Can’t feel properly

[Ellciott]

It's wonderful to hear that you're utilizing a period tracking app to monitor various symptoms and have started tracking your own symptoms to identify long-term patterns. Self-awareness and monitoring can provide valuable insights into the relationship between hormonal fluctuations and trauma symptoms, empowering you to implement proactive coping strategies.

Your approach of integrating mindfulness meditation practices into managing symptom fluctuations during your menstrual cycle is commendable. Mindfulness techniques can offer a supportive framework for observing thoughts and emotions without judgment, enhancing emotional regulation and self-awareness.

Balancing the recognition of hormonal influences on your symptoms while honoring the validity of your experiences is crucial. Integrating mindfulness principles, such as non-judgmental awareness and acceptance of moment-to-moment experiences, can help you navigate challenging emotions and sensations with compassionate observation.

By detaching and observing your internal experiences without reactive responses, you are cultivating a space for self-reflection and emotional processing. Allowing emotions to arise without immediate action or suppression acknowledges their presence while fostering a sense of acceptance and resilience.

Incorporating self-compassion practices alongside mindfulness can further support you in navigating symptom fluctuations with gentleness and understanding. Self-compassion emphasizes treating yourself with kindness, recognizing common humanity in struggles, and embracing mindfulness to cultivate emotional well-being.

As you continue to explore long-term symptom patterns, mindfulness practices, and self-observation techniques, consider incorporating self-compassion exercises to enhance your holistic coping approach. Connecting with supportive resources, such as trauma-informed therapists or self-help books on mindfulness and self-compassion, may provide additional strategies for navigating trauma symptoms during hormonal fluctuations.

How do you feel mindfulness and detachment techniques have influenced your ability to manage trauma symptoms during challenging times in your menstrual cycle? In what ways can integrating self-compassion practices enhance your emotional resilience and self-care strategies in response to symptom fluctuations?

Why does being triggered make things so painfully confusing?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Why does being triggered make things so painfully confusing?

Being triggered can indeed evoke a complex and overwhelming response that can lead to feelings of pain, confusion, and distress. When triggered, our brain and body react as if the traumatic event is happening in the present moment, bypassing rational thought processes and activating the body's fight-or-flight response.

The experience of feeling triggered is often characterized by a heightened sense of emotional and physiological arousal, as past trauma memories or sensations are reactivated in response to a current trigger. This can result in a surge of intense emotions, physical sensations, and cognitive distortions that may feel disorienting or overwhelming.

The impact of being triggered on cognitive functioning can manifest in various ways, contributing to feelings of confusion and distress:

1. **Cognitive Interference**:
- When triggered, the brain's executive functioning, responsible for reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making, may be compromised. This can lead to difficulties in processing information, maintaining focus, and making sense of the current situation.

2. **Memory Fragmentation**:
- Trauma memories are often fragmented and stored in a non-linear fashion, making them prone to being triggered by sensory cues or reminders. This can result in disjointed recollections, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts that contribute to confusion and emotional turmoil.

3. **Cognitive Dissonance**:
- Being triggered may evoke conflicting thoughts, beliefs, or emotions related to the traumatic experience. This internal conflict can lead to a sense of cognitive dissonance, where contradictory information or experiences create psychological tension and inner confusion.

4. **Emotional Overload**:
- The emotional intensity of being triggered can overwhelm cognitive processes, making it challenging to regulate emotions, make logical interpretations, or engage in problem-solving. This emotional overload can exacerbate feelings of confusion and distress.

Navigating the painful confusion triggered by trauma responses requires gentle self-compassion, grounding techniques, and emotional regulation strategies to regain a sense of safety and clarity. By fostering self-awareness, practicing mindfulness, and seeking support from trusted individuals or professionals, you can gradually unravel the complexities associated with being triggered and cultivate resilience in coping with trauma-related distress.

How do you typically experience confusion when triggered? Are there specific grounding techniques or coping strategies that have assisted you in managing the emotional intensity and cognitive disorientation triggered by past trauma responses?

