Triggers?

[lil_fighter]

I think this is possible, yes.

Is it just general heightened awareness?

There are other contributing factors, the main one being anxiety and problems sleeping. Jumping when you hear a noise, for example. I don't think it's necessarily trauma related and I noticed that these other triggers developed as time went on.

 

[simplekindofgirl]

Jumping at a noise is a startle reflex. For people with PTSD who have triggers based on noise, it generally causes anxiety, or flashbacks, or hyper vigilance (which is what I believe Victim/Writer explains) or any number of other PTSD symptoms.

I have noticed that I have developed new triggers along the way, things that are unrelated to my trauma but are related to extremely difficult emotional circumstances that occurred within close proximity to my traumatic event.

A trigger really is something that reminds us or takes us back into that moment and/or aggravates our symptoms.

 

[Helliepig]

Also hyervigilence - constantly on the look out for danger and hyper-response to things - is common in traumatised people

 

[Victim/Writer]

I think after a PTSD-causing incident every little problem can be magnified and everything involved with the little problems can become a trigger. They key is just to keep control, take deep breaths, and not let your instincts overtake you.

 

[SydneyH]

TV shows and movies of abuse - esp. sexual abuse of children - have always triggered me. I have to tune out, or read or something, if I can't leave the room or change the channel. For a long time, I just thought I was too sensitive. It's the way that it reaches me and makes me react emotionally. And the way it stays with me. Sometimes for hours. Sometimes for days.

 

[Metamorphasis]

My new housemate yelled at me out of the blue the first night we were alone together. I haven't shared with anyone but my own family, as a mum, for years. I was exhausted from moving, quiet, spaced out, resting. Suddenly: "You're impossible to please! I don't know what you want! I've tried so hard etc."

Angry man, standing, yelling, without warning: me seated, silent. I might as well have been 5 yrs old again. And he my father. I did just manage to say (sobbing): "I don't want anything. Stop trying. What were you expecting?" Now I still tiptoe around, anxious about his mood, feeling unsafe. Even though I know the "friend" I didn't know as well as I thought I did would certainly never hurt me.

A tough couple of weeks. Now my stressed body has made this association with my Dad, so much else is an issue. Locking & rechecking the bathroom door. Had to get curtains up so urgently. Hate it when my friend casually touches me, though we used to hug. Hate hearing his approaching footsteps near my room. He only wants to bring a cup of tea. Which I appreciate, but the space & privacy are more important just now.

He doesn't get PTSD AT ALL, but said he did before the move. Now I see he thought some home cooked meals, rest & a little TLC would fix me. Still thinks I can "choose" to be or not be stressed. I have made a terrible mistake. Money paid, lease signed. Gotta make it work somehow. And I came here for rest & peace!

 

[Sdn]

"You're impossible to please! I don't know what you want! I've tried so hard etc."

I wish those sorts could understand: I know how they feel, I have to live with myself too and it isn't easy for me either.

My take on that: Ignorance is no excuse on his part, as it is his responsibility to know he doesn't understand. So don't feel guilty if doing whatever you need to do to take care of yourself inconveniences him. He is way out of line by trying to aggressively fix you and that is nobody's fault but his. Surviving a psychological assault, well-meaning or not, while feeling trapped is hard enough without worrying about the offender's welfare.

 

[Metamorphasis]

I wish those sorts could understand: I know how they feel, I have to live with myself too and it isn't easy for me either.

My take on that: Ignorance is no excuse on his part, as it is his responsibility to know he doesn't understand. So don't feel guilty if doing whatever you need to do to take care of yourself inconveniences him. He is way out of line by trying to aggressively fix you and that is nobody's fault but his. Surviving a psychological assault, well-meaning or not, while feeling trapped is hard enough without worrying about the offender's welfare.

Thanks for that. I agree, & have asked him to research PTSD. Can't burden myself with the task of educating him (though I tried to clarify the difference between conscious responses & automatic reactions) - it's hard enough just getting by each day, or each 10 minutes or so. Dizziness & cardiac symptoms whenever triggered, & the reaction a split second thing, well before I have a conscious thought or feeling.

I know what he means, & I did used to be able to make myself deal pragmatically with each challenge. I was known as a good woman in a crisis, because although compassionate I could be counted on to not freak out, & adapt focus quickly from drama to solutions. Thing is, I was trained to be like that by childhood abuse (not safe to show distress; & had to let go of hurt to move on & face the next crisis).

The stress still registers though. Adult life had its own multiple traumas, adding to the load. Acting brave & steady, & believing I was, didn't fool the body, which eventually hit overload. I can't control distress responses anymore. Trying makes me physically ill, & can then put me in bed for days. Wish I could keep faking it - the loss of dignity really sucks. I now know I can't pretend for anyone though, & any hope of healing depends on permitting authentic responses, discharging. Through the dark, dark forest to get to the other side - no way around it.