Firstly, PTSD is a possible outcome, but not guaranteed. And if you read more than just the OP, you'd see that his follow posts seem to indicate things are getting better.

Secondly, MDMA has not been proven to be an effective treatment for PTSD. I base this all on information in that article you linked:

-the trial only had 20 subjects. While they were randomized, they mostly knew if they were taking placebo or MDMA, so it wasn't really blinded. These results are therefore nothing more than preliminary. They indicate this is worth studying further but in no way indicate this should be the first line treatment.

-the study only went out 2 months, and so long term data is still needed.

-the study did not look at MDMA as a treatment, but as an adjuvant to psychotherapy. That is, they looked at whether MDMA can help the therapy process help the patient. They did not look at taking MDMA by itself outside the therapy sessions.

I would absolutely never confront him EVER! If I ever saw him, I would snap leave (like drop my tools, turn and run, drive home to Idaho, and then call the cops, which probably wouldn't even do anything anyways).

But I have to return to the rentals, I can't just shut down my business. Even if I did want to shut it down I have to sell the places off, which will take months.

And I'm licensed to carry a firearm, I've gone to tons of gun classes (from the local gun range that is owned/run by a retired cop) and I was trained by the army (ROTC in college, 2 years, BRM of course).

So I'm not some gun toting crazy revenge seeking person. I'm someone who was a victim of a crime and wants to take every step possible to protect myself in the future if something like this comes up again.

I've gone through 2 property management companies before. Both times had horrible experiences. They were either horribly inefficient compared to how I can run it, and the other outright stole.

I appreciate the advice. But realistically I'll probably sell before I go through another manager (I think it's a lot harder handling my lower income rentals then a typical manager is used to is the problem).

For the past 11 years I've always been "driving around with a loaded gun." Even the night that this happened there was a loaded gun in my pickup. Even as I type this there's a loaded gun in my pickup, which has been there for years never leaving it.

So I know I might of come off wrong, but the idea of me being around loaded guns isn't new, it's been like that since I was a kid. (as a kid I grew up in the country, and I had 2 guns, 1 I bought with my dad another my grandpa gave me, I carried them around all the time in case of cougars and coyotes) (cougars do kill kids ever year where I live, and a gun in case of coyotes to protect my dog)

So I hoped on 2+2 to post an update since last night was really rough.

Everything had been fading away. It was like everyday was better then the day before it. I've even had days and days of perfect/good/just like before the incident nights of sleep.

Then last night happened. I have no idea what triggered it. Yesterday was a standard day. Played poker, spent time with my daughter/wife, did some yard work, so nothing was "different" that might of caused it.

But last night was HORRIBLE! My wife thinks I woke up ~8 times, I was thinking it was more like 6, but it was something like that. I only remember one of the dreams, and it was exactly what happened to me (with the guy chasing me) but this time I kept shrinking in size, therefore running slower and slower because I was shrinking from 5'8" down to about 1' tall...and when he caught up to me, he put the gun to my head and pulled the trigger (I woke up in a cold sweat, it was bad).

I don't get it. Nothing interesting happened to me yesterday. So it shouldn't seem like something should trigger this. But man it sucked. The dream I remember was scarier then anything I experienced the first night. I don't get it.



And for those scared about me and carrying a gun for revenge. I have no desire for revenge at all. It's hard to explain, but I truly hope I never see this person again for the rest of my life. I'm sort of happy...relieved? (horrible way of describing it) that he didn't get arrested, because if he did I'd have to testify, think about testifying, deal with seeing him in court, and all of that. In a weird way, I just never want anything to do with him ever again.

So yeah, I'm not seeking revenge, have no desire to harm him. And if I saw him in person, I'd run away as fast as I could.

OK.

1. First of all, read this whole thing so you understand what's happening to you and are not as freaked out by it:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posttr...tress_disorder

2. If left untreated PTSD can go on for a long time and may substantially worsen. You know all these stories about Iraq/Afghanistan war vets going completely bonkers? A lot of them had PTSD. You don't want to end up like that. I know the treatment option I suggested is a bit unconventional and controversial but you don't have to go that route. You can go for a more conventional treatment option such as therapy. Look for a reputable psychologist in your area with successful experience of treating PTSD. Do not put this away. Don't try to "wing it on your own". Take all steps necessary to start your treatment TODAY.

3. Don't be afraid to share with your wife/family/friends. That's what they're there for. To help you in times of greatest need. Sharing with your wife does not make you weak. It will help you and make you stronger which will make her feel better as well. You will also likely discover she's much stronger than you think she is.

You are a strong man but a strong man does what's sensible.

I made a long post in response to this, but deleted it because I was afraid I came off as a nutjob (and it probably rightly would of been interpreted that way). I'm now going to force myself to respond because even when I come off crazy, it's helped in the past.

