PTSD triggers and stigma

[PamelaR]

Hi all

There have been a couple of posts recently about negativity towards people who are triggered by events and go into a PTSD response which results in anxiety.

I think there is a view out there by people who do not understand what Post Traumatic Stress that 'an industry is being promoted' by psychologists and others.

How awful is that! The same can be said about a range of illness that have been diagnosed over the past 50 years or more. The scientific evidence and research that has happened in the past 50 years is so advanced that IMO people are afraid.

IMO, it's much easier for people to live 'in ignorance' than to really look at what's happening in their environment. I truly believe PTSD falls in this category.

It is so easy to say, it's 'all in your head'. Well, yeah, that maybe but that does not devalue what is happening for people. Nor does it mean that it's 'stupid', 'not real', 'not happening' etc. Yes, things do happen in your head, they can be good or not so good. That's why we have mental health plans.

What I really want to debunk here is - that PTSD and it's triggers are STUPID. PTSD and triggers are real and have lasting effects both for the person who is experiencing them as do people who provide support to those people.

You will find some talk about complex PTSD along with 'normal' PTSD. I'm not making any distinctions between the two, though from what I've read in the forums there is a difference. This thread is for people who get triggered and go into anxiety. Doesn't matter what the trigger is.

Your triggers are real. They occur at times when you least expect them. No one else can say to you that you are stupid. Responses to triggers do happen. Triggers can:

• set off body responses, e.g. heart palpitations, sweating.
• be through sight, smell, sound, touch, feelings
• bring back memories of trauma
• cause intense physical and emotional reactions
• cause muscle tension.

Would love to hear what others think. Please have your say. My words are only from my experience. What is your experience?

Kind regards

PamelaR

[Vero]

Sadly this has just happened to me yesterday. I was insisting on not getting triggered. Hold it for 2 weeks but end up loosing big time. Physically sick, emotionally exhausted and mentally paralysed.

[PamelaR]

Hello everyone

You're all welcome to post here and add your views about PTSD and stigma.

Elizabeth

It's been ages. So glad you've posted here though I'm sorry it's because you've been triggered and that people supported you in ways that was not helpful.

It really is interesting you talk about - 'saying you are safe' and that trigger you. How hard is that for you. I'm so sorry to hear it made you feel that way and took you so long to recover. My heart goes out to Elizabeth and give you my hand to hold.

What you've said makes me realise how different PTSD is for everyone. For me the words 'you're safe' are so important for me to bring me back to the present. I had not seen it in the way you've described, though I can see how you must feel about someone saying that.

I must say - talking about why 'fires are important' would NOT BE something one should have talked about. Understand how you feel about that.

Can I ask though, do you think that the way they approached it with you may have been more about their ignorance about PTSD as opposed to viewing PTSD with a negative view?

I guess I ask that because, in my ignorance I may well have said something similar. And I would be so upset to trigger you. That wouldn't have been my intent.

Sorry if this is painful for you Elizabeth - just remember there's no pressure for you to respond to my questions. I'm just trying to understand and hopefully this will help others out there to understand too.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[PamelaR]

Hello Everyone

You're all welcome to give your input about your experiences on PTSD and stigma. Maybe explain how the stigma has impacted on your life?

Vero

Thank you so much for your post. It's most welcome.

I see that you've posted somewhere else on the forums, though I'm sorry can't seem to find these.

So I'll welcome you to Beyond Blue forums and our community of caring, supportive, friendly and non judgemental people.

I know what you mean about trying to hold off the trigger. Nah, it doesn't work does it. You're right, weeks later the impact still raises it's head.

What has been your experience with others when you've told them about your PTSD? Are they supportive? Or do they give you a hard time - can you give examples for others out there who may be reading?

Kind regards

PamelaR

[Vero]

Hi PalelaR, thank you for the warm welcome.

I had mixed experiences with sharing about my cptsd:

I don’t mentioned it in close work circles and amongst most of family friends.

I made a point of discussing it with a group of young women, with whom I worked on a small project. I have done it to encourage them to seek good professional help when needed. I could see one was showing open signs of a trauma, other discussed concerns about seeing a psych and one had super bad experiences with mental health professionals.

i have told my new neighbour but that was only after I have approached her to check how she was doing. I have noticed a dramatic change in her usual patterns. She opened up about her melt down. So it was a way to say it’s ok you are safe here.

the most traumatic encounter was with neuropsychologist. I was a vegan and had some serious diathermy deficiencies that in turn manifested as neurological problems. After seeing my neurologist’s request she asked for medical history. I have provided this but she drilled into cptsd asking for details of traumatic events. I still see no reason why she has recorded them against my wish. The copies were sent to my GP and neurologist. I felt very traumatised and violated. I asked her to recall the report and destroy the copies. Particularly that she mis-recorded a lot of facts. She has also improvised based on my nationality. I have raised this with her department but got nowhere. There is another version of my life created by neuropsychologist that overwrites my ownership of my life, facts bc someone has power to do so and has been legitimised. From then on I would not discuss my cptsd with anyone in medical profession. I stopped discussing it with my GP who is very good and also upon my request destroyed the copy of her report. I have no doubt the report was read in his practice and it is humiliating to go there.

When in search of a psych some 4 years ago I have interview 3 psychologist over the phone. I could immediately tell from the comparison between them who experienced depression and who had only knowledge of it. I went with one who had first hand experience and recovered from it. She was and still is the most effective psych I have ever come across.

Discussing ptsd, depression with people who never had that experience is hard work and may have traumatising outcomes.

[PamelaR]

Hello everyone

The aim of this thread is to try to reduce the stigma around PTSD and it's triggers. So if you have any thoughts about how we can start doing that - it would be good to hear from you.

