Grieving Mommy, my heart is with you. I am terribly sorry for all you have been through.
It doesn't resonate with everyone, but you might consider trying EMDR with a certified therapist. Even the U.S. military, with their very conservative standards for what works in the healing of PTSD, acknowledges that EMDR can be effective. I read founder Francine Shapiro's book first to get a foundational understanding of the process.
Even more "your mileage may vary" than EMDR, you might consider TRE, Dr. David Berceli's Trauma and Tension Relieving Exercises. Even if this doesn't work for you as a treatment modality, it's a nice lower-body workout. I have even heard there are yoga versions of TRE being developed, as the movements are similar to "leg openers" in yoga.
If you are into podcasts, I recommend Changing Direction (and her former radio show Your Life After Trauma) with Michele Rosenthal. She is a post-trauma coach and author of two books on PTSD.
I second mars735's recommendation for guided imagery. I don't fall asleep at night without Belleruth in my ear.
It is my belief for myself, and perhaps also in your case too, that the reprogramming of the amygdala and associated neurostructures, and the release of the trauma stored in the body has to happen first, and then the weight, which for me has been a maladaptive coping mechanism, will be ready to change.
In the meantime, hang in there. Many gentle hugs to you.
|