Is living day to day a ptsd thing?

[Warrior Chicken]

Sometimes I can’t plan beyond a day. My job requires me to look ahead several days and when I’m not doing that, I have started to notice.

Is there a connection between ptsd and not looking beyond a day?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Sometimes I can’t plan beyond a day. My job requires me to look ahead several days and when I’m not doing that, I have started to notice.

Is there a connection between ptsd and not looking beyond a day?

@Warrior Chicken, thank you for reaching out. It's understandable that PTSD can affect your ability to plan and look ahead. The hyperarousal, intrusive thoughts, and anxiety associated with PTSD can make it difficult to focus on the future. Additionally, constantly reliving traumatic experiences can make it challenging to feel optimistic or motivated about the days to come. PTSD symptoms can also disrupt your attention, memory, and concentration, making it harder to think and plan in a forward-looking way.

It's important to remember that everyone's experience with PTSD is unique, and not everyone will have the same challenges with planning ahead. Have you noticed any specific triggers or situations that make it more difficult for you to think about the future? Understanding these triggers can help you develop strategies to cope and make planning more manageable.

 

[Warrior Chicken]

I know many of my triggers well, I’ve battled intrusive thoughts plenty, worked on both regularly. Found greater clarity in managing them, this seems different though. As though I forget to look at what’s coming up. This is a problem because my work relies on planning ahead or things get missed which could result in disastrous outcomes. I’m catching it, so that’s good. But I haven’t fixed it.
I don’t know if it’s cuz of ptsd, or if I’m just slacking off. Getting complacent.
Complacency equals poor outcomes or death in my world.

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

I know many of my triggers well, I’ve battled intrusive thoughts plenty, worked on both regularly. Found greater clarity in managing them, this seems different though. As though I forget to look at what’s coming up. This is a problem because my work relies on planning ahead or things get missed which could result in disastrous outcomes. I’m catching it, so that’s good. But I haven’t fixed it.
I don’t know if it’s cuz of ptsd, or if I’m just slacking off. Getting complacent.
Complacency equals poor outcomes or death in my world.

@Warrior Chicken, it's commendable that you're actively working on managing your triggers and intrusive thoughts. It's important to give yourself credit for the progress you've made in those areas.

When it comes to difficulty planning ahead, it's essential to consider both the potential impact of PTSD and any other factors that might be contributing to this challenge. Sometimes, other factors such as stress, anxiety, or burnout can also affect our ability to look beyond the present.

To gain a clearer understanding, let's explore a couple of questions together. How long have you been experiencing this difficulty with planning ahead? Did it start around the same time as your PTSD symptoms, or is it a recent development? Additionally, are there any other symptoms or changes in your life that coincide with this issue?

By understanding the timeline and potential additional factors, we can better determine whether it's related to your PTSD or if there may be other underlying causes.

 

[Warrior Chicken]

How long have you been experiencing this difficulty with planning ahead?

That’s a great question. I believe it has been part of my life for a long time but I am currently more aware of it than I have been in the past. I also am aware that I feel more disconnected from other people and not as comfortable engaging with people.

Did it start around the same time as your PTSD symptoms, or is it a recent development?

I’m not sure….i can’t tell the difference and don’t recall how it was when first diagnosed 7 years ago. This feels different for some reason.

are there any other symptoms or changes in your life that coincide with this issue?

I feel disconnected, numb, flat.
The day we honour veterans is coming up in a few days, my service in the military is on my mind.
There’s also a news story lately that has been on my mind of a child sex offender who remains at large because of a failure of the courts.

Another symptom I suppose is that it’s as though I could forget entirely about my personal life and just compartmentalize myself in my work.

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

That’s a great question. I believe it has been part of my life for a long time but I am currently more aware of it than I have been in the past. I also am aware that I feel more disconnected from other people and not as comfortable engaging with people.

Thank you for sharing that, @Warrior Chicken. It's valuable to recognize the changes in your awareness and your current feelings of disconnection and discomfort with engaging with others. These experiences can certainly be related to PTSD.

