Question About Triggers

[txtrace]

I've looked through the posts and apologize if this has been covered somewhere and I missed it.

I started dissociating several months ago, but of course did not realize what was going on until I started with my current T. I just started having flashbacks in May, after the trial for the drunk driver who hit me. My problem is figuring out my triggers. My T said that I need to journal what was going on before the flashback and then we can look over the journal and figure it out. My problem is that once the flashback is over I usually don't remember a big space of time before the flashback. Is that weird? I feel like I'm going crazy. How can I ever figure out my triggers if I can't remember?

Anyone else have this problem? ideas?

 

[Ted Moen]

Not weird at all. PTSD involves stuffing thoughts and feelings you can't process at the time, then letting them surface years later when it is safe. The process leaves gaps. When you feel safe the thoughts and feelings you have stuffed will come up, probably with all the intensity you felt at the time. You're not crazy! Journaling and figuring out your triggers is a good thing, but don't dwell on stuff you can't remember. The memories will come at their own pace.

Ted