 

[Ellciott]

Being triggered can indeed evoke a complex and overwhelming response that can lead to feelings of pain, confusion, and distress. When triggered, our brain and body react as if the traumatic event is happening in the present moment, bypassing rational thought processes and activating the body's fight-or-flight response.

The experience of feeling triggered is often characterized by a heightened sense of emotional and physiological arousal, as past trauma memories or sensations are reactivated in response to a current trigger. This can result in a surge of intense emotions, physical sensations, and cognitive distortions that may feel disorienting or overwhelming.

The impact of being triggered on cognitive functioning can manifest in various ways, contributing to feelings of confusion and distress:

1. **Cognitive Interference**:
- When triggered, the brain's executive functioning, responsible for reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making, may be compromised. This can lead to difficulties in processing information, maintaining focus, and making sense of the current situation.

2. **Memory Fragmentation**:
- Trauma memories are often fragmented and stored in a non-linear fashion, making them prone to being triggered by sensory cues or reminders. This can result in disjointed recollections, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts that contribute to confusion and emotional turmoil.

3. **Cognitive Dissonance**:
- Being triggered may evoke conflicting thoughts, beliefs, or emotions related to the traumatic experience. This internal conflict can lead to a sense of cognitive dissonance, where contradictory information or experiences create psychological tension and inner confusion.

4. **Emotional Overload**:
- The emotional intensity of being triggered can overwhelm cognitive processes, making it challenging to regulate emotions, make logical interpretations, or engage in problem-solving. This emotional overload can exacerbate feelings of confusion and distress.

Navigating the painful confusion triggered by trauma responses requires gentle self-compassion, grounding techniques, and emotional regulation strategies to regain a sense of safety and clarity. By fostering self-awareness, practicing mindfulness, and seeking support from trusted individuals or professionals, you can gradually unravel the complexities associated with being triggered and cultivate resilience in coping with trauma-related distress.

How do you typically experience confusion when triggered? Are there specific grounding techniques or coping strategies that have assisted you in managing the emotional intensity and cognitive disorientation triggered by past trauma responses?

Usually, well… it depends on the trigger and the situation, but in the situation that caused me to ask I just feel myself go into an “emergency mode” where I feel panicked and like I need to escape because people aren’t trustworthy, don’t like me, and don’t care about me. My body is in cold sweats or hot flashes in cold temperatures, I shut down, sometimes I can’t speak, and just feel like everything is not safe

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Usually, well… it depends on the trigger and the situation, but in the situation that caused me to ask I just feel myself go into an “emergency mode” where I feel panicked and like I need to escape because people aren’t trustworthy, don’t like me, and don’t care about me. My body is in cold sweats or hot flashes in cold temperatures, I shut down, sometimes I can’t speak, and just feel like everything is not safe

It sounds like the triggered response you experience creates a profound sense of emotional distress and physiological arousal, leading to a state of heightened vigilance and alarm. When trauma-related triggers evoke feelings of mistrust, perceived rejection, and a sense of unsafety, it can trigger survival instincts that manifest in various distressing symptoms.

The "emergency mode" you described is a common response to trauma triggers, where the brain perceives a threat based on past traumatic experiences, leading to a cascade of physiological and emotional reactions. This can involve a complex interplay of fight, flight, or freeze responses as the body bracing for perceived danger.

The symptoms you experience, such as panic, feelings of isolation, physical sensations like cold sweats or hot flashes, and a sense of unsafety, are indicative of a trauma response activating your nervous system's stress response. These reactions aim to protect you from perceived threats but can also contribute to overwhelming distress and a feeling of disconnection from the present moment.

When faced with such intense triggered responses, it is vital to prioritize safety and self-care to help regulate your emotions and restore a sense of internal equilibrium. Here are some strategies that may assist in managing your triggered response:

1. **Grounding Techniques**:
- Engage in grounding exercises, such as deep breathing, sensory grounding (focusing on objects around you), or progressive muscle relaxation, to anchor yourself in the present moment and regulate overwhelming emotions.

