It is ok especally that you recognize htis behavior. It is OK to be angry. What you really need to do is find out what the real feelings are hiding underneath the anger. In this process, you will identify your triggers and be able to RESPOND rather than REACT.

Uh, yeah. But I'd like to know if you do this too?

Yes, I used to. I suffered (and still have) complex PTSD. But I have learned to overcome it and have successfully transformed myself into the person I want to be with my attitude and in the way in which I deal with my emotions, especially when triggers occur, causing my emotions to become really big.

At this point I don't-but I definately used to...Therapy helped because when I knew why I felt so sensitive...When it had a name and an explanation...I felt so much better. The snapping qiuckly stopped after that.
But it is so hard when you know why, but still can't seem to control it. My therapist says this has to do with the fact that PTSD puts us in a constant state of "high alert",so our reactions tend to be high strung.
I don't know if that's actually helpfull-but I would bet if we polled everyone in this community, you'd get alot of people saying that they do the same thing you do.
Best Wishes, Lily

I was very snappy or so my sister would tell you the exorcist--so now I take celexa to help with the anxiety and everything--I have seen some improvements-my BF has not been snapped at in weeks, so he would tell you it's great!!!! I agree with uwin you have to find out what the real feelings are and process it in a positive way and not let the anger take hold of you.

The "High_alert" state is called "hyper-vigilence". Google provides some intersting articles on hyper-vigilence. Hwne my emotions get really big, I take a time-out from them, and ask myself, what am I really feeling? What caused these feelings? Can I separate the message being directed to me from the feelings? By doing this I am able to give a RESPONSE not a REACTIION. It used to be that it would take me a couple of weeks to give a response, but now I can do it in under 3 hours. Just took prctice and discipline and a lot of positive affirmation and good self-talk.

I snap at people more than I realize.

I snap at people more than I realize.

I get snappish from time to time, myself. Esp when confronted with abject stupidity, or, (example) my stepson threw a 25 pound bag of cat litter and spilled it all over our carpet, and he said he dropped it (his mother and I saw him do it) and then he turned to me and told me f--- you. I came very close to decking him. I'm glad I didn't, but I noticed that I do tend to go from zero to Atilla the Hun on 0.0235 second.

I do all of the time. Not meaning to. But lately I do it so much that my husband actually had me placed in the pysch ward for blacking out. I have to take special meds and exercises. He is very scared of me now. Sweetness81

I know I snap especially if I had a sleepless night. Most of the people I'm around know what I am going through and understand. I'm quick to apoligize because it tends to suprise me even when it happens.

Wow... Yeah, that's exactly what I feel. After a sleepless night, I tend to 'rip them a new one' to my own surprise. I can really mess up the workplace.

My sister used to get like the exorsist. That is the only way I could describe it so that she would understand how bad it was. But, she is on meds now and that has helped. I could tell from the first day of talking to her after she had taken one that their was an extreme difference! I can only imagine how relieved her BF is to not be snapped at, both barrels blazing...he would never know what would set her off really! That is the worst thing! Coming home from a hard days work and BOOM...the barrel of the gun is right in your face and you have 3 seconds to live!!!! Sorry sister, you used to be quite nasty....but you are so much better now! THANK GOODNESS!

The bad hangover has never helped either. lol

Yeah. I gave up drinking several years ago. ;-)