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Old Aug 04, 2016, 09:51 PM
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skeksi skeksi is offline
Magnate
 
Member Since: Apr 2008
Location: N/A
Posts: 2,489
I haven't had a major new trauma since my original abuse, but I do encounter my abuser a couple of times a year at family events and it pretty much retraumatizes me and sets me back to 0 for a bit.

It helps to remind myself that PTSD is a a spectrum, and having more symptoms right now doesn't mean I haven't made huge progress or that I won't feel better. I also basically treat myself like I am down with the flu--get lots of rest, be attentive and careful with eating well, do things that help me rebuild my sense of safety inch by inch. I tell people in my life I'm not feeling well so that I can take a sick day, or beg off of things that feel overwhelming, etc.

My old coping method was to berate myself for getting reactive, feel ashamed and try to pretend none of it was happening. That didn't really work! I do far better to acknowledge that I'm having a hard time and try to take care of myself through it.

I'm sorry that happened to you. Anyone would be upset and distressed afterwards, let alone somebody with a trauma history.
Hugs from:
Trace14, Wild Coyote
Thanks for this!
Wild Coyote