Also please note I posted several times today, and I'm not coming off well, and that's because I'm not well. Today is the worst day because of the incident, that I've had since the night of the incident. I have no idea why, but 3 days ago I was fine, today I'm messed up/stressed.


Olaff, I read most of the wiki. And I noticed a couple more things that happened to me that are mimicking what they said could happen.

Today I took my dog for a walk. I noticed a guy in a puffy coat about 2 blocks behind me when my dog stopped to use the bathroom. When my dog was done and I picked up the mess, I started walking again. And I noticed the guy kept following the path I was taking.

I decided to make a left hand turn instead of follow the "normal" walking path that people take (we have a designated walking path in our community) and the guy made the same turn as me. This stressed me out. So when walking down the block, we got to an area where a new house was being built (a vacant lot) I took my dog, and we walked into the vacant lot, and waited for the guy to pass. I just couldn't handle him being behind me with that puffy coat.

Now this is why I know I'm not being "vigilant" but something is wrong with me. Because the "guy" was 70 years old. He was just some retired old guy going for a walk. I mean, it's one thing if I was walking and maybe crossed the street because a group of gang bangers were hanging out on a street corner, but it's absolutely over reacting when you get stressed out over a 70 year old guy with a limp walking 2 blocks behind you.

3 days ago, NO WAY would I of even cared. But today it stressed the heck out of me. I think it might be because of the dream I had last night.

I also noticed I'm incredibly easy to irritate today. The NASCAR race is on today and I LOVE NASCAR. My wife took our daughter to a kid's birthday party, and decided to get us take out for lunch (while I watched the race). This INFURIATED me because I was pissed she was wasting money. We have plenty of money, and it was like $20 worth of take out. She did it for me to be nice, and I was just pissed the hell off about it. (the take out she got was from my favorite place too, not the place she likes)

I mean, normal me would of thanked her and been happy. My wife is a frugal lady and we eat out 2-3 times a month at most. And money isn't something we ever fight about, and we have plenty of. But man I was pissed. And it wasn't until I read that article about being easily irritable that it makes sense.

Today has been a bad day for sure.

OK. Are you going to get treatment? That's what matters.

People just tend to look down on others who display high levels of anxiety in their mannerisms, voice and other subtleties they pickup. They probably think you're immature/& unstable.

Don't freak out on them, it is 2nd nature to them. Ofc, not everyone is a jerk & could be understanding & show empathy (the man in the theater)but most of the time you're gonna get the other end of the stick. Cops/security guards are esp... Arrogant! (Anyone with authority.)

OP,
I found your thread searching about optimal sleep duration/habits for poker.....

The cops,911 and were and cinema security were terrible and I wouldn't want to pay my taxes if I got such terrible service for a life threatening sit. You did brilliantly though and I think you saved yourself from either getting pistol whipped and robbed at the best or stone cold killed by a drug crazy ass...ole.

I think you should do these things ASAP if you haven't already

1. Rig the place up with outdoor discreet cameras.

2. If you know any local PI or can pay for one get him/her onto ( if hes over 6 foot that narrows it down a bit) Slim to find out his whereabouts, record etc. I doubt Slim has a grievance towards you now and hopefully he is no longer around or is in jail but it would be good to know and maybe locate him and do the cops job for them. Wherever he lives will be full of drug paraphernalia , unlicensed weapons etc.

3. Make sure you are armed and not with your family etc when you visit the rentals. Don't leave the pistol in the truck. Try not to visit after dark

4. Make sure all the tenants know about the guy. Could you get a artist to do a picture of him and stick it to the walls? Plus you could give it to the PI

You are probably doing some of the above so no offence if you are. I'm a newbie with only 26 posts and I hope i don't look arrogant but I had a similar sit and was advised likewise.

Some questions:

Have just re read and am wondering how/who knows the guy goes by the name of Slim? Someone in the rental know him? Who and why? Is there a junkie in the building?

Why would he put the gun to your head if you had volunteered to help him?

Could the flash lite of been a ruse to get close to you?

Does anyone have a grievance towards you?

Maybe he wanted to scare you and thought you'd freeze and didn't realize you were Jackie Chan. Maybe he wanted your pick up but could someone in the building of informed him you were a poker player and had access to lots of cash?

Can you change all the place names in the thread for security reasons?

Ha ha your right it happens in movies all the time. In fact its one of the biggest tension builders when nobody believes the guy who has bad guys, aliens, or monsters after him.

Another experimental PTSD treatment option:

http://wtvr.com/2014/10/22/could-aya...nal-marijuana/

Any reason we should be going to experimental treatments before trying the proven treatments?

