r/traumatoolbox • u/_Silver_Rose_ • Jul 16 '26
Needing Advice What do you do when it hits you at night?
Have you found anything that helps when it keeps you up at night or when it wakes you up in the middle of the night?
I’ve been struggling a lot with intrusive thoughts and memories about my SAs and abuse when the day is over and it’s dark and everything’s quiet and I’m supposed to fall asleep. And when I wake up from nightmares or dreams in the middle of the night it’s hard to come back, never mind try to relax for falling back asleep. Sometimes I’m just up for the rest of the night and sometimes I cry myself out or lay there until my body eventually gets so exhausted and I fall asleep.
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u/orcateeth Jul 16 '26
You can download these trauma recovery worksheets and work through them if you feel they might help you.
https://www.choosingtherapy.com/therapy-worksheets/trauma/
The VA also has a PTSD app that might be of help.
Also, there is a very detailed website for cPTSD, called Out of the Fog.
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u/_Silver_Rose_ Jul 16 '26
Thank you for sharing! I’ll look into those. Do you know if that app is only for vets?
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u/orcateeth Jul 16 '26
Oh no, it's not just for vets. It's for anyone. I use it myself. (Never been in the military.)
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u/orcateeth Jul 16 '26
The VA has created apps to help people who are under stress, feeling depressed, or even suicidal, have trouble sleeping, experience PTSD, etc.
I like the one called Coping Coach. It has mindfulness and relaxation exercises.
You can also look at the PTSD Coach. You can use it along with a therapist, which is highly recommended. (But everyone can't afford a therapist, so they may have to make do.)
These apps are for anyone, not just veterans.
https://mobile.va.gov/mental-health-and-behavioral-therapy-apps
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u/_Silver_Rose_ Jul 16 '26
Thank you!!
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u/orcateeth Jul 16 '26
Someone posted lots of entire books on childhood trauma, abuse, neglect and complex PTSD.
https://www.reddit.com/r/CPTSD/s/q7JaFqz2zC
Warning: The books can be triggering, and you could wind up feeling worse after reading some of the examples and case studies in the books.
You will likely see yourself, as if looking in a mirror, as well as whoever was the problem. It can be sad, or at least, uncomfortable.
But there's a wealth of great information and insights in these books.
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u/orcateeth Jul 16 '26
There are various kinds of therapy that can be used to assist with this. Have you had any therapy? Or any different kinds?
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u/_Silver_Rose_ Jul 16 '26
I’m in therapy and she’s trauma informed but doesn’t do EMDR or anything like that. I’ve tried a few EMDR sessions before but I wasn’t in the headspace to be reliving stuff. Not sure if I am rn either
Obviously everyone’s different but what’s worked for you?1
u/orcateeth Jul 16 '26
I use support groups myself.
Here's a lot of options for free support groups. I started it for people who shop compulsively and hoard (often as a reaction to trauma, loss and depression), but gradually continued to add lots of other resources for mental health conditions. The list is pretty long now, with tons of options.
You can just listen at the meetings, if you don't want to share.
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