Triggers, Triggers And More Triggers

[Smorck5]

I was just diagnosed with PTSD this year although I've suffered with it since childhood. In the last two years I feel like my life has become a minefield of triggers and its gotten harder to deal with daily life. My husband is self employed and has suffered some major set backs causing us sever financial hardship. He is now working long hours to make up for the loss of income, I'm working more as well as taking care of our children. The added stress of him being gone and me having more on my plate is leaving me in a constant state of anxiety. I'm really worried about screwing up my kids and I'm not sure in the life we are living now that I can get better. My husband just doesn't get how real and big this is, he is unsympathetic and makes me feel worse about my self when I do fly off the handle. We've been going to therapy together but he treats PTSD like a cold he thinks I just need some rest and all will be better I don't know how to make him understand it just doesn't work that way.

 

[James B.]

Hello Smorck5. I also suffered PTSD since childhood. Triggers and trigger awareness got worse, then gradually got better, and better still. This is a great place to find information - highly relevant information - support and acceptance. Best wishes on your path to a better life and welcome to the forum. :)

 

[Smorck5]

Thanks James B.

I hope I can get better as well. I'm already learning so much from this forum about myself and PTSD.

 

[James B.]

In the beginning, I would get so triggered reading some of the stuff here, I'd have to stop because I literally couldn't breath properly. It can be heavy, so going slow and pacing can help. I let myself feel, and grieve; accepting my trauma helped set a terribly wounded part of me, free.

Good luck with everything Smorck5!

 

[artsy152]

Hi Smorck5, Welcome!
Your story sounds familiar. I have suffered from depression and ptsd since childhood too. Right now I am learning to set appropriate boundaries for a teenaged daughter, and her angry and hurtful reactions are triggering lots of bad stuff in me. My husband is pretty sympathetic but I don't think he can really get how debilitating it is to have ptsd. If you've never experienced it, you can't possibly know how scary it is - sad but true, and it can be a lonely place.. I take meds, and try to get time to myself and just do calming things. It can get better, but kids make it tough at times. Hang in there!!

 

[Smorck5]

Thanks artsy,
My T and I have made some real head way on getting my husband more knowledgeable on PTSD I do think he is starting to get it. I'm starting to journal as part of my exposure therapy and really hope that this is the road to some peace.

Good luck with your daughter,

~S~

 

[Kim]

I can relate to having an out of control daughter. My youngest was like that. Unfortunately I didn't know I had C-PTSD at the time and I probably didn't handle the situation well at all because of it. It got to the point where I couldn't deal with it any more and sent her to live with her father. She hasn't spoken to me for many years now. I'm really hoping that in time she will allow me to have contact with her again. I finally know where she is and how to contact her but I'm trying desperately to hold off until my state of mind is a bit better (I was only diagnosed about 2 weeks ago). The mother in me wants to do it NOW but in my heart I know it's not the right time.

You have a huge advantage over me. You know you have PTSD and because of that and the treatment you've been getting you're more capable of handling what she throws at you. If need be have both of you take a time out before addressing the current problem. Just take your time, take a breather when you need to and all will work out fine in time.

My heart goes out to you.