PTSD and Trauma recovery

Apocalipstic · 03-17-2010, 11:10 AM

I think we can say that some of the symptoms of PTSD are the same even if the original trauma is different.

Whether it be abuse, war, bombs, loss, a traumatic event....whatever it is, we end up learning coping skills to get us through, to keep ourselves alive...then, when the actual event (or events) is over, we still have those hyper aware coping mechanisms we had to use to survive which do not necessarily work well in every day life.

Everyone has their own hell, but many of the symptoms of that hell manifest in similar ways. It is our bodies response to abnormal situations.

Symptoms like:

Re-experiencing the traumatic event
Intrusive, upsetting memories of the event
Flashbacks (acting or feeling like the event is happening again)
Nightmares (either of the event or of other frightening things)
Feelings of intense distress when reminded of the trauma
Intense physical reactions to reminders of the event (e.g. pounding heart, rapid breathing, nausea, muscle tension, sweating)
Avoiding activities, places, thoughts, or feelings that remind you of the trauma
Inability to remember important aspects of the trauma
Loss of interest in activities and life in general
Feeling detached from others and emotionally numb
Sense of a limited future (you don’t expect to live a normal life span, get married, have a career)
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Irritability or outbursts of anger
Difficulty concentrating
Hyper vigilance (on constant “red alert”)
Feeling jumpy and easily startled
Anger and irritability
Guilt, shame, or self-blame
Substance abuse
Depression and hopelessness
Suicidal thoughts and feelings
Feeling alienated and alone
Feelings of mistrust and betrayal
Headaches, stomach problems, chest pain

I have many of these. For example, it never occurred to me I would live to be 46. Never for one second.

I am hyper vigilant and very easily startled. I have had substance issues, depression, thoughts of suicide, anger, stomach, head and chest pain, I relive some of the traumas over and over, guilt, feeling of detachment, sleep problems, muscle tension, breathing issues, nausea, self blame, guilt, guilt, guilt, flashbacks intense physical reactions and more.

The Brain Spotting (in therapy) is intense, but seems to be helping. We started walking after work. I hope I can keep it up. I need to exercise and to get out more other than work.

No ones walk is alike, agreed! But we do have enough in common to understand and be here for each other when we can.

Apocalipstic · 03-18-2010, 03:17 PM

I have been so jumpy.

I know it makes people feel strange around me when every little movement almost makes me scream. I am hoping that getting some exercise will help.

Leigh · 03-18-2010, 04:00 PM

I get that often too, where every little thing makes Me nervous or jumpy ~ hopefully that will go away sometime in the future

Apocalipstic · 03-19-2010, 01:53 PM

I am kind of worried about this weekend, lot's of social obligations. I so hope everything goes smoothly and I don't get overwhelmed.

I am especially excited that I get to meet Princess4u tomorrow evening!

Apocalipstic · 03-19-2010, 02:19 PM

I was just over on the "Do You Remember" thread.

It's funny how you can be the same age as someone else and they experienced childhood in such a different through rose glasses way. The world was safe, everything was happy and easy and good and bright...

The world has never been safe. There were no good ole days.

Leigh · 03-19-2010, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apocalipstic

I am kind of worried about this weekend, lot's of social obligations. I so hope everything goes smoothly and I don't get overwhelmed.

I am especially excited that I get to meet Princess4u tomorrow evening!

I hope that this weekend goes smoothly for you too hun!

You get to meet Princess4u? No fair, I wanna meet her too

Quote:

Originally Posted by apocalipstic

I was just over on the "Do You Remember" thread.

It's funny how you can be the same age as someone else and they experienced childhood in such a different through rose glasses way. The world was safe, everything was happy and easy and good and bright...

The world has never been safe. There were no good ole days.

Its pretty amazing how everyone grows up differently, and how we all have a completely different view of how things were at any given time in life

Princess4u · 03-22-2010, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apocalipstic

I was just over on the "Do You Remember" thread.

It's funny how you can be the same age as someone else and they experienced childhood in such a different through rose glasses way. The world was safe, everything was happy and easy and good and bright...

The world has never been safe. There were no good ole days.

Yes, although I am glad that some ppl are blessed to not know the type of pain many of us here have had to endured. I kept looking at that thread and wanting to post...unable to find anything to say positive. I have to say that I think everyone has to endure hardships of some sort...and they affect us all in different ways. We are left with emotional scars and open wounds which may never heal. Let's hope that those folks never have to endure this type of life long pain and torture...I for one find a happiness in that possibly someone didnt have to endure the type of life I have. But I sure would like to be able to post something positive in that thread. Love ya sista!!!!