2. **Self-Compassion**:
- Practice self-compassion by acknowledging your distressing feelings and responding with kindness and understanding. Validate your emotions and reassure yourself that you are safe in the present moment.

3. **Safety Anchors**:
- Identify safety anchors or calming tools that provide comfort and reassurance during triggering moments. This could be a comforting object, a soothing mantra, or a trusted support person you can reach out to for guidance.

4. **Seeking Professional Support**:
- Consider reaching out to a mental health professional, such as a therapist specializing in trauma therapy, to explore coping strategies, process trauma triggers, and work towards healing from past traumas.

5. **Developing a Safety Plan**:
- Create a personalized safety plan that outlines coping strategies, support resources, and self-care practices to implement during triggered moments, enhancing your ability to navigate distressing experiences effectively.

Navigating triggered responses that evoke feelings of panic, unsafety, and mistrust requires patience, self-compassion, and a gradual approach to emotional regulation and trauma healing. How do you feel about incorporating grounding techniques, self-compassion practices, and safety anchors to help manage overwhelming triggered responses and foster a sense of safety and emotional well-being during challenging moments?

 

[Ellciott]

It sounds like the triggered response you experience creates a profound sense of emotional distress and physiological arousal, leading to a state of heightened vigilance and alarm. When trauma-related triggers evoke feelings of mistrust, perceived rejection, and a sense of unsafety, it can trigger survival instincts that manifest in various distressing symptoms.

The "emergency mode" you described is a common response to trauma triggers, where the brain perceives a threat based on past traumatic experiences, leading to a cascade of physiological and emotional reactions. This can involve a complex interplay of fight, flight, or freeze responses as the body bracing for perceived danger.

The symptoms you experience, such as panic, feelings of isolation, physical sensations like cold sweats or hot flashes, and a sense of unsafety, are indicative of a trauma response activating your nervous system's stress response. These reactions aim to protect you from perceived threats but can also contribute to overwhelming distress and a feeling of disconnection from the present moment.

When faced with such intense triggered responses, it is vital to prioritize safety and self-care to help regulate your emotions and restore a sense of internal equilibrium. Here are some strategies that may assist in managing your triggered response:

1. **Grounding Techniques**:
- Engage in grounding exercises, such as deep breathing, sensory grounding (focusing on objects around you), or progressive muscle relaxation, to anchor yourself in the present moment and regulate overwhelming emotions.

2. **Self-Compassion**:
- Practice self-compassion by acknowledging your distressing feelings and responding with kindness and understanding. Validate your emotions and reassure yourself that you are safe in the present moment.

3. **Safety Anchors**:
- Identify safety anchors or calming tools that provide comfort and reassurance during triggering moments. This could be a comforting object, a soothing mantra, or a trusted support person you can reach out to for guidance.

4. **Seeking Professional Support**:
- Consider reaching out to a mental health professional, such as a therapist specializing in trauma therapy, to explore coping strategies, process trauma triggers, and work towards healing from past traumas.

5. **Developing a Safety Plan**:
- Create a personalized safety plan that outlines coping strategies, support resources, and self-care practices to implement during triggered moments, enhancing your ability to navigate distressing experiences effectively.

Navigating triggered responses that evoke feelings of panic, unsafety, and mistrust requires patience, self-compassion, and a gradual approach to emotional regulation and trauma healing. How do you feel about incorporating grounding techniques, self-compassion practices, and safety anchors to help manage overwhelming triggered responses and foster a sense of safety and emotional well-being during challenging moments?

a confusing part is that it really feels like the only thing that is sensible to do is to find a way to permanently escape this situation which has been going on for a couple months now, some elements have been going on for years. To practice any of the things you mentioned feels dangerous

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

a confusing part is that it really feels like the only thing that is sensible to do is to find a way to permanently escape this situation which has been going on for a couple months now, some elements have been going on for years. To practice any of the things you mentioned feels dangerous

It's understandable that during times of intense distress and triggered responses, the idea of practicing grounding techniques, self-compassion, or seeking support can feel daunting or even unsafe. Trauma responses can create a strong urge to escape or avoid perceived threats, leading to a sense of vulnerability and hesitation in engaging with coping strategies that may challenge your current emotional state.

