Poll Stressors/invasive memories as opposed to triggers/flashbacks

[anonymous]

I think since you're closed off to any other point of view, this poll is going nowhere.

I have STRESSORS which cause EMOTIONAL FLASHBACKS.

Only trauma related things (triggers) can stir up intense trauma memories (flashbacks)? (Ha....no.)

You clearly don't want my opinion so I'm out.

 

[Deleted member 33052]

I think since you're closed off to any other point of view, this poll is going nowhere.

I have STRESSORS which cause EMOTIONAL FLASHBACKS.

Only trauma related things (triggers) can stir up intense trauma memories (flashbacks)? (Ha....no.)

You clearly don't want my opinion so I'm out.

I do want your opinion, actually, and as I mentioned above, I totally got schooled. :)

There are exceptions to every rule, of course. If you read the links I posted (reputable sites), then you would see why intense trauma memories and flashbacks are considered to be different things.

Did you read the links? Can you tell me why you feel the information on them is wrong?

 

[Nessa7]

I know that I'm not the person that you asked, but I don't necessarily consider those links to be reputable sites. I'd go to Wikipedia before Quora, personally. The Healthy Place link is closer to being written by an expert, but I still think the author primarily writes about BPD and her references don't really address the topic.

I have Coping with Trauma-Related Dissociation and The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook open in front of me and both of them are more in agreement with Friday, at least as far as I can tell. I'm hunting for someone that supports your point, but I'm having a difficult time.

 

[Deleted member 33052]

I'm here to learn. I'll take it. :)

 

[Lionheart]

I have to admit, I find this thread / poll confusing.

I have life stressors (such as my mom passing away and not being able to find my brother)...I deal with them head on, in therapy and with the help of family and friends.

Some stressors, such as crowds, I will avoid only if I am feeling unable to cope. However, most of the time, I do what I need to anyways (toughing it out and gritting my teeth).

Triggers such as certain songs, incense, hair color etc., that bring the past flooding back are dealt with differently. I will stop what I am doing and take a walk to calm down, when calm I will ask myself what the trigger was, what I was feeling and thinking, and then I adjust accordingly. I will usually contact my "T' if it is really bad and I almost always journal the experience.

Invasive 'thoughts' are more like stressors to my mind, while invasive 'memories' are more like flashbacks.

I hope I am adding something to this conversation and not making it more confusing for everyone. Please correct me if I am wrong in my thinking.

 

[Deleted member 33052]

Thanks for contributing, Lionheart. I am confused as well, but wouldn't an invasive memory then *be* a trigger?

 

[Deleted member 34328]

I confess that I'm fascinated by this poll and the back and forth.

I'm at a place in therapy where both are in play. I try to choose my words carefully when describing a situation.

My therapist will clarify whether I experienced a full "throw back" or reliving the actual trauma, or did I get thrown into massive invasive memories that in actuality can be worse than full flashbacks.

I'm slowly moving through various areas of my trauma. Sometimes I come up against an actual trigger, but I've learned new techniques to handle them...here and now...vs there and then. Hard but doable with a lot of coaching and determination on my part.

Now I'm faced with a new part of the trauma that is constantly making me relive the event as though I'm in the moment and it's happening all over again. Invasive memories come in and seem to trigger a full flashback.

I don't know if that makes sense or not, but to me...this is an amazing thread. So thank you @Mal Content and @Friday

 

[Lionheart]

wouldn't an invasive memory then *be* a trigger?

It does seem to me that it could trigger a flashback.

By the way, thanks for a great thread!!!!:D:):cool:

Lion

 

[Deleted member 40995]

I'm not sure I entirely understand the difference between triggers and stressors. I sort of do...? I think...:p so I voted the first answer for not completely understanding the difference. By the way @Mal Content I really like the words under your username (forgive me, I don't know what it's called) about letting it heal etc., really neat!

 

[Deleted member 33052]

Thanks, @Rosie11! It's what I have to remind myself when it feels like the bleeding is never going to end.

And regarding the poll, I'm more confused now than I was before. It seems there are many different opinions out there, and we all lean toward the ones that make most sense to us, as we do with everything, I suppose.