Triggers

[Lilmssunshine]

What are your triggers in relationships? How does one attempt to not trigger their loved one with PTSD?

 

[DogwoodTree]

Your guy is combat PTSD, right? Might be different for him, but for me...

-being touched when I really don't want to be
-being guilt tripped when I need some space and time alone
-having to interact with people when their energy is just too much for me to handle
-being treated like I'm the bad guy for having these crazy issues
-being treated like I'm stupid just because I don't feel like interacting sometimes

Don't get me wrong...my DH is so incredibly supportive overall. But he's still a guy...a human being...and has his own stuff to figure out, too. And not all of this is in reference to him...my family (mom, sisters, etc) are very dysfunctional and don't know how much of this stuff is going on, so they tend to trigger problems without understanding the big picture of why.

 

[sweetness and light]

I feel triggered by lots of things. Specifically within my relationship? Being touched unexpectedly, feeling crowded - emotionally as well as physically. Certain smells, certain words.

Also it spins me out when my husband gets frustrated at me being triggered - I don't know, I guess I feel stressed that he thinks I can control it, or that I'm using it as an excuse to not participate when really I wish with all my heart and soul I could be normal and whole for him and our family.

I know it's hard for him to understand and I know it's hard for him to live with. I feel guilty about being dark and heavy emotionally when I really wish I was all sweetness and light. He deserves that.