The Ptsd Cup Explanation

[Namaste]

Amazing explanation, thank you! It really does make a lot of sense, and gives some relief to the answer... why can't I handle the stress?? xo

 

[marilyn#27]

Many people with PTSD struggle to understand why they fly off the handle at such little things, i.e., the toilet roll is around the wrong way, someone walked in front of you, that stranger looked at you, etc etc. The reason is actually quite simple, and easier to show than often explain, why those with PTSD tend to get angry quicker, more easily, and faster than others at little stupid things.

This visual will help in explaining PTSD to my children and family.

 

[Tanishq]

Thanks Anthony. This is very helpful theory for me.

 

[Shellbell]

Wow, this cup theory absolutely explains why I get stressed out at little things and I can't understand why! Including good stress being too much sometimes. Boy I am glad I found this forum!

Have shown my husband this and he thought it was really helpful too :)

 

[LoveSSG]

Thank you. This helps me understand better what's going on with my boyfriend. :)

 

[Shan]

Thank you, It seems like if just one more drop of stress, anxiety and worry is going to send me into overload and I just cannot handle or hold anymore of it. Then it just spills out or gushes out like a geyser! A lifetime of it is just too much for any human being.

 

[LSNP]

Me, in a nutshell. :-(

 

[Ken321]

Was on the HMAS Melbourne durring the collision with USS Frank E Evaans 1969 my first trip to sea aged 17 Have been treated for other mental disorders all these years. A specalist in ptsd has assured me this is my problem. I hope you will accept me among your number. I am sick of being angry at myself and everyone around me (not many left) I give my partner hell and the thoughts that go through my head have me thinking of having myself put away.

 

[Five Leaves Left]

I loved reading this and appreciate it. I'm, for the first time in my life, owning my anger and stress. In small doses, but taking what I can get.

Recently, I found out that my not-working car needed to get fixed because my apartment complex needed to pave the parking lot. I had a week to move it and had no idea how to. First, came "I'll do it myself" out og pride, then I decided to get it fixed locally and realizing I needed to borrow $$ from my parents.

I called freaked out to my mom. She said "This happens, no need to suffer, we'll help." And in a follow up conversation, she asked me why I didn't say anything sooner. I told her "Please don't ask me that, that question is a trigger and to be honest, it was pride as well as not knowing exactly what I needed." I was crying as I said this. I wasn't falsifying or exaggerating. I thought it was done.

The next day, I asked for additional $$ to get groceries for the week and my mom said OK. I then was asked again why I didn't say anything sooner. I understood her concern, but then she listed about ten cases where I needed help from them and "waited too long".

The understanding that I both couldn't sense/feel the initial stress due to numbing as well as being familiar with not caring enough about myself to want to be comfortable, was lost on her. Intellectually, I understood. However, I was severely hurt because she said "It's not about the money, we love you" followed by "You screwed up a lot, here's the list:".

It was almost good to hear this, because it made me look at my actions in the face. It made me realize that there's still a lot of bad habits I have in response to my behavior that's mainly caused by my PTSD. It also caused me to follow my emotions and not talk to my mom for a few days, so I could cool down. I never did that before. I always left my emotions behind due to not wanting to offend. She texted and called me a few times. I lied and said I wasn't upset. A few days later, she called and I answered honestly.

I cried and explained again that I don't know why I did what I did, that I was so buried that I couldn't see things clearly. She then said "Yes, but I don't understand what that has to do with your not starting your car every day. Do you understand?"

Circles.

I'm now acknowledging and owning this more. I know it's my stress level and my defense mechanisms and some cognitive issues as well as the not caring about comfort. I need to see this, not her. I know this.

Long way of saying, thanks for posting & glad to have come across the direct article as well as being amongst others who "get" it.

 

[Sara1999]

I wish I had this visual aid when I was trying to explain to my family why I got so upset over a drill not being were I had left it that I punched a concrete block wall (repeatedly). I kept saying that it wasn't about the drill, but had trouble explaining how something so small could make me so angry. I will keep this in mind if I ever need to explain it again. Thanks!

 

[CMarie]

Excellent explaination. One morning my BF(ex) left crumbs on the counter and he knew better. He was just another jerk who loved to fuel my fire. I snapped getting the vacuum out throwing it around like it was a broom. The toilet paper issue that's me. Not filling the ice cubes trays or only leaving one will get you verbally cursed out like no Sailor could ever match. And a big no no is asking me if I took my pills today. That will get you in the ER. It's a good thing my animals do not have to deal with any of these things.

 

[Five Leaves Left]

Ugh, CMarie! The pill question. I'm sorry your even asked that. It's offensive and presumptuous.