What types of therapies have you tried? How did they work?

I've tried 'all of the above.' Heh.

psychotherapy/counseling - This has been the best one for me so far. I'm currently seeing a counsellor. And it's been more helpful than any other method. The problem with this is that there are so many shrinks ill-equipped (I feel) to deal with PTSD. I've seen about 8/9 before I ended up here, to give you an idea. You have to be really persistent to find a good one sometimes.

If you find a bad one through the public system, don't be afraid to look around to see if you can find a compassionate psych who is willing to give you a discount, or only see you once a month. Sometimes seeing a decent psych rarely is better than seeing a crap one all the time.

medications - No luck with these. I've taken Zoloft, Effexor and Avanza. Effexor worked the best, but killed my sex drive, my creativity, and didn't do anything for the anxiety or the flashbacks. Ultimately it didn't really help much at all. The Avanza was HORRIBLE. And Zoloft was like taking candy that made me lose my appetite. There are no real good anti-ds out there for PTSD anyway.


herbal remedies - I think these can work in support with therapy (which for me, is a primary choice when dealing with a long term or ongoing mental disorder). It's important to know things like; St John's Wort can take over 3 months to start working and cannot be taken with other anti-depressants / the pill. If you want to use herbal remedies, I seriously recommend you strike up a relationship with a naturopath, rather than using self-diagnosis.

massage - Before my touch phobia was in full effect, this was very helpful. If you're a person prone to depression or anxiety touch can be very healing. Touch helps to release endorphins, it flushes blood through the system and better yet, it leads to more restful sleep and for people with anxiety - relaxes core muscle groups.

acupuncture - I used this to help wtih serious neck muscular tension, and it did help. But not enough that I'd get it again. Same goes for acupressure.

aromatherapy - Aromatherapy carries a few risks (ah the joys of working with essential oils) and it's more a support therapy than anything, but it can help. I feel. Not enough that I still use it though.

meditation/breathing exercises - These are fantastic. Especially for anxiety, and depression, or hell... *anything* really that leads you to feeling tense, uncomfortable etc. Breathing exercises create better equillibrium in the biological body, but can also help you to focus on your emotional state and/or still your mind. And meditation has been proven to increase happiness in all who practice it regularly.

homeopathic remedies - I still use homoeopathics to treat the somatic symptoms of my PTSD, like my irritable bowel syndrome. They work a treat.

Flower Essences (in my 'other' section) - I'd really recommend these, especially to folks who are sensitive to stronger medications. They are gentle, and specifically designed for emotional and spiritual ailments. In fact, both Bach and Living Essences have remedies specifically designed to aid with trauma, depression, and suicidal ideation. I love them.

Energy Work (in my 'other' section) - Don't underestimate the value of modalities like Reiki and Healing touch.

Phew! I'm done.

Moonvoice is truly amazing. She is an inspiration for all of us, methinks. *HUGS*

I have tried psychotherapy and medication therapy. I have to say that, like Moonvoice, I have not found a therapist who 'worked' with my particular illness in a way that was constructive. I'm proud that she has now found one who seems to 'get' what to do for PTSD...but I have yet to find anyone who manages to even come up with a good game plan for Schizoaffective Disorder.

I wonder if some of the therapists that I have had weren't simply a bit clueless or unused to working with this disorder (or psychotic disorders in general). Because what I noticed was a lot of Major Depressive and Bipolar generalized therapeutic approaches to my condition and very little grounding therapy that (I believe) is needed for this condition.

Anyway...meds. I have been through just about all antidepressants. I have also tried Abilify with moderate success. I am about to start Clozaril therapy (hopefully this coming week).

GROUP THERAPY...let me just remark that group therapy for psychotic/Schizophrenic conditions is not a very good idea. I have had more trauma from group settings than just about anything else. Maybe it was the chaotic management of the group...but it's not what I call a healing environment and I do not suggest that you subject yourself to it if at all possible.

SOME approaches that I was given for therapy were quite good such as ways to ground myself (though few and far between) and memory/cognitive skill-building exercises. One-on-one therapy is what I need and hopefully will be getting soon.

I have not (unfortunately) had the opportunity to try any other kinds of homeopathic or natural therapies. It's something that I would enjoy trying in the future, though.

I have tried counselling for some of the causes of my depression (depression not related to SAD). Am currently taking Lovan which is the same medication I've been on for about 6 years. Last time was the first time I had to increase the medication by half.

I tried St John's Wart. It worked for 2 years but after that the effect wore off. SAD gets worse overtime, so that probably has something to do with it.

I'm fortunate in that what I have is one of the most easily treatable. A combination of medication and light therapy should do the trick. I plan on finding out this year.

Thanks Chiblue. Actually, my partner gave me $700 yesterday so I can hurry up and get one instead of me waiting a couple of weeks to save up. I'll be making all the necessary arrangements next week. Tuesday is shaping up to be a busy day for me.

I had 2 sessions with a shrink last year, one to assess me and see if he could help. I agreed to a couple of psycho-analysis sessions to see what would come up. It was a half hour session and we spent literally 15 minutes discussing HIS issue with my having sickness benefit while living with someone. Its illegal here of course, but I had no other option at the time. I needed to find away to support myself and wasn't able to work. I was extremely angry that I was paying him to discuss his issue with me. Have thought about writing to some professional body about it, but I don't want to make my living situation at the time public knowledge.

Acupunture. When I was going for physio, I was given acupunture a few times for the pain. It worked a little bit the first time, then nothing.

Medication. I'm on Fluoxetine 20mg capsules 1 a day for depression. Amitriptyline 10mg tablets to help with sleeping and the pain, and I'm on CoDydromal 30/500mg painkillers 2 four times a day to ease the pain

Reiki I give myself Reiki quite a lot

Meditation I find the mindfullness of breathing meditation helps a lot when my pain level is intense.

EFT I use this occasionally along with affirmations when I'm in a bad mood , it works almost instantly with this
I've used this a couple of times to fight off binge eating but can't stay consistent with it for this.

I think the main cause of my deep depression just now is due to the constant pain I'm in, although I have been on meds in the past for depression and when I had bulimia . It's hard to describe what its like to been in pain 24/7 it really wears me down

I would say Reiki and meditation works the best for me, along with my meds.

Love and Hugs
Aleia