Hello, So son is graduating rehab this week. Is there any recommendations or literature that I should read on how iI can manage mt PTSD and Anxiety on what i can do to get over that and be happy that he did the full 30 days? Thank you, A loving Mom
@Tswcot... I'm happy to hear that your son is finishing up his 30-day rehab this week. What are his plans going forward? Is he going to spend any time in a sober living house? Just curious. As far as things you can read to help you manage your PTSD and anxiety... I'm not really sure what's out there. I know the book Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change has a lot of information on self-care for parents/partners. I think self-care is an integral part of the healing process when someone has a loved one battling addiction. I've also heard great things about a book called The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, although I haven't read it. I also suggest things like meditation, deep-breathing exercises, and yoga. I would recommend therapy, too. Maybe some other folks will have recommendations, too. Please keep us updated on how your son--and you--are doing. We're here and we care. You are not alone.
Yes he does have a plan. He does not want to do sober living any longer. He waa staying at one for 4-5 Months and didn’t like it at actually it waa causing some anxiety. He did say he would go to outpatient program and work and go to AA meetings.
@Tswcot Hello and welcome. Thank you for reaching out. I'm super glad to hear that your son is completing rehab. That's wonderful! I'm also glad to hear that he has a plan moving forward to continue in his recovery efforts. As a parent of adult children, I can understand having some anxiety and worry when it comes to our children. I had to learn the art of giving myself permission to live my life without having their behaviors or decisions keep me down or worried. Sometimes I still need some help and encouragement from others on that end as well. Have you been to therapy for the PTSD and anxiety? There's a lot of different therapies out there. Also a lot of free resources online. But what works for one might not work for another, so it's not always easy to know. There is quite a bit of research and people out there that say that a daily practice of meditation and deep breathing does help them. It helps to calm the brain or get it out of the fight or flight response that it seems to get stuck on. But it might not always be that simple...and recovery from that may be a long process.... depending on various factors. May I ask what you have tried and has anything worked a little bit for you?
I have seen therapist in the past. I left 5 messages for 5 different therapists and I think i found a good one. She has worked with both addicts and family of addicts. She specializes in anxiety, depression and ptsd from trauma. So i am exhausted to have my first therapy session next week.
@Tswcot i'm glad you found a good therapist and have an appt! that's great! kudos to you for taking the time to search one out. totally rooting for you! and remember, we are always here for you.
It sounds like you've found a therapist with excellent credentials, @Tswcot. Good for you! I hope your appointment goes well and that you click with her. You're taking good care of yourself. I'm proud of you!