When PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is triggered, you become emotionally overwhelmed. Your life becomes chaotic. It triggers you when someone raises their voice to you. You might as well cower in a corner trying to hide. This stems from a childhood trauma that lasted two years.
My first grade teacher would raise me out of my seat by my hair and start yelling at me, but I didn’t do anything wrong. I always had the memory, but suppressed it, because of the emotional pain associated with it. Well, I just got in an argument with someone and they were yelling at me. Guess what happened, I backed down and went and hid in my corner.
Trigger trauma can happen at anytime, usually when you least expect it. I want to overcome this, but I need a therapist to help me do so. Right now, I don’t have one. There are some deep seeded emotions that need to come out in the open and worked on.
When PTSD is Triggered
When PTSD is triggered, the body and mind react as if the individual is reliving the traumatic event. This response is referring to the “fight, flight, or freeze” response. Here’s what typically happens:
In the Body
- Increased Heart Rate and Breathing: The body releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, causing the heart to race and breathing to become rapid.
- Muscle Tension: The body prepares for action, leading to tight or tense muscles.
- Sweating or Chills: The autonomic nervous system activates, which can cause sweating or a sudden feeling of cold.
- Digestive Changes: Blood flow is redirected away from the digestive system, leading to nausea, stomach pain, or a “knot” in the stomach.
- Hyperarousal: The senses become heightened, making the person more alert to perceived threats.
In the Mind:
- Flashbacks or Intrusive Thoughts: The individual may feel as though they are re-experiencing the traumatic event, either vividly or through intrusive memories.
- Emotional Overwhelm: Intense feelings of fear, anger, sadness, or helplessness can arise.
- Dissociation: Some people may feel detached from reality, as if they are watching themselves from the outside or feeling numb.
- Hypervigilance: A heightened state of awareness can make the person feel constantly on edge or unable to relax.
- Cognitive Impairment: Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things can occur during or after a trigger.
These reactions are the body’s way of trying to protect itself, but for someone with PTSD, the response is often disproportionate to the actual situation. Over time, these repeated stress responses can take a toll on physical and mental health
Do I Have Trauma?
What is considered trauma? Trauma is a deeply upsetting experience that can leave someone feeling overwhelmed, helpless, or unsafe. It might come from a single event, a series of events, or something ongoing. What counts as “trauma” can look different for everyone—how we respond depends on our personal history, how resilient we are, and the support we have around us.
Key Factors in Defining Trauma:
- Subjective Experience: What feels traumatic to one person might not feel the same to someone else. For instance, two people in the same car accident could have completely different emotional reactions.
- Sense of Safety: Trauma often involves feeling a real or perceived threat to your physical or emotional well-being.
- Loss of Control: Feeling powerless or unable to prevent or escape the event is a hallmark of trauma.
- Lasting Impact:Trauma can have lingering effects on our emotions, mind, and body, even long after the event is over.
What is Emotional Trauma?
Emotional trauma refers to the psychological and emotional response to an intensely distressing or harmful event or series of events. It occurs when an experience overwhelms a person’s ability to cope, leaving them feeling unsafe, helpless, or emotionally shattered. Unlike physical trauma, emotional trauma primarily affects the mind and emotions, though it can also manifest in physical symptoms.
Processing Trauma
When PTSD is triggered, processing trauma can be tough. It’s a challenging and sometimes overwhelming journey that might leave you feeling lost or unsure. But it’s also an important step toward healing and finding your way forward. You’re not alone in this.
Traumatic experiences can include physical or emotional abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or losing a loved one. These moments can leave lasting emotional scars. Healing begins by acknowledging your experience and allowing yourself to move forward.
Emotional Shock Phsychological Symptoms
PTSD Memory Problem
Memory problems are a common symptom of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Types of Memory Problems in PTSD:
Intrusive Memories
People with PTSD may sometimes have vivid, unwanted memories of the traumatic event, like flashbacks PTSD or intrusive thoughts. These memories can feel so real that it might seem like the person is experiencing the trauma all over again.
Memory Gaps (Dissociative Amnesia)
Some people might find it hard to remember certain details of the traumatic event or even entire chunks of time around it. This is often a defense mechanism where the brain “blocks out” upsetting memories as a way to protect you.
Difficulty Forming New Memories
PTSD can make it harder to focus and remember new information, which can get in the way of learning or recalling recent events. This is often tied to feelings of stress and hyperarousal, which can make it harder for the brain to process and remember information.
Fragmented Memories
Traumatic memories can sometimes be stored in a scattered or fragmented way, making them feel a bit incomplete or jumbled. This can make it harder to piece together the order of events or fully understand the trauma.
Emotional Memory Triggers
Certain sights, sounds, smells, or other sensory cues can spark strong emotional reactions and bring back difficult memories, even if the person isn’t fully aware of the original event.
Is PTSD an Anxiety Disorder?
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) might seem similar to anxiety disorders, but it’s actually in its own category now. Back in the days of the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition), PTSD was classified as an anxiety disorder. But in 2013, when the DSM-5 came out, PTSD was moved to a new category called Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders. This change helps highlight its unique traits and how it differs from anxiety-related conditions.
PTSD Long Term Effects
When PTSD is triggered, the long-term effects of it can significantly impact a person’s mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being if left untreated. These effects often stem from the brain’s prolonged response to trauma, which can disrupt normal functioning and lead to chronic challenges in various areas of life.
You may be still dealing with it years later, because it forced you into a corner trying not to deal with it. It’s very disturbing, because it has manifested into other areas of your life. You may have only been a child when it happened, so how were you supposed to process it? So now, you can’t deal with angry people, so you hide. You don’t like any confrontation for that matter.
Facts About PTSD
PTSD Can Cause Physical Pain
PTSD isn’t just a mental health condition—it can also affect your body. Many people with PTSD deal with chronic pain like headaches, back pain, or muscle tension, even when there’s no obvious physical cause. c This is connecting to the body staying in a prolonged stress mode.
PTSD Can Affect Memory in Strange Ways
People with PTSD often have fragmented memories of their trauma—some details stick out vividly, while others are completely blank. What’s interesting is they can also struggle to remember non-traumatic events because the brain tends to focus more on survival-related memories than everyday ones.
PTSD Can Make Time Feel Distorted
Many people with PTSD say it feels like their traumatic event happened just “yesterday,” even if it was years ago. This happens because the brain has a hard time processing and storing the memory, making it feel fresh and unresolved.
PTSD Can Be Genetic
Trauma can have effects that span generations. Research shows that children of trauma survivors (like Holocaust survivors or war veterans) might inherit PTSD through heritable changes, even if they didn’t experience the trauma firsthand.
Is PTSD Curable?
PTSD may not be “curable,” but managing it and treating it to help people live fulfilling lives. Many see significant symptom improvements, and some no longer meet the PTSD diagnosis after treatment. While the trauma doesn’t disappear, it’s possible to handle triggers and emotional responses more effectively.
Post-Traumatic Growth
It’s interesting how some people experience post-traumatic growth. They find a stronger sense of purpose, resilience, or appreciation for life after working through their trauma. It doesn’t mean erasing the trauma, but it shows that healing and personal growth can absolutely happen.
PTSD might not have a one-size-fits-all “cure,” but it’s absolutely treatable, and many people recover to a point where their symptoms no longer run their lives. With the right mix of therapy, medication, and support, it’s possible to take back control, find peace, and thrive despite past trauma.
PTSD Treatment Plan
When PTSD is triggered, one of the first steps in processing trauma is acknowledging what has happened. This can be incredibly challenging, as it means facing painful memories and emotions. It may also involve breaking through denial or feelings of shame or guilt. But by acknowledging the truth of what happened, you can begin to take back control of your own story and start the healing process.
Seek Support
Once you have acknowledged your trauma, it is important to seek support from others. This could mean talking to trusted friends or family members, joining a support group, or seeking therapy from a licensed professional. Having support and validation from others can help you feel less alone and provide a safe space to process your feelings.
Prioritize Self-Care
When PTSD is triggered, it’s also important to prioritize self-care during this time. Trauma can take a toll on both our mental and physical health, so it’s crucial to make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. This could include exercise, meditation, spending time in nature, or creative hobbies. Taking care of yourself is not selfish, but rather an essential step in the healing process.
Find Healthy Ways for Emotions
Another helpful tool in processing trauma is finding healthy ways to express your emotions. This could be through journaling, art therapy, or talking with a therapist or trusted individual about your feelings. It’s important to find a way to release and express your emotions in a safe and constructive manner.
Be Patient With Yourself
Lastly, remember that healing from trauma takes time and patience. It’s not a linear process, and there may be ups and downs along the way. Be kind to yourself and know that it’s okay to seek help if needed. You are not alone in this journey towards healing.
PTSD Psychiatrist
Finding a PTSD psychiatrist is helpful. It can be overwhelming to cope with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on your own. They play a crucial role in helping individuals manage PTSD through a combination of therapy, medication, and personalized treatment plans.
How to Find a PTSD Psychiatrist:
Local or online PTSD support groups may have recommendations for trusted psychiatrists.
Referrals
Ask your primary care doctor or therapist for recommendations.
Online Directories:
Use platforms like Psychology Today, Zocdoc, or your insurance provider’s directory to find psychiatrists specializing in PTSD.
Veterans and Trauma Centers:
If you’re a veteran, organizations like the VA (Veterans Affairs) offer specialized PTSD care.
Trauma-focused clinics or mental health centers often have psychiatrists experienced in PTSD.
Support Groups:
Local or online PTSD support groups may have recommendations for trusted psychiatrists.
A PTSD psychiatrist can be a huge help in managing your symptoms, especially if things feel overwhelming or you might need medication. With their guidance, they can help you feel more in control, ease your symptoms, and improve your overall quality of life. If you’re thinking about reaching out, go for it—taking that step is a strong and positive move toward healing.
Sum It All Up
So, now I believe it is time to work on my PTSD. I’m tired of hiding when PTSD is triggered. It doesn’t necessarily have to do with me either. It’s time to stand up for myself, and not back down. I can say it, but can I do it? It is so deeply rooted in me that it will take a lot of hard work to overcome it.
Not that I’m afraid of hard work, I’m afraid of being that scared innocent child again. I shut my emotions down so I couldn’t feel anything. I didn’t want to go through the events I’m hiding from.
Hence, I know it’s time, because the events are weighing heavily on my mind. I don’t want to go through life anymore being afraid. It’s constantly bringing my mood down, and the flashbacks are horrible. It’s time to begin a journey of retribution for my inner child. Peace and always love. Until next time…
Articles About PTSD Triggers
Dealing with PTSD Triggers: Coping Skills And Advice
Understanding PTSD flashbacks and triggers
PTSD: 7 Different Types of Triggers
Have a Good One,
Cindee Murphy
“One Voice Getting Triggered By My Triggers”
“Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence.” – Peter A. Levine
“You are stronger than you think. You have gotten through every bad day in your life, and you are undefeated.” – Unknown
“Instead of saying ‘I’m damaged, I’m broken, I have trust issues,’ I say ‘I’m healing, I’m rediscovering myself, I’m starting over.’” – Horacio Jones
“Hope is the only thing stronger than fear.” – Suzanne Collins
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