The Ptsd Cup Explanation

[simplekindofgirl]

Perfect! I love this thread most of all. I plan to share it with my supporter when he has time. I think it is extremely beneficial for both sufferers and supporters.

 

[anthony]

As one respondent said, how do you empty or lower the level of the cups in a controlled and acceptable manner?

That answer is contained in this PDF document: [DLMURL]https://www.ptsdforum.org/c/threads/understanding-ptsd-by-anthony-parsons.13878/[/DLMURL]

 

[LilTink]

Oh wow......this really explains a lot to me. I am new on this site, but have already learned a lot. The support here is awesome!! Thank you for the explaination!!!

 

[markymark]

Now I understand. Thanks you.

 

[Elisacullen21]

It makes sense to me. Thanks.

 

[bankhead]

For years I had such an explosive temper. My quick temper destroyed many, many relationships and has a lot to do with why I am so alone to this day. But by some miracle in the past few months my trigger temper has dissipated. I am profoundly thankful for that and that shift has given me great hope about more healing to come.

The concept of the PTSd cup makes so much sense and helps me let go of the guilt and shame I have felt for so long over my temper. I now know how it happened and realize that it was not my fault.

 

[MishMish]

Thank you, this is a very useful article.

 

[anni]

I've thought about this a ton, thinking well, I don't do the anger thing when stressed. What I do is not attractive but it isn't anger so you'd think the whole cup explaination isn't for 'us', the ones who do not manifest this way. I'm guessing sure it is, substituting 'whatever' for anger, right? Let's see, you could start with Shame/guilt/self-loathing as a knee-jerk reaction- hits you BOOM as quickly as any anger I've ever seen plus as hard. I THINK it's almost more baffling than the anger would be since with anger there would BE 'something' which might be silly as a catalyst, like an empty toilet paper roll to look at but at least it would be there, you know? Anger- wouldn't it blow itself out eventually, yes horribly damaging and destructive, seems there'd be an end somewhere. This other crap devolves, like at the speed of light and you're done, that's IT, if you don't delberately catch that overflow, it's like trying to catch a runaway train. It could be days before the balance is back then you have to watch it alllll over again, therapy or no.

It's pointless, I think, trying to explain ALL this to the people we live with. With the best will in the world the best intentioned of them can't understand what it's like in our heads. I'm not preaching. It's just a little lonely sometimes out here because it's not my husband's job to manage this stupid thing for me. Being able to check in here daily mostly, check back in with articles like this is extremely helpful. I get to have PTSD for a bit, deal with it, then leave it here where it doesn't really bother anyone in my house. If I keep this graphic in my head, other things like it well, today no one is going to get bothered including me.

 

[Srain]

OMG, precisely, Anni!

I have to remind myself to breathe for the love of heaven! If not "my cup runneth over" and I'm symptomatic. Not always but I do need to stay aware.

The good is just as overwhelming, that always threw me off.

 

[anni]

YES! I can't even get started on the good stress, always feel so guilty having what amounts to ( in my head ) an ungrateful reaction. That part is also way too confusing to me to have processed correctly, zero idea how to do that.

 

[Tinyflame]

Your longer post just above anni- exactly.
(((((Hugs)))))

 

[anni]

I kinda hate hearing others have that also but thank you Junebug. It IS horrible, isn't it? I still do not feel the whole thing an adequate excuse for driving anyone else crazy ( my opinion in my own home and life, not intended to be some pompous ass directive for anyone else, please know ), but as a reason, gosh this article is helpful.

Grounding, using the tools, whatever-nothing nothing nothing worked recently. I went out and froze my backside off running 3 miles in 10 degree weather. Hee. THIS was effective- mile 2, seriously, the whole thing just ebbed back into the cup and went away, what passes for rational thought in my head returned. Like-by itself, uninvited, hi old friend. I had WAYYYY too much to do to take the time for that in the middle of the day, had already done my run early morning but got desperate. Distraction, physical release, accomplishment, rhythym, meditating ( I do this when running ) solitude or the combination, no idea. I'm only writing all this in case it would be helpful for anyone, not because i KNOW anything much.