Sensory Experiences

[UniqueSunflower]

When I first started healing after my assault, I experienced a strange tingling sensation behind and within my nose every time I had emotions that were building up. It became my body's way of warning me I was about to have a crying spell and it never failed - either later that day or the following morning, I'd just cry out what ever I needed to process. This experience presented itself for about 2-3 years and later disappeared. Prior to my assault, my perpetrator gave me a chemical without my knowledge and I realized later it may have been administered in an attempt to desensitize me for the actual assault which was premeditated. I think the tingling sensation in my nose may have been a physical memory. Has anyone else had this type of physical "warning" or sensation related to trauma or emotional buildup / release? I find now, my senses are stronger than they have been in the past, I'm guessing because I'm not as emotionally "numb" as I once was. I've most recently been having positive memories surface of childhood, remembering colors and objects that I can connect to positive feelings. May sound strange, though I'm curious who else has had their senses heightened.

 

[EveHarrington]

Do you mean any type of physical warning or just ones directly related to the trauma? :hug:

 

[Artytree]

When I first started healing after my assault, I experienced a strange tingling sensation behin...

I'm not sure if mine is actually a warning but more of my body remembering. Since coming off all anti-depressants etc last year, I started to suffer from various physical pain and sensations. Such as numbness, pins and needles, muscle pain and fatigue, joint pain, even brain fog, all these symptoms can and do affect my day to day activities. I seen a neurologist who did tests and mri scans but found nothing. His conclusion was, it is related to the Pstd and the traumas I've been through. He said my body is remembering and also my emotions are coming out as physical pain etc.
I'm not sure if this helps your curiosity. I too have been wondering if others have similar experiences.

 

[Gs172003]

When I first started healing after my assault, I experienced a strange tingling sensation behin...

Does it feel almost like dryness in your nose and nasal cavity? Kind of a burning?

 

[Sweet_E]

I do not have a physical warning of a flashback. But what you described totally makes sense! It's great that you have recognized this. I would be grateful to have a tangible "heads up" that a flashback is developing.

For me, my flashbacks start with disassociation and/or emotional responses, which are often difficult to recognize in the moment. When I'm in the middle of a full blown intense flashback, it's easier to recognize because I have extreme negativity, hopelessness and passive suicidal feelings. This is the extreme opposite of who I am in real life - I'm positive to a fault!

It's great that you give yourself permission to just cry it out.

 

[Gs172003]

I have a vast array of experiences when it comes to this crap. Depends on what it's about and how bad it is. God I hate this stuff

 

[Sweet_E]

I have a vast array of experiences when it comes to this crap. Depends on what it's about and how b...

Indeed. It really does suck. Would not wish this on anyone and it's definitely not for the weak!

 

[Panda Bear]

Body memories or sensations, sensory issues around specific abuse....yes. Happens a lot.

As I process the trauma, I feel it in different parts of my body. When I'm struggling with memeories and issues....I get the joy of walking around with those sensations :wtf:

 

[UniqueSunflower]

Do you mean any type of physical warning or just ones directly related to the trauma? :hug:[/QUOT...

Either a physical warning or trauma related. The sensation started relatively soon after the trauma and once my brain started piecing together what had happened.

 

[UniqueSunflower]

Does it feel almost like dryness in your nose and nasal cavity? Kind of a burning?

It's hard to describe, it was like a tingling / mild burning sensation. It definitely felt neurological rather than related to dryness or allergies.

 

[UniqueSunflower]

I do not have a physical warning of a flashback. But what you described totally makes sense! It's great...

Now that you mention it, I hadn't associated it with flash backs although there may have been a connection. Sometimes I would just cry from feeling deeply sad and other times I was able to connect it to what I was feeling sad about. I can remember it being connected to flooding of memories and emotions, some memories that were more defined. Looking back, the primary means I had of moving through the trauma was to cry and I knew instinctively, I had to give myself permission to do that. It may be harder to cry it out for some people and it seems some fear crying - thinking if they start, they won't be able to stop. That's where the learning to regulate piece comes in. The body and brain can get so wonky through this stuff! :hungover: