Well, since I developed PTSD I became much more sensitive then I ever was before and I think most of the members that struggle with PTSD or Complex PTSD talk about developing a sensitivity that can present with one experiencing "reactions" they don't necessarily make a conscious decision to experience. I remember when I first joined Psych Central I had never heard the term "triggered" before. However, I had been experiencing a lot of triggers IRL. I had even had therapy as well as seen two psychiatrists and none of these specialists used the term "trigger/triggered".

Actually? I think that therapists can sit across from a patient that is experiencing a trigger and presents with what may appear to be a manic episode, when in reality the patient comes in to the appointment suffering from a major trigger and even perhaps is experiencing several triggers, which is how I presented at times.

When I talked to my therapist today he explained to me that the amygdala stores all the things we experience, emotional, traumatic and the conscious mind is not always aware of what is there. For the longest time things would trigger me and I did not understand "why".

It's very HARD to explain to others what it's like to experience this challenge and what everyone I have come across hates are responses where others say, "well just don't let that bother you, or don't allow these situations to bother you". It gets very frustrating because a lot of these responses/triggers are actually involuntary. Many have described this challenge as being "haunted by". For example, I experienced a lot of trauma here at my farm where I live, and it's been so challenging because I get triggered constantly and I NEVER do this consciously. I don't even know why some days are worse than others, I not only get exhausted, but it gets physically painful or I am out trying to do my chores and feed and I end up running a marathon inside me where it's so much more exhausting than it should be.