Is This A Flashback?

[Amethyst]

I don't see any evidence of avoidance in the stories above.

The examples I posted were just two of my experiences with triggers, because I was looking for input as to whether or not they were flashbacks. I experience a lot of other symptoms including hypervigilance, hypersomnia, exaggerated startle response, nightmares, recurring thoughts, lack of appetite, lack of interest, trouble concentrating, feelings of loneliness, and social isolation. I'm not sure how much of that (if any) has to do with avoidance, though.

 

[Gs172003]

Blue orange I'm not sure how you are coming to your conclusion.
Amethyst get your evaluation. Don't ever go by other people's experiences as everybody is different in how this manifests. Some people DO cry, I'm not sure how crying has anything to do with it.

 

[Gs172003]

This is criteria c for diagnosis. You only need one. Of course there's a whole slew of others..

Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic event( s), beginning after the traumatic event( s) occurred, as evidenced by one or both of the following: 1. Avoidance of or efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic event( s). 2. Avoidance of or efforts to avoid external reminders (people, places, conversations, activities, objects, situations) that arouse distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic events

 

[Fadeaway]

@Zoogal I think @BlueOrange was hopeful thinking that PTSD won't claim another victim her. No one here would wish it on someone else. I see the post as being optimistic that @amythest suffering isn't permanent was was looking at possible indicators that might offer hope.

 

[Gs172003]

@Zoogal I think @BlueOrange was hopeful thinking that PTSD won't...

I understand but at the same time, she needs to treat herself as if she could just in case and seek help for it just in case so she's not too far in later. Telling her " you don't have enough symptoms " isn't doing any good either. (I'm not good at explaining this stuff, bear with me). I hope she doesn't but if she does and deals with it early, it will be better in the long run.

 

[BlueOrange]

There's definitely something serious going on (especially now that we have a bit more information). When I said "I'm glad you're getting therapy" it's because I think she does need therapy.

I agree that it's important to get an assessment! And while "You might have PTSD" is a reason to get an assessment, "You might not have PTSD" is also a reason to get an assessment. I really think it could go either way - given that we often get what we expect to get, I'm trying to set up an expectation that includes the best-case scenario.

 

[BlueOrange]

Some people DO cry, I'm not sure how crying has anything to do with it.

In Amethyst's description of how she's doing, the way that she talked about crying hinted at avoidance. Hence meeting criterion C, and therefore possibly PTSD. The statement "You don't seem to be avoiding anything any more than anyone else does" is either reassuring (if it is as it seems) or revealing (because the person replies with something that gives more information).

 

[Gs172003]

In Amethyst's description of how she's doing, the way that she talked about crying hinted at avoidan...

I cry rarely and don't the majority. The don't is waaaaay more often. It depends on why. And it's not always conscious. Very hard to explain. It's ALL very hard to explain. But...mine is definitely avoidance AND I'm still learning.
That said we all want everybody here to get the best treatment for them. The biggest help for me is the puzzle falling into place. Hopefully it will for her too but won't take anywhere near as long.

 

[BlueOrange]

The biggest help for me is the puzzle falling into place.

Thanks for explaining that - I can see how you've been offering a clear picture that can be understood while under stress, and why it would be helpful.

I seem to be working though my "Why don't people help the way I want them to help" stuff again at the moment. Hmmm.

 

[Deleted member 34328]

My last therapist explained that PTSD symptoms are a normal response to an abnormal experience

I've heard that saying too and love it. PTSD is the result of an abnormal experience of which you had no control over. It helps me to convince myself that I'm not wired wrong or an alien walking around in human form...

 

[Amethyst]

This is criteria c for diagnosis. You only need one. Of course there's a whole slew of others.

Thank you! This makes more sense.

Looking through this criteria, Blue Orange was right, I don't think that I have any avoidance symptoms. I definitely did at first - It took me five months to finally go back to Pulse and pay my respects, and before that, I wouldn't even drive on the same street in case I saw the sign. But now that I've been back there, I'm not really avoiding anything. The only thing I actively try to avoid are my triggers, which at this point are just crowds and gunshots (or any unidentified loud noise that resembles gunshots).