Feeling like the only sensible option is to find a way to permanently escape the situation reflects a common response to overwhelming trauma triggers, where the brain's survival instincts prioritize immediate safety and avoidance of potential harm. This survival mode may overshadow the capacity to engage in self-care practices or reach out for support, as the focus shifts towards minimizing perceived threats and restoring a sense of control.

It's essential to acknowledge the validity of your feelings and the challenges you are facing in navigating ongoing distressing situations that have persisted for months or even years. When trauma responses evoke a sense of danger or unsafety in practicing coping strategies, it's crucial to approach self-care and support at a pace that feels manageable and empowering for you.

Exploring gradual steps towards implementing self-compassion, grounding techniques, or reaching out to trusted individuals for support can foster a sense of agency and empowerment in managing triggered responses. By honoring your emotional boundaries and engaging in self-care practices that feel safe and validating, you can gradually build resilience in coping with trauma-related distress.

Recognizing that prioritizing your well-being and exploring self-nurturing practices is an act of self-compassion and resilience can shift the perspective on engaging with coping strategies during challenging moments. It's okay to take small steps towards self-care and support, honoring your emotional needs and boundaries as you navigate ongoing distressing experiences.

How do you feel about exploring gentle and gradual approaches to self-care and reaching out for support, keeping in mind your emotional comfort and safety? In what ways can you create a nurturing and validating space for yourself to engage with coping strategies that feel empowering and supportive in managing triggered responses?

 

[Ellciott]

It's understandable that during times of intense distress and triggered responses, the idea of practicing grounding techniques, self-compassion, or seeking support can feel daunting or even unsafe. Trauma responses can create a strong urge to escape or avoid perceived threats, leading to a sense of vulnerability and hesitation in engaging with coping strategies that may challenge your current emotional state.

Feeling like the only sensible option is to find a way to permanently escape the situation reflects a common response to overwhelming trauma triggers, where the brain's survival instincts prioritize immediate safety and avoidance of potential harm. This survival mode may overshadow the capacity to engage in self-care practices or reach out for support, as the focus shifts towards minimizing perceived threats and restoring a sense of control.

It's essential to acknowledge the validity of your feelings and the challenges you are facing in navigating ongoing distressing situations that have persisted for months or even years. When trauma responses evoke a sense of danger or unsafety in practicing coping strategies, it's crucial to approach self-care and support at a pace that feels manageable and empowering for you.

Exploring gradual steps towards implementing self-compassion, grounding techniques, or reaching out to trusted individuals for support can foster a sense of agency and empowerment in managing triggered responses. By honoring your emotional boundaries and engaging in self-care practices that feel safe and validating, you can gradually build resilience in coping with trauma-related distress.

Recognizing that prioritizing your well-being and exploring self-nurturing practices is an act of self-compassion and resilience can shift the perspective on engaging with coping strategies during challenging moments. It's okay to take small steps towards self-care and support, honoring your emotional needs and boundaries as you navigate ongoing distressing experiences.

How do you feel about exploring gentle and gradual approaches to self-care and reaching out for support, keeping in mind your emotional comfort and safety? In what ways can you create a nurturing and validating space for yourself to engage with coping strategies that feel empowering and supportive in managing triggered responses?

Please never use the word gentle I find it disgusting

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Please never use the word gentle I find it disgusting

I hear you. Let's approach this from a different angle. When considering coping strategies and seeking support during intense distress and triggered responses, what specific approaches or actions resonate with you as potentially beneficial or empowering in managing challenging emotions and navigating ongoing distressing situations?

 

[Ellciott]

I hear you. Let's approach this from a different angle. When considering coping strategies and seeking support during intense distress and triggered responses, what specific approaches or actions resonate with you as potentially beneficial or empowering in managing challenging emotions and navigating ongoing distressing situations?

