Hello Elyse,
Im sorry you’re experiencing these difficult feelings. They sound quite distressing, so I’m glad you came here to the forums.
First, with any symptoms it would be a good idea to check in with your GP. Maybe write a list of what you’re experiencing so that you’re clear about whats going on for you. You can share with your doctor about your PTSD if you feel comfortable, but it is important that you get physically checked out too.
Keeping a diary of your symptoms might also be useful. You can record any potential triggers and the symptoms you’re experiencing so that you might find a pattern and greater understanding of what’s happening. This can be what’s occurring before an episode as well as after. The physical and mental experience and your thoughts at the time.
It’s true that PTSD can cause a wide range of physical symptoms. I was wondering if you’re seeing a psychologist to help you understand and process your trauma? It can be so helpful to have that support and to have someone help guide you through the healing process. It can be hard work, but there’s great evidence that the right kind of therapy can help a lot. I’ve been working with a psychologist for a while and my symptoms have decreased a lot. For a while I was in a period where I was experiencing symptoms constantly and I was really frightened and overwhelmed. She was able to emotionally support me in this time, to help me to feel safe, and also to use therapy techniques to help me move forward. Please consider seeing a psychologist if you’re not already. You deserve to be supported through this.
One of the difficult things about PTSD is that our symptoms can be triggered by things we don’t even recognise. It can be the most subtle things like a smell or a word and so it can be really disorientating to not know what’s happening/what’s caused the episode. It can be something quite ‘normal’ and easy to miss.
Something that you might find helpful to search for online is ‘body memories in ptsd’. It helped me to understand the physical symptoms I was experiencing and to be less frightened by them. But I definitely recommend you see your doctor also. Take care.
Alexlisa