Vero, thank you for sharing your story here. It must be difficult for you when you have felt so traumatised and violated by your neurologist.

I suppose that it was their way of trying to get the best possible picture of your physical health. It is terrible though for you to have your history on file when you don't want it there. Though in some ways, we need to look at why we feel embarassed or ashamed about our history.

What is the stigma that tells us to feel embarassed or ashamed that there is something wrong with us because we have ptsd and c-ptsd? Do you have any ideas?

Is it because people don't understand what it is? Or is it that some people don't believe ptsd and c-ptsd are possible? That it's just a figment of our imagination?

Everyone - feel free to add your thoughts to the thread.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[PamelaR]

Hello everyone

What are some of the things we need to change to reduce, to limit the stigma people when their PTSD is triggered?

Research is showing that - people are starting to realise you can do something about it and it’s something that happened to you — it’s not something that you could have prevented or were born with.
Government departments in America are aiming to help reduce the stigma associated with PTSD and all types of mental illness, and to encourage people to seek help. Departments have invested in research to improve the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD and mild traumatic brain injury. There has also been a push by the military and some psychiatrists to change the name to post-traumatic stress injury, in an effort to reduce the stigma.

Although social media can be a place where stigma can breed, it can also be a powerful tool to end the stigma, as can be seen through the #stopthestigma and #SilencetheShame movements. Some research suggests that people with PTSD who share their stories on social media may be practicing a form of self-care. If you're interested at all see the full article in SAGE Journals, Qualitative Research: Use of Social Media Among Individuals Who Suffer From Post-Traumatic Stress 2016

With the understanding that with sufficient support most people are resilient, most people can work through the effects of post-traumatic stress:

• seeking support is not something to be shameful for. Support is something that all humans need

Experts are agreeing that increased awareness about PTSD is needed. But therapists who try to push a diagnosis or medication can sometimes be a barrier to getting the right treatment. One psych said - Sometimes it can be better found in peer-support-type organizations or peer-counseling organizations that have less of that medical model.

What's your opinion on this view?

Kind regards

PamelaR

[Elizabeth CP]

Thanks Pam for your compassionate reply,

In my case having people reassure me that I'm safe & trying to explain why I'm safe makes me feel embarrassed and stupid because I already know I'm safe but my mind doesn't listen to logic. This is different to having someone who understands you reassure you. Years ago when there were fires in the area one sone was in the CFA & he would let me know exactly what was happening. This was helpful because I knew he was giving me the facts so I could make my own judgement whether or not I was safe or if I needed to leave.

I have spent most of my life avoiding talking about bushfires & my reaction because I felt embarrassed about it After Black Saturday a few times I was forced to tell someone at work after they overheard a phone conversation & questioned me & again I needed time off work so I had to tell my GP. It was extremely hard to tell these people but in those cases they thought my reaction to the situation was very reasonable.

I really struggle when triggered by things such as seeing burnt bush when I know I'm safe but my mind reacts as if I'm in danger. The person talking to me didn't know I have PTSD & I doubt she would understand it so I didn't tell her.

As you say my experience is very different from most others who have PTSD from traumatic events caused by people rather than natural disasters.

[Vero]

Disclosing cptsd for me is like shooting myself in a foot. I am already different to averyone else around me, by my triggers, my experiences, by level of alertness. What I desired whole my life was to feel “normal”, be part of a crowd, tribe. Sticking out draws attention. I dont want to be noticed. Symphathies are often a lip service to appear emphatic, correct. Body language is harder to control than speech and reveals true and very different opinion. It feels humiliating to be lied to right in my face. Words of assurance mixed with condescending and I have to pretend I have not noticed.

It is true support is needed by everyone. Appearance of needing support is seen as a sign of weakness.

Affecting a change? This could start with health professionals replacing superficial political correctness with understanding and experience. Perhaps a month or so of an immersive “adopt” a ptsd sufferer experience would alter their true perceptions. Media campaigns for general public could follow. But not the other way around as media campaigns would likely resonate and encourage some people who may seek health practitioners for assistance. If their newly found courage gets burnt they may not open up again and possibly overcompensate with general hostility towards mental health issues.

[labradoodle]

Hi Pam another great post. I've been triggered again. At least I now know the signs.The anniversary of my accident is coming and reading yours and other posts I understand these times can be a definite trigger. Spoke to my psychologist about it last week and we have another appointment before the day. Have spoken to work about it they have been very understanding but I would appreciate any tips from you or others about dealing with anniversaries. Thanks Labradoodle

[PamelaR]

Hi Labradoodle

Lovely to hear from you again, thought I'm sorry to hear your anniversary will soon be here. They are never good. The best thing so far is - you are totally aware of it. Great starting point. I recall awhile ago, in about February this year I did a post for a couple of people who had significant anniversaries in March. Now I just have to remember the tips. Maybe the others will pop on and share some of their experiences (if they're feeling like it that is).

Okay, now that you are aware - make a list of things you want to do. Both leading up to the day and a day or two following. Make those things interesting, engaging, fun and most of all something you really like to do. Maybe with someone - a close friend or family member?

When the day arrives - acknowledge the day. Let yourself know you are aware of its presence, however, it is not going to control how you are or what you want to do. Tell yourself you will deal with your feelings at a time, date, place that suits you. Maybe write in a journal the things you want to deal with about that anniversary? I call this, parking it (parking your feelings, it lets them know they are not in control, but you still care for them and will deal with them later). For me this has three results - 1) it doesn't interfere with the day; 2) it is kind of empowering for yourself to 'take control' 3) it lessens the sting of the anniversary. Hope this is all making sense. Let me know if it isn't.

Really like the way you keep popping in here when you need to.

Kind regards

PamelaR