Conceptualising PTSD - Trauma Response To Anger

[anthony]

Definitions

• Amygdala – The brain’s emotional computer and alarm system
• Hippocampus – Brain’s storage for our most recent conscious memories
• Thalamus – Translates sights, sounds, smells into the language of the brain

From my rough and quick image above, our information comes into the thalamus and is sent by quick and dirty transit to the amygdala, whilst simultaneously being sent to the hippocampus by highway (fast), and from the hippocampus to the amygdala by back roads (slow). From testing performed on animals, it is speculated that the path from thalamus to amygdala is shorter than that of the thalamus to hippocampus and hippocampus to amygdala.

So what does that mean? Basically, when we receive information into our brain, the amygdala is not what we want to process the information solely, as the amygdala is the fast and furious portion of our brain, possibly containing some of the most severe trauma images held by a sufferer of PTSD. If the image was intense enough it would burn directly into the amygdala, instead of being processed and stored correctly in the hippocampus initially.

What we actually want, is the information processed and response from the thalamus to hippocampus, and then back to the amygdala and output. This process gives us the complete scope of information and senses we have just been given, thus fully interpreted.

This is a more detailed analysis I guess, to simply say: with PTSD, give yourself 5 seconds before you respond, as often your immediate response is going to come from the emotional computer and alarm system – which isn’t going to be an accurate response to what you fully feel, because those parts of your response are still coming down the back road from the hippocampus.

 

[seaworthy]

Hmm. OK. I'll have to review, ponder and digest some of this. seaworthy

 

[Jade-]

" give yourself 5 seconds before you respond, as often your immediate response is going to come from the emotional computer and alarm system - which isn't going to be an accurate response to what you fully feel"

But how does a person learn to wait 5 seconds before responding?

Also, what does "what you fully feel" mean? Are you saying the immediate response isn't what we truly feel? Or that it's not what we completely feel?

 

[Aurick]

I think waiting 5 seconds allows you to actually respond instead of just reacting. It's certainly something I'm going to try. Personally I'm going to tell my wife that I'm planning on waiting five seconds before responding to her. The problem I see is that she will go on & on for 20 minutes and end up someplace totally different from where she started if not interrupted. It's a double edged sword though because she hates being interrupted.

 

[Bec]

It's all very well saying wait 5 seconds to respond - I'm afraid my brain would just use this as 'rev up' time :( I still can't control it - It's like being hit by a maelstrom! Not saying the technique is rubbish, just I can't do it at this point..

 

[cjf2010]

I have been trying this response on my own. I decided I needed to stop a few seconds after I noticed one of my triggers have been set off. Then when I realize what set it off and why I am upset about it(past experience or something to be upset about right now) I respond in the way that I feel is best. I also try to figure out whether my reaction is rational or irrational due to my fear and trust issues. When I do respond I try to remember that I have to try my best to be assertive with my response and not go to the other 2 extremes -- being passive or aggresive about how I am feeling at the time.

 

[Vonee]

How do I join as a member to enjoy better benefits? I cannot find a link.

 

[cjf2010]

Not sure I just started this forum as well and haven't figured it all out yet. I do find alot of the information I've been reading very informative and a bit more helpful to me than therapy would be at this point. I think the therapy sessions have done all they can for me at this point in time.

 

[cjf2010]

I just found them. Go under your user name at the top of the screen and click on account upgrades.

 

[Slim]

You now I do the best I can. I am lucky to be alive, and have a nice life.

 

[Slim]

It's all very well saying wait 5 seconds to respond - I'm afraid my brain would just use this as 'rev up' time :( I still can't control it - It's like being hit by a maelstrom! Not saying the technique is rubbish, just I can't do it at this point..

I happens to me it I am stressed.

I have been trying this response on my own. I decided I needed to stop a few seconds after I noticed one of my triggers have been set off. Then when I realize what set it off and why I am upset about it(past experience or something to be upset about right now) I respond in the way that I feel is best. I also try to figure out whether my reaction is rational or irrational due to my fear and trust issues. When I do respond I try to remember that I have to try my best to be assertive with my response and not go to the other 2 extremes -- being passive or aggresive about how I am feeling at the time.

What works for me I have a wauted blanket like 25bls it helps with anxity

It's all very well saying wait 5 seconds to respond - I'm afraid my brain would just use this as 'rev up' time :( I still can't control it - It's like being hit by a maelstrom! Not saying the technique is rubbish, just I can't do it at this point..

Are saying your talking to fast?

<Posts merged and edited for basic grammar.>

 

[Bec]

are saying your talking to fast?

Hey (((Slim))),

No, I'm saying my brain goes faster and faster when I am stressed... The thoughts come at such a rate I feel I can't even interject with rational ideas. Such as stop for 5 seconds, for example!