You're welcome, kids ... I was in the middle of editing it, and here's the final cut!

I have Complex PTSD, and yes I do get triggered by some of the threads, posts & discussions here. I'm working on not even clicking on anything like that anymore.

For those who do not understand triggers and why it's important to flag some threads and posts with a trigger icon ...

A trigger can be anything that thrusts the person with PTSD into a flashback. A flashback is where the person with PTSD feels they are experiencing the initial trauma(s) that caused them to develop PTSD in the first place ... A combat veteran may hear a gunshot and be thrust back onto the battlefield fighting for their life ... A rape survivor may smell an odor or aroma that reminds them of the rape they experienced 10 years ago and end up in a flashback that they are being raped all over again right this moment ... An adult survivor of childhood physical abuse may be playfully slapped on the back by a friend and be thrust back into a flashback where they're being beaten all over again by the person who horridly abused them during their childhood ... A person who's home was totally destroyed by a tornado may suddenly find themselves reliving that event via flashback whenever a thunderstorm is blowing through.

Of course, none of it is happening now, but the brain has been forever altered by the initial trauma and has been left fragile to tripping up all over again - and often unexpectedly - by everyday things that simply don't have an effect on a person who has not experienced overwhelming, life threatening traumas.

For the person with PTSD a flashback is just as real for them in the here and now (even though it's not really happening now) as it was back when it actually did happen!

I hope that helped to explain it a little bit ...

There are many informative articles about PTSD right here at PC (check the home page), and if you type in PTSD and/or C-PTSD into the search engine of your browser, you will also come up with many links.

Oh, and for all of those who love to sneak up on and scare people? This is the WORST THING EVER you can do to a person who suffers with PTSD. So if you ever do scare someone and are shocked or surprised at what may seem like an over-reaction on their part, I assure you that for them it has triggered a life/death & fight/flight reaction that for the most part they cannot help, & it may not end well for you. So please rethink this idea of fun as I can assure you it is anything BUT fun for a person suffering with PTSD.

Sincerely,
Pfrog!