Apocalipstic · 03-23-2010, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Princess4u

Yes, although I am glad that some ppl are blessed to not know the type of pain many of us here have had to endured. I kept looking at that thread and wanting to post...unable to find anything to say positive. I have to say that I think everyone has to endure hardships of some sort...and they affect us all in different ways. We are left with emotional scars and open wounds which may never heal. Let's hope that those folks never have to endure this type of life long pain and torture...I for one find a happiness in that possibly someone didnt have to endure the type of life I have. But I sure would like to be able to post something positive in that thread. Love ya sista!!!!

I keep posting the truth in there.

There has always been crime, drugs, sad hurt people, pain, PTSD, mental illness.

If they keep it up someone hold me back from posting photos of people like us getting lobotomies.

Having a badddddd loooow day, so sorry.

On a lite note, you are adorable and I hope we can hang out some more real soon

Jet · 03-20-2010, 03:59 PM

I'm not posting much having been traveling through my trauma. It's not over. I don't have much of an appetite or desire to do much, but I've just showered and eaten something and I wanted to touch base. I have the feeling I won't be around much; I can't say for sure how I'll feel in the coming days.

I'm going to change. I don't know how, but I feel it—as though my personality or person is going to change. I fear it more than anything and all i know, as I write this, is that I'm in the hands of God.

Take care everyone. Say prayers, for me and for all of us and I will too.

(sharing my favorite prayer)

Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone
who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence,I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come,
before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

I love you Blessed Mother. No matter what happens, remember me.

Let nothing afright me —St. Theresa of Liseux

Canela · 03-20-2010, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apocalipstic

I am kind of worried about this weekend, lot's of social obligations. I so hope everything goes smoothly and I don't get overwhelmed.

I am especially excited that I get to meet Princess4u tomorrow evening!

Hi Apocalipstic!

Sorry I haven't been around much lately, I pop in form time to time to keep tabs and see how everyone here is doing, and I see so much support from everyone that I KNOW you guys are functioning very well...I am so glad to read all your posts, and then the responses...so much love here...feels good doesn't it?

Sounds like you have a full and exciting weekend planned...I wish you lots of love, fun, blessings and peace throughout, so that you can just let yourself go and enjoy what is coming (especially connecting r/t with Princess4U!--How exciting!)

If all else fails, do what I do sometimes when I don't know what to do...just smile and nod...pretty soon I forget what I was upset about and adopt the smile for real...you are an amazing woman, and you deserve to have a wonderful weekend....God bless you greatly!

Love and many blessings to you my friend,

Shug

PS--give yourself and Princess a hug from me will ya?

Apocalipstic · 03-22-2010, 02:10 PM

The weekend was so much fun, I did get overwhelmed a bit with noise, but we went home when I was ready, so all is well.

I not only got to meet Princess4u, but also Spirit Dancer!!! It was so cool. I think they had little time to talk to anyone else cause I monopolized them.

Jason, thank you so much for that post! Very informative. Some people even have both, childhood trauma and being around a war as children. Can you imagine the pain kids in Haiti, Iraq and Afghanistan will face.

Jet, sending you healing vibes!

Lil Shug, we miss you! so great to hear from you!

Leigh · 03-22-2010, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LittleShug

Hi Apocalipstic!

Sorry I haven't been around much lately, I pop in form time to time to keep tabs and see how everyone here is doing, and I see so much support from everyone that I KNOW you guys are functioning very well...I am so glad to read all your posts, and then the responses...so much love here...feels good doesn't it?

Glad to see your post Shug, glad all is well and hopefully you had a peaceful weekend

Quote:

Originally Posted by apocalipstic

The weekend was so much fun, I did get overwhelmed a bit with noise, but we went home when I was ready, so all is well.

I not only got to meet Princess4u, but also Spirit Dancer!!! It was so cool. I think they had little time to talk to anyone else cause I monopolized them.

I'm still so jealous that you got to meet Princess (and Spirit for that matter) but I am so glad that things went well and that you all had such a good time

