Brillante’s Profile

Close Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

I was harassed, went to HR & then was retaliated against. The department, division directors & sr. managers sat in rooms discussing how to get at me. Most were women. The #1 employee, in meetings I was used as a model for others. Aferwards, I was cornered in a room & berated for 3-4 hours. 10 months of that gave me PTSD.

Treatments

Art Considering

I would really like to paint as therapy. When some money finally comes in! :)

Ativan Somewhat Helpful

Uh, another sedative... it's not like they fix anything, but it's there if I want it. I think the point was something not as strong as Klonopin. *shrug* Not strong enough to elicit sleep at low doses. Recently noticed that if I mix it with Klonopin, it reduces the rage side effects. Of course, I sleep forever with those two and the Vistaril. It's like constantly being doped up.

BuSpar Not Working

Caused suicidal ideation. Affects serotonin (which may cause norepinephrine, a fight-or-flight hormone, to be released which would aggravate PTSD).

Clonazepam Somewhat Helpful

Use as needed only. Tends to lose effect over time if used as part of set dosing schedule. Seems more effective in response to triggers than as a preventative.

Crying Not Working

Just makes me feel tired and helpless.

DailyStrength Working / Worked

The best thing I have found, next to the dogs. Thanks Doug and the gang!!! :)

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Not Working

DBT - Well, the counselor I had was probably useless... What I got from her (a pile of papers) was all skills I already had. So... maybe with someone who is an expert, but I doubt that's what I need. I think I need to get a therapist and the propranolol to work with me to deactivate my triggers.

Elavil Not Working

Led to suicidal ideation. Affects serotonin (which may cause norepinephrine, a fight-or-flight hormone, to be released which would aggravate PTSD).

Geodon Working / Worked

Affects dopamine & norepinephrine - two of the catecholamines - the fight-or-flight hormones involved in PTSD. Used this because doc says it's not as strong as the Serzone and I am med sensitive. This with the Inderal (propranolol) is as close as I have come to a cure! YAY! :)

Inderal Working / Worked

aka PROPRANOLOL: Digests rapidly. (For me, in 10 minutes.) Blocks the adrenaline response. Has changed my life. Stops anxiety sweats & shaking in its tracks. Now just need to take care of the other catecholamines that are part of PTSD. ;) Best thing ever, next to my service dogs! :)

Paxil Not Working

Gave me anxiety attacks.

Psychotherapy Somewhat Helpful

Care is willy-nilly with providers changing all the time. The instability of the process is damaging. It's hard to find someone who works & then they are gone.

Risperdal Not Working

Is supposed to block dopamine - one of the catecholamines - a fight-or-flight hormone involved in PTSD. Will see what happens when used with an adrenaline (another catecholamine) blocker. Ended up being SO STRONG that no matter how small I cut it up, I was sleeping excessively, had memory loss and was often unaware of what was going on.

Wellbutrin Not Working

Led to suicidal ideation and had an allergic reaction. Affects serotonin (which may cause norepinephrine, a fight-or-flight hormone, to be released which would aggravate PTSD) AND keeps norepinephrine in the system.

Writing Somewhat Helpful

Journaling is fine, but it's not a solution. It can lead to insight. I find it more therapeutic to write down insights rather than try to discover them through the writing process. I seem to gain greater insight when "talking"... I think it's the effort of trying to figure out how to share with others that reframes the info & gives me additional insight.

Xanax Not Working

Led to a suicide attempt where I took the 100+ pills left in the bottle.

Yoga Working / Worked

A good yoga session feels like one has had a full body massage. My favorite instructors are Sara Ivanhoe & Gary Bromley. Try your library!

Zoloft Not Working

Led to suicidal ideation. Affects serotonin (which may cause norepinephrine, a fight-or-flight hormone, to be released which would aggravate PTSD).

Close Phobia
Type: Agoraphobia (fear of open spaces)

I suffer from PTSD which has triggered agoraphobia.