Coincidence, Or Something Else....

[circe47]

According to certain literature, people with PTSD have what is called a heightened sensitivity to external stimuli and subtle changes in their environment. Apparently, this heightened sensitivity is due to being placed in situations of life or death, and is a result of the survival mechanism....or something to that effect.

Going with this theory, I am wondering just how true this really is. My brother, who is diabetic, has come to live with us because he is extremely disabled. What is weird to me, is that I NEVER crave sweets, but all of a sudden that's ALL I can think of. Hershey's w/ Almonds, Dark Chocolate w/raspberry truffles. Banana splits and marble cake with frosting. I simply cannot describe how out of control my craving for SUGAR is. Another thing, I can't get out of bed without feeling like I've been beaten by a baseball bat. A few days ago, I had a dream I was in a fist fight, and woke up with the first black eye I have ever had in my life. My brother ended up with one the other day, from falling down for the dozenth time.

Coincidence? Or......has anyone else had these types of things happen?

 

[Spiderallis]

Maybe it's some subconscious thing behind the cravings. It could've nudged your sweet tooth to look at how your brother's diet would fit in with your household.

 

[Bilby]

I'd be inclined to speak to your doctor about it.

 

[DharmaGirl]

heightened sensitivity to external stimuli and subtle changes in their environment.

I have to look around my therapist's office to see what has changed every time. I thought I was being observant, but now I see I'm reacting to the change. This is awesome to think about. I will have to see how much what I do is linked to emvironmental changes.

 

[safenow]

I will have to see how much what I do is linked to environmental changes.

Very good point. I don't do change well. Yet, things are changing all the time for me. Like, I can not find my alarm necklaces. I have one that looks like a pen but when I pull it, the alarm is very loud. The other one turns on my house alarm when I'm outside the front door. I still can't find the stupid things.

 

[saffy]

This is very interesting to read. Circa47

Have you ever heard of the term 'someone coming out with sympathy'? Like a father who has the same symptoms as his pregnant wife.

I read a psychological article about it and this bit reminded me of your situation. The study suggest that it is because of the behavioural and hormonal signals from the wife

Quote' All of which suggests that fathers-to-be are undergoing almost as much of a change of life—probably as a result of behavioural and chemical signals from the mother—as that mother is herself.' Unquote

Can it also be a sign of mirroring?

Can you talk to a therapist about this?

I am sorry to hear about your brother too :)

Best wishes
Saffy :)

 

[circe47]

Thanks for the replies. I actually just found an article that makes sense of my symptoms on Psychology Today Website. If you type compassion fatigue into the sites browser, there is a very interesting read about how empathy can manifest actual physical symptoms in care givers.

I am going to talk to my T, Saffy. This is something that has been affecting me since before I became disabled and stopped working. And, thanks for the condolences.....:)

 

[jmni]

If you are craving sweets it could be metabolical. And your metabolism is related to hormone production which is of course different for people with ptsd. So it's not too far fetched.

Sometimes eating a salty thing can reduce the craving for a sweet thing. Try it and see what happens.