General Does One Time Of Day Trigger More Than Another?

[ashmarie]

I was just curious if anyone has noticed that either your own or your sufferer's PTSD was triggered more at one time of day than another. I am wondering because I think this may be the case with my sufferer. He and I have no contact during the day (unless it has to do with work). If I text or call him, most of the time, I will not get a response. But at night, almost every evening/night, he will text me and just chat for a while or we will hang out.

 

[anni]

Hi Ashmarie,

I just wanted to answer with what my own time-trigger tends to be. Everyone is unique, probably but it sounds as if you're asking if a certain time does make a difference.

In thinking about it I'd have to say that for me yes it does. Mornings are bad, especially when I first wake up. Maybe it's because I feel terribly defenseless then and haven't gathered my thoughts enough to institute the daily 'defenses' I use. PTSD really is one day at a time. If I can get through the morning hours without a trigger sliding under my radar then there's a good chance the rest of the day will go well. IF I'm successful at either avoiding my triggers or being aware of them I'm usually in great shape by the evening! :)

I have to add that boy, it's an exhausting way to live.

Hope this helps.

Take care,

Anni

 

[Pam]

Anni, my C is also that way in the morning, and for exactly the reasons you state. I am an early, early riser so I keep the dogs quiet and work on the computer while he continues to sleep. The night medication he takes, even though he takes it in the evening around 8 or 9, does not seem to wear off for him till much later in the morning. This man really needs his 10+ hours of sleep!

 

[ashmarie]

Anni and Pam, thank you for your replies. Yes Anni, you interpreted correctly, that is exactly what I was asking. That makes sense how you explain it that you haven't had time to put up your "defenses" I have to wonder if maybe my sufferer goes through something similar because he sleeps in and generally keeps to himself in the mornings, doing things around the house but not usually with others. By the afternoons he is up and out and ready to "take on the world," he has energy and laughs. And in the evenings/nights he mellows we hang out, sit and watch movies, have dinner and such. I will have to keep that all in mind. Thanks again :)

 

[CafeAulait]

I agree with Anni. My mornings need to start out smoothly or I'm off the rest of the day. I need to ease into my mornings.

 

[Manic11]

With me personally, I get anxious in the evenings and I also text friends just to chat. I need that company. During the day, I'm fine to be alone. I'm calm, relaxed (for the most part) and "normal". In the evening I find it most triggering. I think it's because my trauma happened mostly in the evening and before bed and because everyone goes to bed and I feel very alone and vulnerable.
I also agree that my morning needs to start off well though.

Hope this helps...
Manic

 

[dust]

Mornings are hard for me too - think it is also about not having defenses in place. I wish you all the best.


dust

 

[clare]

Some studies indicate unusually high levels of cortisol cause a spike in symptoms in children particularly between the hours of 3-9pm. This is the case with my son. I don't know if it plays a role in adult increases and I'm still researching what to do about it.

clare

 

[Clydiechick]

Hi

I am just trying to learn what triggers me, but can say that it can happen at any time. I can have a bad morning especially if I have had exhausting nightmares. I am similar in that if my morning doesn't go well, the rest of the day hasn't got a hope. I seem to build up to when the kids get home from school and really have to try hard to stay calm.

I find that just 'holding it together' and 'putting on a face for the public' in the mornings exhausts me and I have to rest in the afternoon. I am really good at putting on a 'brave face' for friends and family (sometimes). Other times I cannot go out, have visitors or even talk. I do find if I rest in the afternoon I am better prepared to face the rest of the day.

Clydie