Constantly On Edge

[GWhizz]

I know that a symptom of ptsd is a heightened startle response. But I feel constantly stressed and tense. If I'm having a conversation that becomes mildly debating, I get really restless and anxious. I just can't handle any conflict at all.

Then if I'm watching a program or movie and it gets a all violent or upsetting, I feel panic mounting in me. After watching an episode of 'Gotham' with my partner last night, I was so wound up. And then later on he brought up some important issues - things that come up in life and people have to deal with on an ongoing basis. And I just had a meltdown.

I feel like I can't deal with anything right now. If I become stressed out it takes hours to settle. That means less sleep too. I just feel so highly strung and I feel exhausted trying to relax as nothing lasts for very long.

I guess I'm just wondering if I'm the only one who gets so hypersensitive and easily stressed out by something as simple as a TV program.

 

[Bookoffee]

I am the same way. I understand

 

[cindymolly]

Me too.

 

[Beachlife09]

Oh yes, most definitely. i can only watch kid TV shows as of now because everything else is too triggering.
Take Bambi for example, it's a sweet (mostly) Disney kid's movie, but that part where Bambi's father is roughly telling him to get up.... i can't even handle that. Brings back memories. It's so frustrating :O_o:

 

[PTSDbegone]

To be honest that is probably a normal reaction for most of us who suffer from PTSD. I know it certainly is for me, and many others I have met on this journey. Through therapy I have been trying to find different ways to cope with these active symptoms. Certainly not easy! and quite frustrating at times and you often feel it's not going to get any easier. Just know you are not alone.

 

[PlainJane]

It seems to be common. I have to set limits on what I can and can't watch. I have recently had to be careful of movies that just exaughst me. Not just movies and shows that make me panic but ones that skip anxiety and instantly drain the life out of me. I don't know if that makes sense but that's the only way I can describe it.

I'll be really good about what I watch for a while and be thinking I'm doing pretty good. Then I decide to put in a movie that is likely to cause me damage, thinking "oh I can handle it, ive been doing well. It doesn't look that bad." Wrong! So after discovering my cycle I am resolved to be kind to myself and not add more anxiety to myself already placed there by life circumstances. I'll see how long that lasts ;) Hopefully longer than the last time, reinforcing a good habit.

 

[sun seeker]

I guess I'm just wondering if I'm the only one who gets so hypersensitive and easily stressed out by something as simple as a TV program.

Nope. Not the only one. I wish I had a solution for you.

 

[shrinkingviolet]

Comedies work best for me. I don't think there is anything wrong with avoiding shows that trigger. For me, I think why put myself through it if not necessary?

 

[garden]

@GWhizz I think this is totally common for us. I have recently drawn some boundaries about what I'm willing to watch and what I'll avoid like the plague. In doing this I felt a little bit selfish, but I realize that it really is important, otherwise I'm at the mercy of whatever comes my way, whether I'm bracing myself for a hit or not, and I can't keep living like that. It's okay to say NO, I am not watching these genres of movies, I'm sticking to comedy, or documentaries. It's okay to say I'm not watching the News. Maybe when you're less triggered by these things Gotham won't be as alarming to your system.

 

[PlainJane]

@Lewa I'm so glad you mentioned the news. That is so huge for me. I'm actually embaressed to admit that, but news is so draining. Family doesn't understand that, they're news junkies. I agree with you, its ok to say no and stick to the genres that work.

 

[garden]

@Jane1991 these things don't trigger others, but they are very real, very triggering things to people who have been through what we have been through, and we should honor that for ourselves. It blows my mind when I think about how many times I've endured things that messed me up for days because everyone else could handle it without being affected, who am I to remove myself from harm. I'm getting sick and tired of adapting myself to the world for the comfort of others, in fact, that's why I'm sick, because I'm not honoring myself. It's time to honor my own needs, and look after myself, and if others can't handle it, then they will naturally be pruned from my tree of LOVE.

 

[Hope4Now]

My system is so activated that pretty much everything stresses me out except lying quietly in bed under the covers...until I start thinking about things...even a glance a the newspaper, or a snatch of radio news can send me reeling. The phone ringing, financial stuff to be done. Even taking a shower now (our hot water heater has been broken for months). So, no, you are most definitely not alone!