Just read the thread, don't have much useful to contribute other than I hope you're ok and that's one hell of a crazy story.

How are you doing lately, OP? Hope you are doing better.

There is no need for drugs. It all in your head. Just go to a counselor. Talking about it and understanding what your going through will help out a lot. I still have nightmare 15 years later but I wake up get a drink and go back to sleep. I only have nightmares probably once every 3 months or so. I have them from finding my mom dead in her room and from being choked out and beating from a girl I dated. Sometimes I wake up and my heart will be beating so hard it hurt and I can't breath. I found that drugs like pot and msds makes it worse for me at least. I have done just about every drug under the sun. Drugs just cover up things it doesn't fix the problem. I feel 100 percent better being drug free.

the shock is normal you just noticed society doent give a **** on you if you live or die. sounds harsh but thats the way it is.

youve been at the army for your country and the one and only time you needed help they treated you like a dog. never forget this, in this night you survived your country showed you its true face behind the surface.

ive been threw a long homeless episode and i can tell you therapie is just one big scam. because the doctors will also **** on you and they are completly incompetent altogether.

i hope your wife loves you. good luck

edit: i didnt want to laugh at you. i just wanna say that the "shock" is propably not only the danger, but how the authorities reacted to it. you are deeply irritated in your innerself, which messes alot with your brain and maybe its time for a change in some way. hopefully someday people will rise against this inhuman system. maybe we will be these people

and cudos for your good reaction in all this stress. most other people wouldnt survive that

I generally agree with what you wrote, in that drugs probably aren't helpful but talking with a trained therapist can be. However, I do want to point out that some medications have been shown to be efficacious in helping with PTSD, and not necessarily just by covering up symptoms.

More importantly, imo though, is the part of your post that I quoted. What do you mean by that, exactly? I see people say things like this a lot, and I think it can mean several different things. For one thing, the issue is certainly in his head in that his brain is in his head. But people with PTSD (and anxiety issues or depression, etc) can feel their problems in other parts of their bodies too, so to me it sounds a bit dismissive of these other symptoms.

So do you mean that it's all psychological, with no biological basis? I don't know that the evidence really supports this. And even if it did, that wouldn't actually imply that a biological treatment couldn't be effective. Various chemicals can alter the way neurons communicate with each other, and can, for instance, possibly lead to dissociating the intense negative emotions from the traumatic memories. This can have an impact on the psychology of the person.

I also think that when people say "it's all in your head," they are implying that you have full control over your experiencing of the symptoms. This doesn't seem to be true, however. If people could simply think away their symptoms, they would have done so before getting to the level of needing to seek professional help. This isn't a matter of having a weak mind or being lazy, which is why evidence-based therapies and medications have been developed.

"its all in your head" is such a sentence i hear from therapist scumbags that cant imagine how it feels like getting your back pressed threw a wall. "it could be so easy if you just wanted" and all the blablabla

OP insane story. I think you'll prolly be OK after some time and it's normal to be on edge after something crazy like that happens. If your anxiety gets worse though, definitely speak to your doctor in case it spirals out of control.

It is in the brain is what I meant. I really shouldn't talk on issues like this. I feel like I have dealt with close to the same things that he has. I have tried a lot of the drugs they have prescribed plus the ones this other kid was talking about. The best thing that has help me was talking to someone and understanding what it was doing to me. I have been dealing with this for 15 years. You learn to control it. I guess I don't control it I deal with it a lot better. It isn't something that you learn over night. I shouldn't of responded and probably better off just reading stuff. You seem like you got a better understanding of this issue than I ever will. Sorry for miss leading anyone. Just like you said everyone is different. Some may need drugs.

Therapist are there to help you understand what you are going through. They have studied the subject matter. Of course they really don't know what your going through but they do help if you let them. Scumbags? Really they are just trying to do a job that they went to school for.

I'm a little saddened by your response as I didn't intend for my post to be taken that way. I'm glad that you posted as your experience and thoughts are valuable to this thread. I may have a better understanding of the science behind what's going on, and I may have interacted with more people dealing with these issues, but I have never personally experienced anything like this.

The only part of your post that I took issue with was the "it's all in your head" line. I feel most people are mistaken when they say it, but it can also mean many different things to different people.

+1000

wow, ive had guns pulled on me but from the way you described this incident it seemed hella scarier than my 2 incidents. i was actually so messed up on booze and coke i remember laughing when this wannabe cholo came up to my gfs car and pulled a gun on me (asking for money) guy even cocked it and pointed it at my dome sideways and i said to my gf "dont worry about this guy hes not going to do ****". was a good read though he and his wanna be buddy strolled off. classic quote from that night as we drove away from my gfs friend "i saw your life flash before my eyes" perfect...