew this was coming, still feels like a real kick in the balls though.
FrancsTireur
Took a job at the MoD a few months ago, recently they had me examine aerial and satellite photography taken of a certain area in the middle east because of my war time expertise in strike damage assessment; had nightmares every night since. Even put up a dream catcher because they used to help me when I was a kid.
HTCPCPError418
Some of that stuff can be absolutely awful. I still have intrusive thoughts about stuff I saw on drone feeds.
spookyu
If you don't feel comfortable reaching out through normal channels to the VA, or it's taking too long, feel free to message me. I'm prior service, was a medic, have a mental health background too, and plenty of PTSD myself (OEF), I am always ready to listen/chat to another vet (or anyone) going through the shit.
FrancsTireur
Appreciate that brother thanks. Same goes for you, though I won't claim any talent at talking lol.
spookyu
Thank you man, lol no talent needed, it's often just listening.
thelastmelt
You both seem like great peeps. It makes me feel better about the world seeing people be good to each other.
PobbitBreakers
I have Complex-PTSD, Traumatic brain injuries, Bipolar 1 with psychotic episodes.......and I smoke weed, like every 15 minutes.
Finally got disability 2 years ago, keep up the fight!
maximothedestroyer
Hey I was in a similar state for years, but then I realised I had parasites. I am constantly detoxing now with herbs like cloves and the anxiety and panic attacks stopped. Scarey shit, bit necessarily same for you, but maybe check it out, as everyone is full of worms...they just don't know it.
TheBlackSonOfTheHonestMan
... is disability on the DOGE chopping block? I heard a bunch of people lost theirs.
GIMike1972
I'm with you OP. Hang in there brother. I'm in the exact same boat as you. Severe PTSD and TBI. You got any scripts that help? I'm on Bupropion XL 300mg from my psych at the VA which made a HUGE difference in my nightmares. They used to be so bad I almost couldn't function, but now I mostly wake up with no memory of any dreams I had. Take care of yourself. Literally, like go have a meal at your favorite place to eat and go see a movie you've been wanting to see. I did that on Sunday.
NegativelyPositive
I had self identified my alcoholism during a PHA and went thru the program on base, when it came to reenlistment they said I couldn't because of my alcoholism. Since then the VA has still only given me a 0% rating.
comingfromdistrict12
I’ve been rated since the day I left. I was diagnosed in the military
FapplebeesFamilyRestaurant
I'm sure you've got an eye on what's available, but if either EMDR or MDMA Assisted Psychotherapy have flown under your radar they're both very promising for PTSD
Spidermonkey969696
I found a lot of success with EMDR. All the how to calm down advice (box breathing, meditation, grounding etc) was completely useless until I did it, and now all that stuff actually works. I think its especially helpful if there is memory loss around the truama.
It tends to be more accessible than the MDMA or mushroom therapy.
It's also crazy how weed actually gets me high again, when it rarely did when I was using it to help the PTSD.
wababooba
Weed helps you with your psychotic episodes?
Toqom
It helps a lot of mental issues, I smoke a vape pen all day, feel no high at all but it keeps my anxiety down. Doesn't matter what you give me, I won't get high off it because my tolerance is so high but I don't smoke for the high
Ulthirm
I use weed to help with paranoia and my PTSD oriented nightmares. Can't have nightmare flashbacks to shit if you don't dream! Antipsychs actually make me worse, at least partially due to trauma involving them.
macgerdo
It can be used as medicine like many other things that many people don't see as medicine.
Theory89
Anything can be used as a medicine. The term is vague and unhelpful. It doesn't mean it makes you better, just that it alleviates symptoms. It also says nothing about the side effects of said self-medication. Source: someone who's been self-medicating with weed for decades.
wababooba
Yeah, but cannabis is a psycho-active substance. AFAIK they’re contraindicated for treating psychotic disorders. They can worsen the symptoms or even trigger a psychotic episode
pumpkinpiepatch
You clearly are not educated on marijuana and it shows
wababooba
So, you’re suggesting cannabis is indicated for treating psychosis?
macgerdo
You are aware that everything that is taken to treat psychotic disorders is a psycho-active substance?
wababooba
What a stupid question! Apparently, I was not :)
ArchaeoEejit
I don't dream anymore because I smoke weed. I sleep better because I don't dream.