How do we folks with PTSD cope, especially when are symptoms are triggered even further by forces beyond our control?

I'm noticing tonight that the sound of kids playing outside, high voices and sometimes loud happy screams, is bothering me. It sounds like emergency to me. I'm ready to fly or fight.

The kids aren't doing anything wrong, they are fine. I closed up that side of my apartment, I have a nice fan on now that provides soothing white noise, and I am going to move to a further room and settle in with a good book. I have ear plugs too if I want.

Also going to take a warm bath to settle down my tight muscles a bit.

My doors and windows are locked, I am safe as much as I myself can control. I'm not in control of the disaster or all the traumatic events. I am not responsible for that and I am not guilty cause I survived. I am responsible for myself and those around me, I am responsible for making good choices about myself. I am able to control to a certain extent if I stay stable or if I get worse.