Has It Happened To Anyone?

[PTSDisweird]

My PTSD started 10 years ago. I had those memories which caused me great deal of discomfort and max hyeprarousal, the reminders etc. Now, after years, the memories of the trauma dont seem to cause this initial hyperarousal they used to cause in the first years of PTSD. I dont know if I accepted the traumatic event, or if my brain numbed the feelings about it. I still have this constant hyperarousal though, meaning the anxiety symptoms and the higher heartbeat.

Has it happened to anyone else? The memories about the trauma dont seem that distressing, as they seemed in the beginning, but the hyperarousal and anxiety symptoms are still there.

 

[Kailani]

Yes! Have problems with jumping out of my skin on everyone but whatever to the memories. Also a lot forgotten. It's the hyperarousal that really bugs me! Wish I could offer you some advice but can't, only that I am with you and you aren't alone on this feeling.

 

[PTSDisweird]

Yes! Have problems with jumping out of my skin on everyone but whatever to the memories. Also a lot f...

Memories of the event(s) used to cause me tons of tons of hyperarousal. Even after 5 years. It's the last about 4 years that they don't cause me most of the times that much of distress. Before I had full blown panic attacks, and many times I vomitted too.

My memory also suffers, and that's why I guess it's not that I don't mind about the events anymore, as its the fact that my brain has numbed them as a coping mechanism.

And that's why therapists and psychiatrists say that PTSD isn't actualy cured anytime, it's the symptoms that you have to manage in order to be able to live.

Be good. :)

 

[WillyKat]

Yes. For me, this transition happened after I began therapy. I think the reason is (and maybe this applies to others) that the therapy has worked on the upper parts of the brain but the lower part and the nervous system have yet to catch up. Our lower brain and nervous system are still programmed to respond to similar stimuli to the original event.

I have that disconnect all the time, where I know what I want to get over, I can think about it, I can even try, but it seems my body doesn't obey the commands.

Good thread.

 

[PTSDisweird]

Yes. For me, this transition happened after I began therapy. I think the reason is (and maybe this app...

With better management of the memories of the trauma, will the hyperarousal soften in the future? What is your opinion?

 

[hodge]

I don't know. I started having PTSD symptoms about 14 years ago, was diagnosed 10 years ago, and I still get startled easily. With therapy, the flashbacks have really lessened. Your hyperarousal level is unique to you. Hopefully, with therapy, it will lessen in frequency and intensity.

You haven't mentioned nightmares, and I truly hope that isn't a problem for you, but if it is, ask your psych for a Rx of Prasozin. It's actually a blood pressure med, but it is a miracle worker on nightmares. You know you've had them, but when you wake up, they disappear from your memory. It's amazing. You just have to make sure to be careful in getting out of bed so you don't fall, especially if you don't have high blood pressure. I just sit on the side of my bed for a couple minutes and let my brain get oriented before I stand up. It is totally worth it. Good luck!

 

[PTSDisweird]

I don't know. I started having PTSD symptoms about 14 years ago, was diagnosed 10 years ago, and I still g...

Thanks for your answer hodge. You mean nightmares about the event, or nightmares in general?

 

[hodge]

Any and all nightmares, period. I have about three major themes of them, but then I've been through several different kinds of traumas. No matter what, though, that med works. After a few years it didn't work for me much anymore, so my psych switched me to clonidine, which does the same thing and is also a blood pressure med, and it's still working, knock wood :-). I think they usually start you out on Prazosin. Good luck!

 

[PTSDisweird]

Any and all nightmares, period. I have about three major themes of them, but then I've been through severa...

Yes, nightmares are pretty usual for me. Some of them are related to the trauma, some are not. Thanks for your answers and for advice on medication. Be good, friend. :)

 

[Snowflake]

Yes this makes sense but I am really not smart enough to know why. My thoughts are memories subside (but never go away) once you start working on the trauma-the symptoms could take longer, and there may be many many underlying reasons for them. Lol

Sorry-I just wanted to let you know I think it's normal-or at least I feel like you. :)

 

[StarChild]

@PTSDisweird are you or were you in (trauma)-therapy?

Also, it's not very useful, to create 2 threads about the same topic in a row. As it will get confusing for the people who answer as well as for you. And it causes an unnecessary doubling of content on the server. Just give people a bit time to think about your question(s). Since this is a global forum, it can take 24 hours for "all" members around the world to see / read your thread.

 

[PTSDisweird]

Yes this makes sense but I am really not smart enough to know why. My thoughts are memories subside (...

Agree with you snowflake. Also another thought and something i notice in myself, even if the brain numbs the feelings about the event after some years, the subconscious knows.

@PTSDisweird are you or were you in (trauma)-therapy?

Also, it's not very useful...

Yes you are right. I wish i could delete my other post though. Im new in this forum and i cant find a way. Please if you know one, share it with me.

I have been on trauma therapy in the past, but i doubt the quality of the therapist.

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