Yes, this is common with the beginning stages of PTSD. Your brain is confused, which is different than an anxiety attack and is why going to your room helps because you have that as a safe place with low stimulation and you can have a chance to feel safe and calm down. It is part anxiety and part panic because your brain is confused about what is going on. As you work with a therapist and understand PTSD more and how it is affecting you these challenging periods will slowly happen less often.

I am sorry you are experiencing this, I went through it myself and found it hard to explain to my family who did not get it at all and tended to trigger me.

It is the same as if you injured your body and didn't realize it and then suddenly felt pain and were confused why so you slow down and try not to do anything to avoid pain. The difference with the brain is we can't see it, and it's scary, but with help and learning to understand it better you can get so you experience this less and less.

OE