What are examples of vs heightened vs severe levels of hypervigilance and what symptoms might someone experience at each level?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

What are examples of vs heightened vs severe levels of hypervigilance and what symptoms might someone experience at each level?

Hypervigilance can manifest in varying degrees of intensity, from heightened to severe levels, impacting an individual's perception of threat and sensory sensitivity. Understanding the differences between these levels of hypervigilance can provide insight into the diverse symptoms and experiences associated with each state:

1. **Heightened Hypervigilance**:
- **Symptoms**:
- Increased awareness of surroundings.
- Heightened sensitivity to potential threats.
- Rapid scanning of the environment for perceived danger.
- Difficulty relaxing or feeling at ease.
- Elevated arousal levels, such as increased heart rate or elevated alertness.
- Mild to moderate anxiety or worry.
- Interference with concentration and focus due to constant surveillance for danger.
- **Experiences**:
- Feeling on edge but able to manage daily activities.
- Intermittent episodes of increased vigilance in response to triggers.
- Moderate impact on social interactions and functioning.
- Ability to regulate arousal levels through self-soothing techniques.

2. **Severe Hypervigilance**:
- **Symptoms**:
- Heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, leading to sensory overload.
- Persistent state of vigilance or hyperarousal.
- Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks intensifying hypervigilant responses.
- Extreme difficulty in feeling safe or relaxed, even in non-threatening environments.
- Severe anxiety or panic attacks triggered by perceived threats.
- Impaired sleep patterns due to constant state of alertness.
- Impaired cognitive functioning, such as memory deficits or difficulties focusing.
- **Experiences**:
- Overwhelming sense of imminent danger or threat.
- Chronic state of hypervigilance impacting daily functioning and quality of life.
- Avoidance behaviors to minimize exposure to triggers.
- High levels of distress and emotional dysregulation.
- Limited ability to self-soothe or regulate intense arousal states without external support or intervention.

The distinction between heightened and severe hypervigilance lies in the intensity and persistence of symptoms, as well as the degree of functional impairment experienced by the individual. While heightened hypervigilance may involve manageable levels of vigilance and arousal, severe hypervigilance can significantly impact daily functioning, emotional well-being, and the ability to engage in adaptive coping strategies.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms associated with different levels of hypervigilance can inform targeted interventions and coping strategies to address the specific needs of individuals experiencing varying degrees of heightened awareness and sensory sensitivity. How do you navigate between moments of heightened vigilance and more severe hypervigilant states? What strategies have you found helpful in managing the symptoms and experiences associated with different levels of hypervigilance in your daily life?

 

[Ellciott]

Hypervigilance can manifest in varying degrees of intensity, from heightened to severe levels, impacting an individual's perception of threat and sensory sensitivity. Understanding the differences between these levels of hypervigilance can provide insight into the diverse symptoms and experiences associated with each state:

1. **Heightened Hypervigilance**:
- **Symptoms**:
- Increased awareness of surroundings.
- Heightened sensitivity to potential threats.
- Rapid scanning of the environment for perceived danger.
- Difficulty relaxing or feeling at ease.
- Elevated arousal levels, such as increased heart rate or elevated alertness.
- Mild to moderate anxiety or worry.
- Interference with concentration and focus due to constant surveillance for danger.
- **Experiences**:
- Feeling on edge but able to manage daily activities.
- Intermittent episodes of increased vigilance in response to triggers.
- Moderate impact on social interactions and functioning.
- Ability to regulate arousal levels through self-soothing techniques.

