[Moiraine]

I was once severely triggered by a smell. I was visiting my dad in the hospital at the time. The chemicals that they used to clean his room with set me off.

I was just wondering if anyone else had ever been triggered by a smell?

[Trace14]

Originally Posted by Moiraine

I was once severely triggered by a smell. I was visiting my dad in the hospital at the time. The chemicals that they used to clean his room with set me off.

I was just wondering if anyone else had ever been triggered by a smell?

Can't say I have but it wouldn't surprise me if it did happen. A trigger can be anything really. Hope you worked through the trigger okay.

[Moiraine]

Thank you. I made it to his bathroom where I eventually got myself together.

I don't know about anybody else, but I don't share my problems with my family, so having a flashback in front of them is just a no no.

[Trace14]

Originally Posted by Moiraine

Thank you. I made it to his bathroom where I eventually got myself together.

I don't know about anybody else, but I don't share my problems with my family, so having a flashback in front of them is just a no no.

I'm the same way. I try not to worry my family with what all I'm going through. So I totally understand. Did you know this smell was something triggering, or was it a surprise trigger?

[MtnTime2896]

Some of my flashbacks have started with my sense of smell. It's not uncommon.

[Moiraine]

Trace, it was a surprise, and a long time after. I did not start having symptoms of PTSD for a long while after. I was in a situation that I had to keep a lid on things because things kept on happening.

[Moiraine]

So leigheas, I am glad to know that it's not uncommon and that I am not alone, although I am sorry that you have PTSD.

[DechanDawa]

I live in a new apartment complex with a big new lobby full of furniture, rugs, tables, lamps, books, and even a mini kitchen. But one thing about it is that it throws off a very strong, peculiar smell. I have no idea why. I don't know if it is the new furniture or what. I have lived here for several months and the smell has not abated. It is still strong and faintly sweet but in a sickening way. Maybe it is the flooring or the bamboo tables...well, I don't know what. The point is I can't stand to be in there and only go in and quickly get my mail and leave. Our sense of smell seems to warn us when things aren't quite right. I volunteered at a hospital and the smell on the cancer ward made me feel sick.

[Trace14]

Originally Posted by Moiraine

Trace, it was a surprise, and a long time after. I did not start having symptoms of PTSD for a long while after. I was in a situation that I had to keep a lid on things because things kept on happening.

Triggers are sneaky, and that's what makes them so uncomfortable. You just never know when they will hit. At least you know now how that smell makes you feel. I hope now you can find someone to talk about these issues and get some guidance on how to proceed. Have you found a counselor that can help with that?

[Trace14]

Originally Posted by DechanDawa

I live in a new apartment complex with a big new lobby full of furniture, rugs, tables, lamps, books, and even a mini kitchen. But one thing about it is that it throws off a very strong, peculiar smell. I have no idea why. I don't know if it is the new furniture or what. I have lived here for several months and the smell has not abated. It is still strong and faintly sweet but in a sickening way. Maybe it is the flooring or the bamboo tables...well, I don't know what. The point is I can't stand to be in there and only go in and quickly get my mail and leave. Our sense of smell seems to warn us when things aren't quite right. I volunteered at a hospital and the smell on the cancer ward made me feel sick.

Is this in your apartment or just the lobby? Oh goodness there are so many sickening smells in the hospital. I worked in one for 7 years and I think my sense of smell is dead now. Which worked out well when working

[Moiraine]

Trace, I went into therapy for the problem and I wound up f***ed me up worse than I was. I have a long story that I don't want to get into on the board right now. I know I need to go back, I'm doing good on meds right now and I am scared of therapists.

[DechanDawa]

Originally Posted by Trace14

Is this in your apartment or just the lobby? Oh goodness there are so many sickening smells in the hospital. I worked in one for 7 years and I think my sense of smell is dead now. Which worked out well when working

No, not my apartment, just the lobby. When I take the elevator down as it gets to the lobby I can start smelling the lobby smell. If anyone has any idea what this could be maybe make a comment? In my mind an area shouldn't have such a peculiar and unique smell. Could it be the cleaning products they use? There is leather furniture. The area is usually empty. No one seems to sit in the lobby. It's kind of wasted space. The smell doesn't remind me of anything I have smelled before so I cannot identify it at all.

[Trace14]

Originally Posted by DechanDawa

No, not my apartment, just the lobby. When I take the elevator down as it gets to the lobby I can start smelling the lobby smell. If anyone has any idea what this could be maybe make a comment? In my mind an area shouldn't have such a peculiar and unique smell. Could it be the cleaning products they use? There is leather furniture. The area is usually empty. No one seems to sit in the lobby. It's kind of wasted space. The smell doesn't remind me of anything I have smelled before so I cannot identify it at all.

It really could be anything. Without good ventilation and people brings their smells in it could stay like that for a while. Have you contacted the manager of the complex about this? Maybe they could put an air purifier in the lobby.

[DechanDawa]

Originally Posted by Trace14

It really could be anything. Without good ventilation and people brings their smells in it could stay like that for a while. Have you contacted the manager of the complex about this? Maybe they could put an air purifier in the lobby.

The property management's office opens out into the lobby so it would seem that they would be aware very of the smell. Another thing is they have music playing in the lobby 24/7. So it's kind of creepy cuz you can go down there at midnight and the lobby is empty but music is blasting. I have already complained about the music and about other stuff and don't want to complain anymore. My apartment doesn't have any problems but I don't like it (no view, small, expensive) so I will be moving this year. I guess will leave the mystery of the odd smelling lobby for others to figure out. Mostly the rental business is about curb appeal...and just walking in the lobby and other areas of the complex everything has a feel of luxury...but it is actually just kind of fake. They don't clean very well and areas are dirty such as the trash area but it isn't something you would see on a tour.

[Trace14]

Originally Posted by DechanDawa

The property management's office opens out into the lobby so it would seem that they would be aware very of the smell. Another thing is they have music playing in the lobby 24/7. So it's kind of creepy cuz you can go down there at midnight and the lobby is empty but music is blasting. I have already complained about the music and about other stuff and don't want to complain anymore. My apartment doesn't have any problems but I don't like it (no view, small, expensive) so I will be moving this year. I guess will leave the mystery of the odd smelling lobby for others to figure out. Mostly the rental business is about curb appeal...and just walking in the lobby and other areas of the complex everything has a feel of luxury...but it is actually just kind of fake. They don't clean very well and areas are dirty such as the trash area but it isn't something you would see on a tour.

I understand, you are wise to pick your battles. Hopefully you will find a more comfortable place to live soon .

[DechanDawa]

Originally Posted by Trace14

I understand, you are wise to pick your battles. Hopefully you will find a more comfortable place to live soon .

Thanks. I really like your comment about being wise to pick one's battles. It's part of mental health care, isn't it? I think an important part.

[Moiraine]

I hope that you find a comfortable place to live.

[Trace14]

Originally Posted by DechanDawa

Thanks. I really like your comment about being wise to pick one's battles. It's part of mental health care, isn't it? I think an important part.

Yes, it is important to pick your battles. But some of us, myself included, don't take that time to step back and look at things with our "wise mind" We take on worries that we have no control over and it only ends up hurting us more.
Good luck with finding that new apartment. I'm sure you will find something more comfortable on all levels.