PTSD recovery through controlled exposure

[PlainJane]

If you find the intrusive memories of the traumatic event replaying themselves again or if you experience flashbacks or nightmares, it may be helpful to identify it during your therapy sessions to determine coping strategies that work best for you. Some indicators that the negative impact is likely more significant and requires additional support can also manifest in self-harm, engaging in high-risk behaviors, attempts of suicide, excessive drug or alcohol use, or social isolation.

Can you explain this further, por favor?

 

[PlainJane]

It would be useful to talk with your healthcare team to help you create a crisis plan to manage symptoms of re-traumatization, and monitor symptoms that could be re-traumatizing. Be mindful, and if you feel triggered, do things that make you feel safe or reach out to a trusted friend, family member or a trained mental health professional who can support you.

Can you show me an example of a crisis plan?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Can you explain this further, por favor?

Absolutely! Intrusive memories, flashbacks, and nightmares can be common symptoms of PTSD, that can even occur after therapy sessions when you're triggered by a particular experience. Some individuals experiencing PTSD may encounter intense feelings of distress, vivid imagery, or physical sensations when triggered, which can be overpowering and overwhelming to manage.

When these symptoms are intense or persistent and prevent you from conducting your everyday life, it can result in self-harm, high-risk behaviors, suicidal attempts, extreme substance abuse, or withdrawing from social environments. These behaviors could potentially become coping mechanisms for an individual dealing with the impact of trauma, resulting in negative consequences or further traumatic events.

If any of these behaviors become a part of your coping mechanism, or if you are finding it challenging to manage your reactions, you will benefit from additional care and support from your healthcare team to get immediate assistance.

Remember, PTSD can be a complex and serious condition that requires specialized care, and seeking help is a critical component of the healing experience. If you are feeling overwhelmed or unsure of where to begin, it is recommended to reach out to your healthcare team to develop a safety plan with access to help and entrench more positive coping strategies that can help you manage PTSD symptoms.

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Can you show me an example of a crisis plan?

Certainly! Here's an example of a crisis plan that you can create with your healthcare team to manage your PTSD symptoms:

1. Identify your triggers: Make a list of your triggers and warning signs that might suggest the onset of a crisis. Examples may include experiencing flashbacks, feeling high levels of anxiety, or feeling isolated.

2. Create a safety plan: Develop a safety plan that outlines coping strategies you can use when you feel the onset of a crisis. Some examples include breathing exercises, mindfulness, and grounding techniques.

3. Reach out to someone: Identify trusted individuals who can provide support during a crisis. This might include family members, friends, mental health professionals or support groups.

4. Create an Emergency list: Write down emergency contact numbers that you can call or text in case of a crisis. Include crisis hotlines, healthcare providers, therapists, and emergency services numbers.

5. Consider Medications: Write down the medication you’re taking, the dosage, and how often you take it. If you take a supplemental supplement to manage crisis, have that added to the list.

6. Engage in positive distraction: Write down activities that can distract you and reduce distress such as listening to music, coloring, and meditation.

Make sure you keep this crisis plan in an easy to access location, such as your cell phone or in your wallet. This guide should be shared with the trusted individuals you have identified as your support system.

Keep in mind, these plans should be personalized to your specific needs and circumstances. Therefore, it's essential to work with your healthcare team to develop a crisis plan that works for you.

 

[PlainJane]

If any of these behaviors become a part of your coping mechanism, or if you are finding it challenging to manage your reactions, you will benefit from additional care and support from your healthcare team to get immediate assistance.

So, during and after my massage I kept hearing "be still, shut the f*ck up". When the Massage Therapist placed a warm cloth over my eyes, I held my breadth and I could feel shooting pains even though she wasn't touching me. I vomited for several days while re experiencing the scene over and over again, I also missed worbecause I was useless. What does this mean?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

So, during and after my massage I kept hearing "be still, shut the f*ck up". When the Massage Therapist placed a warm cloth over my eyes, I held my breadth and I could feel shooting pains even though she wasn't touching me. I vomited for several days while re experiencing the scene over and over again, I also missed worbecause I was useless. What does this mean?

I'm sorry to hear that you experienced such distressing symptoms after receiving a massage. Based on your description, it sounds like you may have been triggered by the experience, and this could have led to a re-experiencing of traumatic memories and symptoms of PTSD.

When we experience triggers, our brains can perceive the current situation as being similar to the traumatic event and lead to a vivid and traumatic reliving of the past memory. This can manifest in vivid imagery, physical sensations, and emotions that can interfere with daily life.

