No one IRL (except T and P-doc) understands triggers. Even though they intellectually understand what PTSD is, they've never "FELT" what PTSD is.

I even wrote a piece titled Every Now And Then because I wanted to beat it into their heads that I just don't "over react" because I'm "high-strung."

I'm splattered all over the ceiling because that's what happens when you startle me so STOP IT!

And it's NOT CUTE when it happens.

And it's NOT FUNNY when it happens.

[RozG]

((((((((((((Orange_Blossom))))))))))))

i'm really sorry you're having to go thru this...we all know how hard it is without people not understanding triggers on top.

i guess all you can do is print off some stuff about triggers for then to read and hope something in there sinks in.

having said that you're an intelligent woman and have probably already done all you can to make them understand.

i wish i had better advice for you than that but i've lived in the "badlands" near my whole life, so people don't need ptsd explaining in any way...too many bombings and drive-bys etc for folks to not get it.

so sorry all i have for you here is understanding, support, love and hugs...and the offer to pm any time you wish.

[skeksi]

I understand what it's like--to have the awful triggers and flashbacks, and t have NO ONE around you who gets it. I am thankful beyond words that my T *does* get it, because if I couldn't explain it to one person who nodded and said, "That makes sense," I might explode. I'm glad your T and pdoc get it for you, too.

I try to explain it to the people in my life. But they can't quite grasp it. It's like I'm walking in a maze and they are walking around the perimeter, yelling over the hedge, "why can't you just come out?"

[(JD)]

I guess the closest we can come to is to find a trigger, even if it's a good one, to them... they probaby just think of them as strong memories...but it's a start... once you have them in that frame of mind (sensing with all their senses if they can, of something long ago..) see if you can get them to find something not enjoyable to fully remember.

I agree, telling them doesn't make any difference. They won't get it.

[Justgiving]

Not too long ago one of my co-worker got really angry because someone walked silently behind her and startled her. All the people around her thought she has over reacted because the other employee didn`t meant anything wrong. I was the only one who understood her reaction and I thought to myself people can`t understand because they never went through a trauma, they can`t know how it feels. Maybe they don`t mean wrong and they are probably very good hearted people, they simply don`t understand. For what to them might be a simple joke, creates a flashback or trigger for others.

I`m so sorry. Hope you feel better soon.

[Kiya]

((((orange blossom)))))))

yes... in fact, I find trying to explain it to them doesn't help because then they found something to "get" me with... to egg me on. I just have to pretend it didn't bug or upset me because they'd use it to provoke me... especially being DID - having a trigger on, say, the interstate and suddenly becoming 9 or 12 yrs old = really not a good idea. I could not get my coworkers to understand why their topic matters were not allowed in my car. I, too, wish you didn't have to go through that. Any of it. And to have ppl not "get it" - bites. totally bites.

[beadlady29-old]

((((((((((((((((((((Orange Blossom)))))))))))))))))))))))))

You're right , others don't seem, to get it. personally i think that when others don't understand it is often because they don't WANT to for whatever reason..........Thank God some of the pdocs and T's do or elxe we would be in one heck of a mess!!

[Clandestine]

I just tell me people, to just relieve the anxiety and pressure in myself. But honestly, they really don't get it. It's like their minds have filters. And they think what we tell is just an episode, that after it happens, we move on, another thing happens, and so forth. Which is so wrong for them to assume. ;[

I hear you.

It's hard.. so hard...

<font color="purple">Clandestine</font>

[Fuzzybear]

(((((((((((( Orange_Blossom )))))))))))))

(((((((((((((orange))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
I know I am not IRL
but you know I get it....
muffy

[iamtwilight]

(((Orange Blossom)))

I agree especially with the part where you said it's not cute or funny when you startle.

Been there so many times and each time have been on the verge of punching everyone that "aww"ed or chuckled in the face.

[(JD)]

Even if someone has experienced trauma, and even if they developed PTSD from it, I think there's still a possibility that they won't "get it" until an expert explains it to them, over and over also?

It isn't that others don't care, it is that this disorder isn't "rational" to regular thinking. That those with PTSD also have a tendency to forgot that it's because of the disorder that do thus and thus... shows that it must be extrement difficult for others to remember also.



I wish people who like to pull practical jokes, and also scare people would realize that not everyone enjoys such behavior.

[allthegirls6]

I dont suppose we can ever understand unless we are actually there. But I do know how debilitating it is when people think you are nuts and cant get why you are being the way you are. I suppose Im saying i know what its like when no one gets it. Its horrible. Im sorry that you are feeling like this at the moment.

We l;ove you

I'm so grateful I have all of you. Thanks for being here.

(((((((((((orange)))))))))))))))))))))))))
thank you for being here........


where would the sheep be with out the flower lololol
aww

[Kiya]

it is hard - everyone has different triggers. what is fine for one, totally unhinges another. too bad we all don't have those blurp bubbles over our heads with a list of words or actions that would be upsetting!

((((((((((((((((orange!!))))))))))))

[skeksi]

Oh, Kiya, that cracked me up! It would be so awesome.

Thanks for understanding and showing support everyone. I really appreciate it.

[(JD)]

OH, there was a time when I wanted one of those ticker tape signs for the back of the car.... to tell others what I was thinking ... such a very good thing I went through that quickly, and never bought one of them!

[Numbers]

I know exactly what you mean. People startle me on purpose too because they think it's funny. I don't understand how they can think screaming, shaking and running of crying is funny!? it makes no sense.

It's just mean!

I really hope for you that they stop it soon.

((((((((((((orange)))))))))))))

[Typo]

(((orangeblossom)))

I know how that feels. Espically wiht my anxiety, people don't understand that it is not funny for me. I hate it when people make fun of me because of my anxiety. I understand and I am sending hugs to you!!

Thanks everyone for being so understanding and letting me vent.