Dear Fuzzybear: see you posted a few days ago - I hope you found some comfort and support in the interim!

It's been really rewarding reading forum post and responses, here - I am learning more skills and coping mechanisms to add to my tried n' true (aka: sleep, chocolate, vigorous walking, etc).

When I first developed PTSD, it was like I was feral! Everything was a threat, and my anger would flash so hot, such a surge!- that I frequently lashed out [this coming from someone previously known for her calm, quiet demeanor].

When I was able, after the passage of time and some therapy, to examine my responses, I started making lists of my triggers. Sort of working backwards, I examined the behaviour that bothered me, try to recall the scene (the who, what, why, where, etc), and see if I could pinpoint or guesstimate what the trigger was. I also tried to define the feelings I had post-trigger (ie when I recognized "uh, oh!", I was feeling scared/angry/cornered) and how my body felt (clenched teeth, fists) any themes to thoughts (fight! run!) shallow, fast breathing - just an inventory to help me recognize I was being triggered.

I wrote it all out on a spiral bound, index card notebook that I still carry with me everywhere as a security blanket. I came up with some things I could try to offset the feelings (slow down breathing, unclench muscles) if I felt I might be misreading the danger in a situation.

But sometimes, frankly, I just allowed myself to run - I have gotten better about telling my family "I need to take a walk - I have my phone, will be okay" rather then just fighting my way out a door and literally running away. But I try to respect my reading of some situations.

I hope you will follow up here, if you feel like it, and let us know how you are faring.

With Respect - Bolivar