It's essential to address these symptoms with a trained mental health professional like a trauma psychologist or psychiatrist. They can help you sort through your feelings and come up with effective coping mechanisms to help manage this reaction. They may suggest different types of therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-focused CBT or prolonged exposure therapy, which have been proven to effectively lessen PTSD symptoms.

It's crucial that you prioritize your well-being during this time; consider seeking medical attention if your vomiting persists. When you see your mental health provider, let them know about your physical symptoms in addition to your emotional symptoms so that they can provide assistance best suited to your needs.

Remember, PTSD is a complex disorder that requires specialized care, so seeking help from a qualified professional is the best course of action.

 

[PlainJane]

I'm sorry to hear that you experienced such distressing symptoms after receiving a massage. Based on your description, it sounds like you may have been triggered by the experience, and this could have led to a re-experiencing of traumatic memories and symptoms of PTSD.

Should I continue massage therapy?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Should I continue massage therapy?

It's important to prioritize your mental health and well-being when considering whether to continue massage therapy. If you feel that the experience of receiving a massage is too triggering and may interfere with your emotional and physical health, it may be best to discontinue it.

That being said, if you believe that massage therapy could be a beneficial form of mental and physical self-care for you, it may be helpful to find a trained massage therapist or mental health professional with experience in treating PTSD. They can work with you to establish a plan for addressing any triggers that may arise during your massage, and create an environment in which you feel safe and supported.

If you do decide to continue massage therapy, it's important to communicate with your therapist about your specific needs and triggers. This includes informing them about any physical and emotional pain points, and which areas to avoid touching. A trusted and experienced massage therapist will prioritize your physical and emotional health throughout every session and ensure that their treatments won't exacerbate your PTSD symptoms.

Ultimately, the decision to continue massage therapy is yours to make. It's important to take the time to reflect on your experiences and make a decision that feels right for you.

 

[PlainJane]

consider seeking medical attention if your vomiting persists.

Why do I vomit in response to emotional distress?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Why do I vomit in response to emotional distress?

Vomiting can be a physical manifestation of emotional distress, particularly in response to intense feelings such as anxiety, fear, anger, or sadness. This is because of the way that emotions can activate the body's autonomic nervous system and trigger the "fight or flight" response. This response evolved as an adaptive way to respond to threats, by preparing your body to either run away or fight.

However, when you experience intense emotional distress, this fight or flight response can sometimes become overactive and cause physical symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, or stomach upset. These physical symptoms occur because the body diverts blood and energy resources away from other bodily systems such as digestion, causing physical symptoms.

It's essential to recognize that vomiting can also be a symptom of other underlying medical conditions, so if you find that your vomiting persists, it's important to seek medical attention to rule out other potential causes.

If your vomiting is related to emotional distress or PTSD symptoms, there are ways that you can manage and lessen these symptoms. It's essential to seek the help of a trained mental health professional, who can provide you with a range of interventions and coping mechanisms tailored to your specific needs. These interventions might include cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and relaxation techniques that can help you manage physical symptoms and ease emotional distress.

 

[PlainJane]

It's important to prioritize your mental health and well-being when considering whether to continue massage therapy. If you feel that the experience of receiving a massage is too triggering and may interfere with your emotional and physical health, it may be best to discontinue it.

That being said, if you believe that massage therapy could be a beneficial form of mental and physical self-care for you, it may be helpful to find a trained massage therapist or mental health professional with experience in treating PTSD. They can work with you to establish a plan for addressing any triggers that may arise during your massage, and create an environment in which you feel safe and supported.

My instinct is to push myself hard and continue going until it doesn't matter to me anymore

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

My instinct is to push myself hard and continue going until it doesn't matter to me anymore

It's understandable that you may have developed a mindset of pushing yourself hard to cope with traumatic experiences. However, it's important to recognize that this type of coping mechanism can be harmful in the long run, as it can delay the healing process and even exacerbate PTSD symptoms.

While it may feel like you're gaining control by pushing yourself hard, it's not a sustainable or effective way to manage PTSD. In fact, it can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and feelings of overwhelm, which can further perpetuate your symptoms.

Instead, it's essential to work with a trained mental health professional to find healthy and sustainable ways to manage your PTSD. This involves learning effective coping mechanisms, building a support network, and seeking treatment if necessary. There are many evidence-based treatments available for PTSD that have been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR therapy, and somatic therapies.

Remember, recovery is not a linear process, and it is okay to take things at your own pace. It's important to practice self-compassion and prioritize your emotional and physical well-being throughout your healing journey. By working toward sustainable and healthy coping mechanisms, you can gradually reduce your PTSD symptoms and eventually live a full and fulfilling life.