What Happens When Another Traumatic Event Happens To You Again?

[asunlesssea]

Hi, I'm AC and this is my first post. I was just wondering what happens to you if the same type of traumatic thing that caused you to have PTSD in the first place happens again? Do you finally lose your mind? I need to know. Thanks.

 

[safenow]

Do you finally lose your mind? I need to know.

HI AC.

Welcome to the PTSD Forum. Good question. Since I've had multiple traumas, I can share with you that it depends upon what you call losing your mind. The second time my home was broken into I was not only shocked, I was in shock. I just lay there and took it until the creep mentioned my little girl. When he did, i suddenly became unafraid. I came up off that bed like a mother bear. I ripped at his face, and really started hurting him.

I can tell you, it scared the hell out of him and he grabbed his pants and literally ran out the front door. Now mind you, he had come in the back door, but was in a hurry to get out of there, so he ran out the front door. He hollered behind him, "I'll be back."

Yes, it scared me. Yes I had to seek help to get over it. Yes, I ended up breaking my boss's nose the next day at work. And yes, I got fired for it. But it wasn't nearly as bad as the first trauma of break-in and what happened during that time frame.

I hope that makes sense for you.

You will lots of good people here, and I am sure others will talk to you about it as well. Welcome again.

 

[Hashi]

asunlesssea, are you asking because you feel at risk? Is your situation safe?

 

[Jen93]

Well, when I had my second traumatic event, I didn't know that I had been re traumatized. But the symptoms of the shock were there. I experienced something which could have lead to another re-traumatization, but my therapist and psychiatrist quickly swooped in and prevented that, but I did get flare up again.

So, when you're re-traumatized, I think you either ignore it if it is repressed (and then you have another trauma to go along with whatever you've experienced previously), or you get a flare up of symptoms from your original event if you have remembered it. (flashbacks and nightmares of your first event)

Again, I'd like to echo what Hashi said, if you're at risk, call someone. The police, your psychiatrist, your therapist, people you trust. I suggest going to your therapist and your psychiatrist anyway, they can help with the risk of re-traumatization.

 

[Britt.f7]

Depends on where you are with your first trauma, I would think.

Please try to stay safe. One trauma is enough.