Struggling hard with anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD

[LAguy]

struggling hard with anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD in the aftermath of breakup with exBPD.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good therapist in Los Angeles?

[lighthouse9]

Hey LAGuy - welcome to the boards! 

I'm sorry that you're dealing with these symptoms post breakup. Do you want to tell us more about it?

Many of us struggle with anxiety, panic attacks, and PTSD after a break up (Spend some time on here, you'll see it's pretty common). We're not therapists, but we can tell you that you're not alone. I'm working on some PTSD stuff with my therapist that didn't necessarily start with my STBX wife, but has definitely reared its ugly head because of stuff that recently went down in our relationship.

I'm not familiar with the LA area, but I know that I've used the "find a therapist" tool on Psychology today and searched for specific key words, and then crosslisted those folks with people that take my insurance. You might also try to find someone who specializes in BPD or personality disorders, because they are often best positioned to understand what you've been through and not just write everything off in an unhelpful catastrophic way. For example, our marriage counselor was very unhelpful and just kept telling me to run, but the two people I've seen since then that specialize in BPD and DBT therapy have been able to offer some more nuance (while still encouraging me to put my needs first).

Also - kudos to you for seeking out therapy. That says a lot about your willingness to take care of yourself.

[Harri]

Hi LaGuy and welcome.

As lighthouse said, it is pretty common to have anxiety, PTSD like symptoms and panic attacks after a relationship like this so unfortunately you will find lots of company here. 

I am glad that you are seeking therapy but unfortunately I too am unfamiliar with LA.  I think Lighthouse gave some excellent advice though so I suggest you try  those ideas.

In the meantime you might be surprised by how much support and help you can receive by posing on this site.  There are a lot of people here who have either just started or are almost through most of their healing work.  Know that things can get better.

Take care.

[lighthouse9]

Hey LAGuy,

How are you doing? Any luck finding someone to talk to?

Looking forward to hearing more from you,

-L

[bananas2]

Hi & Welcome, LAGuy. 

The PTSD symptoms you describe are unfortunately par for the course when detaching from a r/s with a pwBPD. I'm sorry you have to endure them. I too, suffer from anxiety/panic attacks, but I've noticed that they are gradually lessening in intensity and frequency as time goes on. How long has it been since your relationship ended?

I've used the "find a therapist" tool on Psychology today and searched for specific key words, and then crosslisted those folks with people that take my insurance. You might also try to find someone who specializes in BPD or personality disorders, because they are often best positioned to understand what you've been through and not just write everything off in an unhelpful catastrophic way. For example, our marriage counselor was very unhelpful and just kept telling me to run, but the two people I've seen since then that specialize in BPD and DBT therapy have been able to offer some more nuance (while still encouraging me to put my needs first).

Agreed! I've also used the Psychology today site, with excellent results. Another option is to contact your insurance company and get a list of providers, although I believe the Psychology Today site is more helpful in that the therapists write their own bios/profiles so that you can get a better of idea of their specialties.

Time does heal, although it may not feel like that at the moment. We are here to support you when you need us. Looking forward to hearing more from you.

[Mutt]

Hi LAGuy,



Anxiety is tough. I can relate because I have anxiety disorders. I hope that you find a T to give you strategies to cope you could try strategies found online until you get help

https://www.anxietybc.com/adults/introduction

Hang in there.