Questions on coping

[Cody]

I am very new to exploring the idea that I may have PTSD, I have noticed and been told that during any situation that is slightly stressful I emotionally shut off and in situations where it's alot of stress I shut down to almost a robotic like actions and reactions no emotion or feelings or even thoughts beyond very basic stuff. My wife has witnessed this once during a traffic stop and she said it scared the living daylight out of her. My question is what causes this trigger like reaction and has anyone found a way to come back to a somewhat normal space? Recently this has become a normal day to be "shut off" I don't go anywhere mentally just off blank distant and emotionally numb.

Thanks Cody.

 

[Sideways]

It sounds like you're dissociating during these episodes where you 'shut off'.

However, that's not necessarily much help. Dissociating is normal - everyone dissociates at times. When it gets out of control and causes dysfunction it can be a feature of mental illness (such as ptsd, but also others), and it can become a disorder all of its own (for example with DID).

With all that in mind, you may be dissociating through high stress, or it may be something more serious going on.

Have you been diagnosed with ptsd? Do you have a therapist you could talk about to about this?

 

[shimmerz]

Super sour candies or super hot candies helped me during times that you describe.

I agree with Ragdoll. It sounds like you are dissociating. I highly recommend a therapist, again, as Ragdoll suggested.