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Old Aug 19, 2008, 06:41 PM
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jennie jennie is offline
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Member Since: Dec 2002
Location: DC metro area
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</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
assertiveone said:
This illness can be powerful how do we escape it?

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Escape what?

I looked up the word "escape" in the dictionary and it said it means to avoid something. Interestingly, "avoidance" is a symptom of PTSD.

I think avoidance is very important in the recovery of PTSD. It is a little complicated to explain.

I have PTSD (sexual traumas) and have found that when I avoid my triggers I am able to function normally. But sometimes, I need to face my fears and allow myself to be triggered...but I do this only when I am strong enough to work through the mental distress...because panic attacks, dissociation, and other PTSD symptoms will surface. Otherwise, I steer clear of my triggers.

Recently there has been long periods of time I forget I have PTSD because I have successfully avoided the triggers and thus avoided all the disturbing symptoms. And, then a disguised trigger surfaced and caught me off guard....What happens is my anger goes off the charts (control loss), hands tremble (trying to regain control of situation), studder when I try to talk, heart races, face turns red, and I can't think clearly. Those are serious red flags for me to escape that situation. If I stay there and try to deal with the PTSD, usually just make a mess of the situation.

I've found it's always to deal with stressors when I'm with my supportive husband. Let him know beforehand what is up...then challenge myself.