Hi guys -

The meditation center I sit in is involved in a dispute with a former member who insists we return his donations. I spoke with him on the phone, because I was concerned for him - his letter seemed a little out there.

I was at a group sit last week, and one of the people shared that she had been the victim of t*rture, which she described rather graphically. I told her some of the things I do with flashbacks, which she thanked me for, and I felt pretty good going home.

When I got home I checked my email, and something had come in from the guy, and it was very irate, belittling in a way, and really suspicious. Since then my fear level has gotten really out of control, and I've been extraordinarily anxious. Yesterday when I woke up, I suddenly realized - the guy's name is Paul, which was my Dad's name. My Dad was my abuser.

So, this is on top of the being kind of awake during surgery, and money problems, and launching a new business, and thinking I had MS or might be paralyzed, and my Mom dying, and, you know, it's just been a little much, and my amygdala has gotten itself jammed in the on position again.

I've got a call into the psychiatrist, and seeing the therapist every week. What else can I be doing to help rein in this galloping anxiety?

Thanks,

wolfalohalani

BREATH DEEP BREATH Sounds to simple, but taking a step back and concentrating

really concentrating on your breathing does help! I can lessen my attacks doing this.

Takes all my concentraion to do it and I suddenly realize that I am less anxious

Thank you, that really helps. I do tend to forget to slow down and breathe when I get tense, and this anxiety has been really strong. Now I've got a timer on the computer tell me every ten minutes to breathe, that should do something.

Thanks again,

wolfalohalani

Hi wolf, first that seems to be a bit too much to deal with all at one time even for some one who doesn't have PTSD.

Some things I do when too much comes my way at once is think to myself I can tackle each thing one step at a time. Try not to let yourself think about all of these things at once.

Break them down and take the most important one (ignore the rest) and try to figure out how you can deal with it.

Take hot baths (if you like them) take deep breaths like grama herc suggested. Make sure you are eating and drinking enough. Go for a walk, listen to some calming music. Just what ever you think might relax you.

Once you deal with the first issue then try to tackle the next. The situation with you mom is just a lot of emotional pain, on top of irritating issues that I think you can cope with if you put them into perspective.

Good luck
Tammy