So Agitated And Don't Know Why

[eztaukr]

Hello is there people on here that talk back? I'm new to myPtsd, have liked some of the threads. I'm also new to knowing I have ptsd (complex). I was hospitalized March-May this year and am now considered 'stabilized' enough and 'safe' enough to start the hard therapy work. I'm in the first sessions of Prolonged Exposure therapy and I've had to go out over and over again and yesterday I completely flipped out when we got home, and I'm still really agitated. I don't actually know why and I don't actually know what to do - but my family left me here alone (my husband has zero tolerance for anger) and I feel so uncomfortable I thought I would ask for some help.

 

[EveHarrington]

Hi, has your therapist worked with you on coping skills?

 

[Hope69]

Welcome. therapy can bring up uncomfortable emotions. It might be a good idea for your hubby to also read up about what to expect and for you both to make a plan on how to manage difficult moments.
There are different types of Trauma treatments that are worth looking into as well as ways to stay grounded between sessions (not sure if your T has gone over that with you) but might be helpful. Things like distraction, visualization, butterfly hug (crossing your arms across your chest and tapping each arm alternately) expressing what you are feeling in a healthy way (writing, drawing, going into a room and screaming into a pillow)
I'm sure others have good suggestions too. The hardest thing for me is not overthinking, just answering the question what do I feel now or where do I feel this sensation, and then trying something and seeing how that effects my state.

 

[Bloomy]

My best coping skills is to go for long long walk until the anger gives up and caves in. Preferable in natural surroundings.

Hope you work it out.

 

[Lee2001]

Yes the agitation and uncomfortable feelings are part of it! It's so, so hard! Agree with the others on talking to T on what will help you cope between sessions, and having hubby get informed on what he might expect with all of this. My hubby is deployed and will be coming home in a few weeks and have asked him to be at least reading up on PTSD and how we have to have very open communication! I think you are very brave for doing hard therapy work and dealing with your trauma and PTSD.

 

[LLMertens]

Thank you. I do have DBT and distress tolerance skills but this was much more intense than I usually get and I really needed a hand. I did a live chat with the suicide line and it was enough to get me settled down some but I lost a nice Sunday to PTSD today, and that sucks. I am still very anxious and still not sure what started it.

 

[Jung in the JUNGle]

As you release the layers of trauma memories the repressed affect (emotions) in their contorted forms will arise.

There is nothing out of the ordinary and if anything shows progress, but if you don't get regrounded after therapy session it can be a 'hell of a ride'.

long walks in the nature have also always helped me and with 2 wolves demanding exercise i am dragged out into the forest twice a day. The rhythm of walking and breathing will certainly help reduce agitation, sedentary activities won't use the affect energy released and can burst out it unproductive mind spaces.

be compassionate towards yourself, it is only heroes that take on the tsunami of healing yourself