Life Article
One can be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress from several different things. We often associate +Ptsd with those who have served, such as our Veterans. There is also physical and mental abuse and sexual assault.
PTSD can also be due to trauma from an accident or disaster. It doesn't matter what age you are post trauma stress can occur at any age. When my doctor first told me it sounded like I had post-traumatic stress from domestic violence, one of the first things they talked with me about are "triggers" and "coping skills".
There are situations I still have a difficult time with. Not that long ago, I went to see a doctor and he suddenly grabbed my hands. I immediately started to shake and pulled my hands away.
When he asked about the shaking I explained it was due to domestic violence. He apologized for touching me and asked if I'd like to have someone else oversee my case. I told him no, it was alright, this was something I had to get use too he had know way of knowing.
I was a little upset because if the doctor had reviewed my file first he would have known about my condition and that situation could have been avoided. However, I let it slide because well, I was more angry at myself than upset with him.
I don't like that some situations trigger certain memories and cause such a response. One of my first obstacles I conquered was knowing not all men were like what I went through. However, knowing that DOES NOT always stop certain reactions to others actions.
My best friend who is a male knows this very well. Whenever we see each other it's normal to hug but on some days I shake from a hug from even him. This is due to the fact the some incidents "trigger" these memories causing me to feel uncomfortable not only with a male figure but in my own skin.
I still have bad dreams and flashbacks. When situation cause me to remember something this is known as +Re-experiencing and it can happen any time on any given day.
I also avoid places or things I use to love to do because I don't want to remember things dealing with my past situation. Doctor's call this avoidance symptoms which I find ironic being it was the doctor who advised me to avoid things that caused me to feel anxious, fearful or ill. Yes, ill sometimes a smell can make me suddenly vomit like a specific alcoholic beverage.
When my daughters boyfriend visited I felt bad because at one point he was behind me and I was struggled, felt uncomfortable. It made it hard for me to connect with him after that. I know he didn't mean to make me feel uncomfortable but it's something only time will resolve.
In my case the bad dreams started much later, months later it wasn't until I tried dating for the first time that it "triggered" the dreams. I count myself lucky because some people have it much worse than I.
Support is a big help whether family or friends having someone you can talk too is important. Do you have someone close to you that you can talk to or maybe a support group that you go too?
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