For ptsd survivors, what's the best way to cope with hypo and hyperarousal?

In the morning I have severe hyperarousal and usually end up screaming until I can force myself to focus. Then later when I finally feel awake hypoarousal starts. And it's like an endless cycle. My therapist says that unfortunately due to your severe PTSD this is the flip side of all that locked in trauma. Easy for him to say because he doesn't have to deal with it?

There's a lot of transition going on. The PTSD, finding a new job, being able to pay the rent, not having the new job yet to move to. I've been in EMDR treatment for almost three months now. So I know it's important to keep going with it. But also it would be nice to have some sense of balance too? Hope this hasn't been too graphic. Thanks.

I am a therapist who specializes in treating PTSD. I've got it and live it with as well.

I am not impressed with EMDR. When it came out they promised fast treatment. If after 3 months you aren't seeing improvement, you may want to consider another therapist.

EMDR claims very high cure rates--based on clients not returning for counseling.

I worked at a trauma counseling center; before I was there they had an EMDR therapist who left. Many old (cured) clients returned for PTSD counseling when they learned EMDR was not being done there. These old clients told me it did nothing but freak them out. No doubt it helps some people, but I am not impressed.

With PTSD, as you know, any new stressors will exacerbate existing PTSD symptoms.

For me, hyper-arousal is not something I can turn off; rather than viewing it as a curse I choose to accept it as a blessing: When bad stuff goes down I am prepared for it.

I have found deep breathing exercises help a lot with coping with PTSD.

Good luck!

Usually to cope, lower your overall stress. Then do your best to determine what sights, sounds, smells, situations are your "triggers" and do your best to avoid them.

From the sound of things, your trigger is to awaken in the morning???

I will say this, although PTSD never quite leaves you, with a lifestyle of lowered stress and avoidance of triggers - learning techniques to calm yourself - PTSD does fade over the years.
Don't overlook the value of therapy, of faith in God and prayer. - Works for me.

I usually do some deep breathing while imagining a hole in the middle of my body and filling it with a color (of your choice) healing light and spin it around inside that hole. I know it's really stressfull now, but it will get better.

There's an online support group that's always been helpful to me.

http://www.bein.com/trauma