I am a survivor of domestic violence suffering from PTSD, how do I cope in the middle of a meltdown?

I have been out of the abusive relationship for a little over 2 years and I haven't had a lot of incidents of post traumatic stress disorder but about 2 weeks ago I had a confrontation with my sister and her husband that has really sent me into crisis mode. I can't eat or sleep, I'm sick to my stomach. I feel as if I might die, I feel the same way I did 2 years ago when I kicked my ex out of the house. I know that my feelings are irrational for this situation. I know that my sister isn't going to hurt me and that sooner or later we will work things out and talk again but I can't get rid of this horrible panic I am feeling. Does anyone have any advice on getting past an episode of PTSD?

Dear Survivor of Domestic Violence,
You can survive anything. You have already survived domestic violence & that's not easy. I have been thru the same thing & also have PTSD. You'll find that there are times that you will be triggered into a panic attack, or anxiety attack because of your disorder. The best thing you can do is to learn what triggers you into attacks, and secondly how to do relaxation breathing so that when you feel triggered, you can relax.

I have a network of websites that may help you. See it in the source list. Relaxation is essential though for those who have PTSD.

I hope you'll visit the network, I've developed it through my own recovery of domestic violence and PTSD.
Kathleen

Talk to a counselor

Get into counsellling! I have PTSD too, from an abusive childhood.

Meanwhile, from group therapy, a couple of things that help, and this list is from 6 guys, and not everything works for everyone.

I have nightlights all over my apartment so if I awaken from a nightmare, I can immediately tell where I am. The idea is to get from the flashback memories to here and now.

Some people have a quiet, safe place they go. Some pray. Naming the items in the room you're in helps--there's an oak kitchen table, 4 matching chairs, off-white tile floor, avocado color fridge, tan stove, etc.

One guy turns on the shower and just ducks his head under cold water.

If I'm out walking and it hits, I count cracks in the sidewalk; maybe I also avoid stepping on them--one more thing to concentrate of being back here and now.

But, do yourself a favor--find counseling and especially group therapy--half the value of group therapy is knowing that others are suffering the same effects you are, even if not for the same reason.

Good luck, and I'll pray for you, too!

Talk to a psychotherapist or a clinical psychologist; they are trained to help people with psychological disorders.

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