I need support to make it through Easter
 

Hi Guys,
Easter is a very bad holiday for me. This is the day my daughter was injured and had a surgical instrument sewed up inside her leg. Resulting in a blood infection of some unknown infectious disease that almost killed her for a year. This is the reason I have PTSD. I get very depressed around this time of year. I hate Easter. She goes into a depression also. We were both very traumatized over what happened to her. Any encouragement would be much appreciated.
Brain :grouphug:

Sending you both lots of positive, healing thoughts. Remember you are always healing, even though sometimes it does not seem that way!
You will cope!

I can relate to associating holidays with traumatic events. My TBI happened the Monday after Thanksgiving, and I was still in the hospital over Christmas. This causes feelings of guilt, as in my mind it was my fault that the family missed being together for Christmas. Along with that come the accompanying depressed feelings.

Here are some things that have been helpful for me.

I celebrate the fact that I survived and have the chance to spend this time with loved ones.

Try to disassociate the trauma with the date. If the weather is good go for an outing. Do some activity together that is in a different setting and provides some enjoyable outlet.

For me time is a healer. We have celebrated two holiday seasons since the year of the accident. 2012 was easier than 2011. I expect 2013 to be better yet.

Best to you.

:grouphug:

I Will Have to Think About This
 

I have to think about this because ALL holidays are not my thing since we lost my love's father .Holidays were kind of bad and now,:Heart::Heart: these past couple years I did not really participate at all I cannot remember...Just because you developed PTSD from this traumatic event I would say read a lot of self help books and try to be happy that life is still available to both of you.And start doing research for your soon to be speciality MDs that you need to get you back moving forward:hug:

:grouphug:

We just sent notice to the families..........Easter Bunny is away from home this year.

Family is having sick days. Father-in-law and wife are down with flu.....and I have no plans on entertaining anyone.

Best wishes folks.

BP have you and/or your daughter thought of seeking treatment for the PTSD? It is treatable and when you find a therapists that works for you it can be a godsend!

Thanks for the support and understanding
 

Yes. I have thought of seeking treatment. We both need treatment. I have been unable to afford treatment. Even when I was working and had the best insurance, mental health treatment was only covered at 50 percent. I was a single mother and could not afford the other 50 percent for my daughter and myself.
Now that I am on Medicaid it may be possible for me to get some treatment for the PTSD. I am looking in to finding a counselor. If I can get on disability then I am going to offer to pay for her to go to a counselor as well.
Thanks all of you for the support and understanding. It looks like I am not alone in having a hard time with holidays.
Brain :grouphug:

Hi Brain ,

Your daughter had surgical instrument left in her --wow --that is scary!! Did she become septic? I just read all you been thru ---its truly is amazing what a human being can endure. You must be a extremely strong person !! I know holiday are tough when you have bad memories but maybe try to do something on Easter to distract yourself---or do something you enjoy or use to enjoy--- and have not done in a longtime. It may help. Holidays are not the same for me either so I understand it. I wish you a nice one and hope it turns better than you think it will.

Hi Mg Neck Prob,
Yes she went septic. My daughter almost died because of this surgical instrument being sewed up inside her. The whole situation was just horrifying. I don't like to talk about it much.
I guess I am a strong person. I feel like I have survived going down on the Titanic or something.
I have been through so much it is amazing. I have really been forced to find out what I am made of. Thanks for the support.
I appreciate all of you so much. I am sorry that so many of us have problems with holidays.
Brain :grouphug:

Very sorry this time of year brings you difficulties. We are here. :hug: