[Snap66]

Two years ago I had to endure something traumatic that has raised my sensitivity to extreme.
Now anything beautiful, anything sad whatever - big or small and I'm hyperventilating on the brink of crying to having uncontrollable silent tears.

My PD as a whole remains the same, just the sensitivity part has been turned up to 11.

I'm really trying to understand the changing of this emotion. My psych quickly mentioned Empathy, however I've always been sensitive just not at this level so I don't believe that's what it is.

I realise what I'm asking might not have an answer but on the off chance someone might have some thoughts or have studied this...either way thanks for taking the time.

[sumowira]

Could be you have elevated dopamine due to stress.
Of course there are meds that are supposed to be able to treat it.

There are life choices that can make a difference.
First, of course, is to reduce stress. (I know, it would already be done if possible.)
Exercise, especially yoga.
Avoid drugs, alcohol and caffeine.

And there are herbs that can lower dopamine levels, but research them first before taking them:
bacopa
white mulberry
ginseng
St John's wort
dandelion

Amino acids are supposed to help. I know someone who swears by 5-HTP as a literal life saver, taken when stress becomes completely unmanageable, a few times per month and it works well enough that he doesn't have to take a prescription.

Finally look up techniques that Highly Sensitive People employ. Whether or not you are officially HSP, you are highly sensitive now (hopefully temporarily) so the coping skills they use could help you too.

[Snap66]

I'll also look into PTSD.
It is part of my diagnoses it seems to show up in assessments but not in real life...if that makes sense, or I have some subconscious way I swallow it? IDK.

Something to talk about with the psych and those with the disorder.
Thanks.

[sumowira]

I thought could be PTSD too, but there are a lot of physical symptoms that you didn't describe so I didn't want to send you on a wild goose chase. But if it's part of your diagnosis...

I ignore my secondary diagnoses - treatment resistant depression, general anxiety, PTSD, yadda yadda yadda. What's the point when my primary diagnosis is all encompassing.
Until something pops one of them to the forefront and I have to spend all my energy dealing with it.

Good luck. Fingers crossed you find something that helps and this is temporary.

[Sunflower123]

Do you think a therapist could help you get to the bottom of this? I would think it would be normal to be extra vigilant and sensitive after having a traumatic experience. Best wishes.

[Snap66]

Originally Posted by Jennifer 1967

Do you think a therapist could help you get to the bottom of this? I would think it would be normal to be extra vigilant and sensitive after having a traumatic experience. Best wishes.

I really don't know if she could or couldn't that's why I thought I would at least get some input from those who have the disorder.

Its doesn't matter anymore, I'll just deal with it.

Thanks Jennifer.

[Fuzzybear]

I can certainly relate to extreme sensitivity.. I've found pc usually offers input (not always)

I wish I could offer advice but I don't really have any (besides the "obvious"

I've already consulted one T - abusive and another T - not helpful

[BLUEDOVE]

See on Facebook groups for sensitivity.