Project Description
Trauma/Grief/PTSD
Life is full of unfortunate occurrences that come out of nowhere and are out of our control. Sometimes trauma and loss can be overwhelming! You may feel that you just cannot cope or move forward in life. You might only experience the effects weeks, months or even years later. Trauma affects many parts of the mind, causing difficulty sleeping, eating and feelings of devastation and fear. The nightmares can be so scary that going to bed is avoided altogether. You also tend to avoid things that remind you of this trauma.
Symptoms
Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event, reliving the event (flashbacks) or nightmares about the event
Hopelessness about the future, difficulty maintaining close relationships, feeling detached from family and friends, lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed and feeling emotionally numb
Easily frightened, always being on guard for danger, self-destructive behaviour (drinking too much, driving too fast etc), overwhelming guilt or shame, angry outbursts
Our Approach
I wish I could take away your pain but I cannot. What I can do is help you ‘cope’, endure the pain & hopefully feel like your old self again. We will focus on re-establishing normal sleep and eating rhythms and being kind to yourself. If you are ready for it, we will talk about the trauma which may be tough but is a sense of relief. I will walk you through your process in a gentle way. If you are not sleeping, you may need some short-term sleeping tablets. If your mood is very low and you just cannot cope, we may discuss the possibility of antidepressants to act as a bit of a buffer between you and this harsh outside world so you can feel like yourself again.
TESTIMONIAL
Dr Comrie and her practice are delightful, kind, compassionate and loving.
I have been a patient of Dr Comrie since 2016 when she correctly diagnosed me (something my previous physiatrists hadn’t been able to do). I see Dr Comrie on a monthly bases to manage my illness. She is very caring and open to my input. I have overcome so much since I started seeing her over two years ago. It’s pleasant visiting the practice. Dr Comrie’s receptionist, Berri, is very upbeat and efficient and the practice is comfortable and clean. You can often spot squirrels from Dr Comrie’s consulting room 😉
Dr Comrie has been treating me as a psychological patient since 2011. From the age of 35, I had been seen by at least 12 different psychiatrists to no avail. Within a half an hour of seeing Laura she diagnosed me. Although there have been additional issues since then. Laura has stood by me through this and then made numerous attempts to involve my family in helping find solutions. Laura has always made me feel, we’ll get through this all be it one day at a time. Her staff have always been kind and helpful, a huge plus when receiving treatment that requires a lot of patience. Not only did or does Laura treat me psychiatrically, Laura goes the full hog to ensure all my medical needs are met and resolved. Even in my new marriage relationship, Laura has been the stalwart guiding us the way. I am grateful to have such a professional, caring, empathetic Psychiatrist to help me learn to live life on life’s terms. Laura you have saved my life and made life livable on many occasions. I am very appreciative of your ever special support and therapy. I don’t have the words to express how grateful and indebted I am.
I had my first consultation with Dr Laura Comrie in June 2017. I was referred to Dr Comrie by my specialist physician as I was suffering from depression and anxiety. Laura initially set about getting my medication correct for the symptoms I was experiencing. With time she has adjusted my medication to suit my changing circumstances and state of mind. From my first session, I found Laura to be a caring, empathetic, non-judgemental, warm, understanding and trustworthy support. I feel like I am in touch with myself again as Laura has helped me to reconnect with the real me. I now continue with a monthly session with Laura and look forward to the wisdom she continues to bring to my life. I can highly recommend Dr Comrie for anyone who is suffering from anxiety and depression.
I cancelled my first appointment with Dr Comrie because I didn’t think my problem was bad enough to need a psychiatrist. A few months later, I made another appointment. I considered cancelling again. Going to that appointment is one of the best decisions I have ever made. My only regret is that I hadn’t made it 10 years earlier.
Dr Comrie is one amazing, awesome, accommodating, high-spirited doctor. She is so very humane. I love her all around the world and I wouldn’t trade her for the world.