03-17-2010, 11:10 AM	#1
Apocalipstic Pink Confection How Do You Identify?: Femme Preferred Pronoun?: She, Her, Ma'am Relationship Status: Dating Myself Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Nashville Posts: 4,266 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 17,195 Thanked 11,362 Times in 2,838 Posts Rep Power: 21474856	I think we can say that some of the symptoms of PTSD are the same even if the original trauma is different. Whether it be abuse, war, bombs, loss, a traumatic event....whatever it is, we end up learning coping skills to get us through, to keep ourselves alive...then, when the actual event (or events) is over, we still have those hyper aware coping mechanisms we had to use to survive which do not necessarily work well in every day life. Everyone has their own hell, but many of the symptoms of that hell manifest in similar ways. It is our bodies response to abnormal situations. Symptoms like: Re-experiencing the traumatic event Intrusive, upsetting memories of the event Flashbacks (acting or feeling like the event is happening again) Nightmares (either of the event or of other frightening things) Feelings of intense distress when reminded of the trauma Intense physical reactions to reminders of the event (e.g. pounding heart, rapid breathing, nausea, muscle tension, sweating) Avoiding activities, places, thoughts, or feelings that remind you of the trauma Inability to remember important aspects of the trauma Loss of interest in activities and life in general Feeling detached from others and emotionally numb Sense of a limited future (you don’t expect to live a normal life span, get married, have a career) Difficulty falling or staying asleep Irritability or outbursts of anger Difficulty concentrating Hyper vigilance (on constant “red alert”) Feeling jumpy and easily startled Anger and irritability Guilt, shame, or self-blame Substance abuse Depression and hopelessness Suicidal thoughts and feelings Feeling alienated and alone Feelings of mistrust and betrayal Headaches, stomach problems, chest pain I have many of these. For example, it never occurred to me I would live to be 46. Never for one second. I am hyper vigilant and very easily startled. I have had substance issues, depression, thoughts of suicide, anger, stomach, head and chest pain, I relive some of the traumas over and over, guilt, feeling of detachment, sleep problems, muscle tension, breathing issues, nausea, self blame, guilt, guilt, guilt, flashbacks intense physical reactions and more. The Brain Spotting (in therapy) is intense, but seems to be helping. We started walking after work. I hope I can keep it up. I need to exercise and to get out more other than work. No ones walk is alike, agreed! But we do have enough in common to understand and be here for each other when we can. __________________

03-18-2010, 03:17 PM	#2
Apocalipstic Pink Confection How Do You Identify?: Femme Preferred Pronoun?: She, Her, Ma'am Relationship Status: Dating Myself Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Nashville Posts: 4,266 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 17,195 Thanked 11,362 Times in 2,838 Posts Rep Power: 21474856	I have been so jumpy. I know it makes people feel strange around me when every little movement almost makes me scream. I am hoping that getting some exercise will help. __________________

03-19-2010, 01:53 PM	#4
Apocalipstic Pink Confection How Do You Identify?: Femme Preferred Pronoun?: She, Her, Ma'am Relationship Status: Dating Myself Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Nashville Posts: 4,266 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 17,195 Thanked 11,362 Times in 2,838 Posts Rep Power: 21474856	I am kind of worried about this weekend, lot's of social obligations. I so hope everything goes smoothly and I don't get overwhelmed. I am especially excited that I get to meet Princess4u tomorrow evening! __________________

03-19-2010, 02:19 PM	#5
Apocalipstic Pink Confection How Do You Identify?: Femme Preferred Pronoun?: She, Her, Ma'am Relationship Status: Dating Myself Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Nashville Posts: 4,266 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 17,195 Thanked 11,362 Times in 2,838 Posts Rep Power: 21474856	I was just over on the "Do You Remember" thread. It's funny how you can be the same age as someone else and they experienced childhood in such a different through rose glasses way. The world was safe, everything was happy and easy and good and bright... The world has never been safe. There were no good ole days. __________________

03-22-2010, 02:10 PM	#11
Apocalipstic Pink Confection How Do You Identify?: Femme Preferred Pronoun?: She, Her, Ma'am Relationship Status: Dating Myself Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Nashville Posts: 4,266 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 17,195 Thanked 11,362 Times in 2,838 Posts Rep Power: 21474856	The weekend was so much fun, I did get overwhelmed a bit with noise, but we went home when I was ready, so all is well. I not only got to meet Princess4u, but also Spirit Dancer!!! It was so cool. I think they had little time to talk to anyone else cause I monopolized them. Jason, thank you so much for that post! Very informative. Some people even have both, childhood trauma and being around a war as children. Can you imagine the pain kids in Haiti, Iraq and Afghanistan will face. Jet, sending you healing vibes! Lil Shug, we miss you! so great to hear from you! __________________

03-18-2010, 04:00 PM	#3
Leigh Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Preferred Pronoun?: She, Her, etc Relationship Status: Single Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 7,767 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 9,029 Thanked 13,024 Times in 4,784 Posts Rep Power: 21474859	I get that often too, where every little thing makes Me nervous or jumpy ~ hopefully that will go away sometime in the future

03-20-2010, 03:59 PM	#9
Jet Timed Out - TOS Drama How Do You Identify?: .. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: .. Posts: 3,471 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 292 Thanked 2,647 Times in 1,293 Posts Rep Power: 0	I'm not posting much having been traveling through my trauma. It's not over. I don't have much of an appetite or desire to do much, but I've just showered and eaten something and I wanted to touch base. I have the feeling I won't be around much; I can't say for sure how I'll feel in the coming days. I'm going to change. I don't know how, but I feel it—as though my personality or person is going to change. I fear it more than anything and all i know, as I write this, is that I'm in the hands of God. Take care everyone. Say prayers, for me and for all of us and I will too. (sharing my favorite prayer) Memorare Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence,I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen. I love you Blessed Mother. No matter what happens, remember me. Let nothing afright me —St. Theresa of Liseux

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