Feeling disconnected and having difficulty engaging with others are common symptoms of PTSD. Isolation and withdrawal can be coping mechanisms that develop as a result of traumatic experiences. The hypervigilance and fear associated with PTSD can make it challenging to trust others and maintain healthy social connections.

Given that you mentioned feeling disconnected and having difficulty planning ahead, it could be helpful to consider the possibility of underlying avoidance symptoms associated with PTSD. Avoidance is one of the core symptoms of PTSD and can manifest in various ways, including avoiding future-oriented thoughts and planning to protect ourselves from potential triggers or distressing emotions.

Additionally, the chronic activation of the fight-or-flight response associated with PTSD can result in difficulties with sustained attention and concentration. This may contribute to challenges in planning, especially when your job requires looking ahead.

Considering these factors, it might be beneficial to explore how your symptoms of disconnection and avoidance could be influencing your ability to plan ahead. Have you noticed any specific situations or triggers that make it particularly challenging to engage with others or plan for the future?

I’m not sure….i can’t tell the difference and don’t recall how it was when first diagnosed 7 years ago. This feels different for some reason.

I understand it can be challenging to distinguish between the effects of PTSD and other factors that may be contributing to your current difficulties with planning and feeling disconnected. Sometimes, it can be helpful to reflect on any significant life events or changes that have occurred recently that could be affecting your symptoms.

In the meantime, let's focus on finding strategies to address this issue. Breaking down tasks and setting smaller, achievable goals might be helpful for you to regain a sense of control and make planning more manageable. Have you tried using any organizational tools or techniques, such as calendars, planners, or to-do lists? Additionally, setting reminders or alarms on your phone or other devices can serve as helpful prompts for future tasks and responsibilities.

It may also be beneficial to consider seeking support from a mental health professional who specializes in trauma. They can provide you with a comprehensive assessment, help you explore the root causes of your symptoms, and collaboratively develop an individualized treatment plan to address your specific needs.

Remember to practice self-care and take breaks as needed. Taking care of your well-being is crucial when navigating the challenges of PTSD. If there's anything else you'd like to discuss or if you need further support, please don't hesitate to reach out.

I feel disconnected, numb, flat.
The day we honour veterans is coming up in a few days, my service in the military is on my mind.
There’s also a news story lately that has been on my mind of a child sex offender who remains at large because of a failure of the courts.

Another symptom I suppose is that it’s as though I could forget entirely about my personal life and just compartmentalize myself in my work.

Thank you for sharing those additional symptoms and experiences, @Warrior Chicken. Feeling disconnected, numb, and flat are common symptoms associated with PTSD. It's understandable that with Veterans Day approaching, your military service is on your mind. Significant dates and events related to traumatic experiences can often trigger or intensify symptoms of PTSD.

It's also unfortunate to hear that the news story about the child sex offender has been affecting you. Media coverage of such cases can have a significant impact on individuals, especially those with a history of trauma. It's important to be mindful of the content you consume and prioritize your emotional well-being.

Compartmentalization, or the ability to separate different parts of one's life, is sometimes used as a coping mechanism for managing overwhelming emotions. While it can be helpful in certain situations, relying heavily on compartmentalization can hinder overall emotional processing and the ability to fully engage with personal life outside of work.

Given the various symptoms and experiences you've described, it may be helpful to explore these issues further with a mental health professional. They can provide support, guidance, and help you develop strategies to address these challenges effectively.

In the meantime, it can be beneficial to incorporate self-care strategies into your daily routine. Engaging in activities that bring you joy and help you relax can help counteract the symptoms of disconnection and numbness. Mindfulness exercises, exercise, spending time in nature, creative outlets, and connecting with supportive individuals in your life can all contribute to your well-being.

Remember, you don't have to go through this alone. Reach out for support if you need it, and take breaks when necessary. If there's anything else you'd like to discuss or if you have further questions, please feel free to share.