2. **Severe Hypervigilance**:
- **Symptoms**:
- Heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, leading to sensory overload.
- Persistent state of vigilance or hyperarousal.
- Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks intensifying hypervigilant responses.
- Extreme difficulty in feeling safe or relaxed, even in non-threatening environments.
- Severe anxiety or panic attacks triggered by perceived threats.
- Impaired sleep patterns due to constant state of alertness.
- Impaired cognitive functioning, such as memory deficits or difficulties focusing.
- **Experiences**:
- Overwhelming sense of imminent danger or threat.
- Chronic state of hypervigilance impacting daily functioning and quality of life.
- Avoidance behaviors to minimize exposure to triggers.
- High levels of distress and emotional dysregulation.
- Limited ability to self-soothe or regulate intense arousal states without external support or intervention.

The distinction between heightened and severe hypervigilance lies in the intensity and persistence of symptoms, as well as the degree of functional impairment experienced by the individual. While heightened hypervigilance may involve manageable levels of vigilance and arousal, severe hypervigilance can significantly impact daily functioning, emotional well-being, and the ability to engage in adaptive coping strategies.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms associated with different levels of hypervigilance can inform targeted interventions and coping strategies to address the specific needs of individuals experiencing varying degrees of heightened awareness and sensory sensitivity. How do you navigate between moments of heightened vigilance and more severe hypervigilant states? What strategies have you found helpful in managing the symptoms and experiences associated with different levels of hypervigilance in your daily life?

What would you say is the difference between the way some with and without ptsd experiences hypervigilance? What about c-PTSD?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

What would you say is the difference between the way some with and without ptsd experiences hypervigilance? What about c-PTSD?

The experience of hypervigilance can vary between individuals with PTSD, Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), and those without a trauma-related diagnosis. Understanding the differences in how hypervigilance is manifested in each group can provide insight into the unique challenges and symptoms associated with trauma-related conditions:

1. **PTSD and Hypervigilance**:
- **Individuals with PTSD**:
- Hypervigilance in PTSD is often characterized by a heightened state of alertness and sensitivity to perceived threats, stemming from traumatic experiences.
- Triggers related to the traumatic event can provoke intense hypervigilant responses, leading to a sense of imminent danger and a need for constant vigilance.
- Hypervigilance in PTSD may be linked to specific cues or reminders of the trauma, triggering a fight-flight-freeze response that interferes with daily functioning and emotional well-being.
- Individuals with PTSD may exhibit hypervigilance as a coping mechanism to anticipate and prepare for potential threats, even in non-dangerous situations.

2. **Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) and Hypervigilance**:
- **Individuals with C-PTSD**:
- Hypervigilance in C-PTSD is often more pervasive and enduring, stemming from repeated or prolonged exposure to traumatic events and interpersonal trauma.
- C-PTSD may involve hypervigilance towards relational threats, such as fear of abandonment, betrayal, or rejection, leading to difficulties in forming and maintaining trusting relationships.
- Hypervigilance in C-PTSD can be triggered by a range of interpersonal cues or environmental stressors, impacting emotional regulation and self-perception.
- Individuals with C-PTSD may exhibit hypervigilance as a response to ongoing relational trauma, leading to difficulties in feeling safe, connected, and secure in relationships.

3. **Hypervigilance in Individuals without PTSD**:
- **Individuals without PTSD**:
- Hypervigilance in individuals without PTSD may occur in response to acute stressors, environmental threats, or heightened anxiety levels, without a history of trauma.
- Non-trauma-related hypervigilance may involve increased alertness and vigilance in response to perceived dangers, such as navigating unfamiliar environments or stressful situations.
- Hypervigilance in non-trauma contexts may be adaptive in promoting safety and self-protection, without the pervasive triggers and flashbacks associated with trauma-related hypervigilance.

The differences in how individuals with PTSD, C-PTSD, and those without trauma experiences hypervigilance lie in the underlying trauma history, triggers, and patterns of response to perceived threats. While hypervigilance is a common symptom across trauma-related conditions, the specific nuances and triggers associated with PTSD and C-PTSD can influence the intensity and persistence of hypervigilant responses.

How do you perceive the influence of trauma history and triggers on your experience of hypervigilance? What similarities or differences do you notice in how hypervigilance manifests in your daily life, considering the unique challenges associated with trauma-related conditions like PTSD and C-PTSD?