A member asked:

Due to my ptsd i'm not sleeping well, i try to eat healthy and exercise but i feel like i'm just exsiting and not living, any suggestions?

8 doctors weighed in across 4 answers
Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Accept help: Please seek & accept help from a therapist who is experienced in the treatment of ptsd. The valium you take just covers over symptoms but does help the underlying problem. Take care.

Answered 5/12/2016

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Search for meaning?: I wonder what u'd come up w/ if u made a list of people u care about or have cared about, along w/ things u'd like 2do 4 them... Or things u'd like 2do 4others in need (like others living with trauma?). Or a list of the experiences that have given your life the most meaning so far. Ur primitive fear & rage centers want 2 keep running ur life. Searching 4 meaning may help refocus those centers.

Answered 5/12/2016

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Meds & psychotherapy: Get a apsychiatric referral for an evaluation for PTSD, and see if medication is warranted.Specifically mention sleep loss. Next, find a reputable psychotherapist in your area who specializes in PTSD. Meds and therapy as such are typically the best way to go. Group therapy can also be very effective.

Answered 4/25/2015

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I'll add: it's good you're taking care of basics like diet & exercise. Sleep disturbance results from your mind attempting to process trauma- the activation of emotion wakes you up. As recommended, working with a qualified PTSD therapist can alleviate that & allow you to sleep restfully again.

Answered 5/7/2015

2.9k views

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