Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group
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I have not had a flashback for sometime.
I work in a ER. Last night a woman was brought in that was assaulted. She had been tied up with duct tape.
I was triggered sitting at the desk all of sudden I felt I was losing touch with my surroundings. And I left my body. Felt like the room was getting smaller. I was not aware of any one around. Even though there were several nurse and residents around.
They had no idea what was going on with me.
So what triggered was being tied up with red duct tape. Which I experience walking into a robbery in a convienent store. 2 guys had guns. This happened 3 yrs ago.
It wasn't til today at work I was able to put things together what I was experiencing last night. I am dealing with the residue of the feelings experienced. What helps me at this point I can name what had happen and to reassure myself. To breath and I am okay..
Its weird to be sitting in the room and no one has a clue what's going. And I probably acted as if.
I work in a ER. Last night a woman was brought in that was assaulted. She had been tied up with duct tape.
I was triggered sitting at the desk all of sudden I felt I was losing touch with my surroundings. And I left my body. Felt like the room was getting smaller. I was not aware of any one around. Even though there were several nurse and residents around.
They had no idea what was going on with me.
So what triggered was being tied up with red duct tape. Which I experience walking into a robbery in a convienent store. 2 guys had guns. This happened 3 yrs ago.
It wasn't til today at work I was able to put things together what I was experiencing last night. I am dealing with the residue of the feelings experienced. What helps me at this point I can name what had happen and to reassure myself. To breath and I am okay..
Its weird to be sitting in the room and no one has a clue what's going. And I probably acted as if.
Today I am shaking the residue. Looking back I was in terror the other day....Wanting to run and go home. But this wise womans voice says you are ok Kathi and you are in a safe place. I was able to finish the shift.
Yes popeye its true I have been able to be invincible and look calm on the outside.
>> sometimes your outward appearance is abso-
>> lutely different than the feelings you have on
>> the inside."
Lord isn't that SO TRUE. I've had flashbacks while driving... and that scared the beegebers out of me. Even with that, I spent damned near 40 years not showing it. I was a master at putting on the face that people wanted to see, all the while feeling completely different or sometimes even nothing at all. It's called Masking, and it's a coping mechinism you learn to protect yourself, your emotions, and your psyche.
I've found for me... talking about it and saying when someone is triggering me is the best thing I can do. Good on ya that you did and realize the Masking you've been doing.
Take care Popeye... keep eating that spinach.