ptsd is a beast. I have abandonment and trust issues from an emotionally and mentally abusive marriage. I struggle with how to tell family and friends when something they say or do triggers a flashback. Logically, I know that the person didn't intend their actions or words to hurt me. I just don't know how to raise awareness of my personal triggers without possibly making them feel blamed.

I have this on my list of topics to discuss at my next appointment, but that is still a week away. I don't want to avoid talking to this person or be over alert to be prepared for a flashback. I guess my question really is, if you were the person who I need to talk to, what would help you understand how your behavior affected me without feeling like I was blaming you?