Feeling extremely anxious due to PTSD trigger need advice to calm down

Elizabeth CP · ‎18-01-2016

I was doing OK for the last few days and on track with goals set by my therapist. I probably pushed myself too hard today so I am exhausted hence no resilience. There is a smell of smoke in the air and reports of bushfires. They are nowhere near me and I have checked the website to confirm I am not in physical danger.

Unfortunately telling myself I am safe doesn't change the reaction I am having. I need to calm down and stop worrying but I can't.

Guest_5218 · ‎20-01-2016

Hi Elizabeth. I'm very happy to hear that you are doing better today.

I understand the issue of triggers. For me it isnt fires, its many other things. But the feelings the triggers bring on are the same. So I can definitely relate. You should never feel stupid for the unwanted reactions these triggers cause. It is not something you have much control over, and it certainly isnt something anyone wishes on themselves or others. Its really just a matter of riding out the storm and vowing to improve your coping methods to hopefully make it easier the next time. Because lets face it, this will be with us for always. It is just a matter of learning to manage it better.

I think you will find that when you are finally ready to undertake your exposure therapy, that it will help you to desensitise yourself to the triggers to some extent. And even a small improvement can lead to a big change in your wellbeing and life in general. Has your therapist given you any coping strategies at all? Eg mindfullness, breathing techniques, distraction, etc? I would be very surprised if she/he hasnt, as it is all part of the preparation for your upcoming Exposure Therapy. It is meant to provide you with the tools and assurance that is needed to cope with the rigors of the therapy itself.

I reiterate Kaz's invitation to come along and join us at the BB Cafe. Its a bit of fun, and can act as a bit of a distraction for you when you need it. And we are all pretty friendly! ( - :

Hope to catch you at the Cafe sometime. You will find it under the Community threads section. If you get there, have a read through and you will get the gist of things then.

Sherie xx

Elizabeth CP · ‎20-01-2016

Thank you Sherie,

I did learn some mindfullness a while ago but didn't do well with it. My therapist recommends distractions although when I am overtired as I was the other day it doesn't work. For the last few years each time he sarts trying to help me learn a technique or skill to enable me to cope better there is another crisis in my life which takes all my emotional energy so the useful long term strategies get left.

I am my own worst enemy sometimes as soon as I start feeling OK I push myself and then end up exhausted which then leads to more depression.

Sorry I sound a bit negative I'm feeling tired and have just come home from my therapist and he was reminding me of strategies to help manage worrying thought but this meant having to explain in detail what has been going on lately which has caused me to worry. I had been trying to put that behind me and focus on the future but talking about it reminded me that my future is going to be stressful no matter what I do.

I better go as I'm rambling and just remembering negative things

Elizabeth CP · ‎20-04-2016

I decided to resurrect this thread. I had stopped it as I had stopped the exposure therapy as it was making things worse & there were more important things to work through. I decided it was easier to ignore the PTSD as most of the time it is OK as it is mainly in the summer when there are fires when it becomes an issue.

Last night my husband & I were discussing a planned camping trip for next week. We haven't camped for over a year due to his illnesses. He mentioned wanting to take things so we could have a campfire & cook on it. This brought on feelings of extreme anxiety. In the past I had overcome my fear of fire sufficiently to be able to make a campfire & cook on it. This is something my husband remembers from the past & wants to do again but I realised I have not lit a campfire since Black Saturday 2009. These fires rekindled the PTSD.

I now feel in conflict. One of my goals is to do things with my husband which he enjoys but is no longer able to do on his own due to his blindness & other medical conditions. We both feel it is important to do this before his condition deteriorates further. On the other hand I need to look after myself & reduce the stress by doing things in a way that I can manage so lighting campfires is not ideal.

Guest_5218 · ‎20-04-2016

Hi Elizabeth. I'm sorry this discussion about camping has brought on further anxiety in relation to your ptsd. Its a pain isnt it?

Regarding the camping though. I recall you went camping during the Easter long weekend with a number of other family members (although your hubby was not there for that trip). From what you said about the campfire on that occasion, it sounded as though you coped reasonably well.

Is it just the actual lighting of the campfire that bothers you the most, or is it more the fact that you have a campfire at all?

It is lovely cooking over a campfire, and I'm really sorry that you are not able to enjoy this simple pleasure.

I know you havent been having any treatment specifically for your ptsd with everything else having recently taken over from that. But have you ever spoken to your psych about EMDR? It may be highly appropriate and successful for you and your specific fear of campfires? A single issue such as that, may only take one or two sessions to make a noticeable improvement in your distress over it.

Yes, you do need to look after yourself, and if you are not comfortable in going camping with a campfire etc, then you should not go. After all, it is not just yourself you are needing to take care of. In your case it is your hubby as well. If you were to panic or go into a highly emotional state, then your husband would also be in danger.

Sorry, I probably havent helped much. Just more to think about. But do give the EMDR some thought.

Sherie xx

Elizabeth CP · ‎20-04-2016

My reaction to my husband's suggestion re campfire shocked me. I am normally OK with campfires provided they aren't too big or feel under control. It was only after my reaction that I thought back & realized I had not been lighting fires myself. I wasn't consciously avoiding it.

Supporter · ‎20-04-2016

Hi Elizabeth

I suffer from PTSD, depression and anxiety.

I know exactly what you are saying as I have those feelings too at times.

Close your eyes and breath! Long deep breaths in and out. Take yourself to your favorite place... Beach? Bush walk? Wherever it is for you!Feel the peacefulness around you. Know that you are loved, know that you are strong - a good human being who would be sorely missed!

Sometimes our heads tell us otherwise - mine has... But it is not true! You are needed!

Most importantly, you have sent this message... You are so very strong!!!!!

My favorite turn around saying in my head when I get blue as blue is 'I am a warrior! I am a SURVIVOR'You can not beat a survivor, nothing can. Even our own thoughts!!!

Here to listen at any time!

Stay tough warrior!!!

Simon

LanaKane · ‎23-05-2016

Sorry this post is a bit old but I have PTSD from the Canberra fires. If you ever want to talk, I know exactly how you feel x

Elizabeth CP · ‎24-05-2016

Thanks