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Discovering My Triggers with C-PTSD

frankisgayx

561d

hi, I'm 18 and I was only recently diagnosed with C-PTSD. I've had it for a long time, though. I'm wondering if you all can relate with having very random, oddly specific triggers. I feel that I am constantly discovering triggers I didn't know I had. while I was working at Wendy's, I had a full-blown melt down over the smell of someone's vehicle through the window. also, some triggers are pretty embarrassing to explain, particularly to new-ish friends when I'd like them to avoid certain things. an example is "ch-ch-ch-chia!" trying to explain that the jingle for chia pets triggers traumatic memories/flashbacks can be kind of difficult haha and often times I feel pressured to explain the context, which isn't cool.

2

17

17

Complex post traumatic stress disorder

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Top reply
    • Elita

      555d

      I get this too, red cars trigger me sometimes as it reminds me of my dad's car, hard to explain to other people that a car triggered me 😅

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    • Elita

      555d

      I get this too, red cars trigger me sometimes as it reminds me of my dad's car, hard to explain to other people that a car triggered me 😅

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    • superstarrr

      559d

      Yes! Certain songs can trigger me, certain smells and driving past certain places too. I have some more but I really haven't been able to pinpoint them yet.

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    • Fluffsy

      560d

      I have a few strange ones. If there is like stuffed animal with fur that’s old or well loved and kind of stringy feeling now and I see it or touch it too long I can get a flashback. The most inconvenient one is that if I hold a tissue like a Kleenex in my hand for too long I can get a flashback, so like when I’m emotional and crying and people offer me a Kleenex I just start panicking or breaking down more 😂😂 I try to warn people about this one and tell them to specifically offer me toilet paper or a hanky/cloth if available instead. Im not even aware of all of my triggers because often times I will forget what sent me into a panic attack to begin with but those are two I know of for me

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      • frankisgayx

        560d

        @Fluffsy ooooh man the tissue one is a toughie :') thanks for telling me about your triggers!! I totally relate with that last part, not even knowing why I was panicked to behind with!! Jeez. It can be totally emotionally and mentally depleting sometimes.

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    • Pippin

      561d

      I have some oddly specific ones too. My partners and friends always accept "trauma is weird" as an explanation for why I'm suddenly panicking. I feel a little better about the silliness sometimes because I know I can win that "two truths and a lie" game with "super glue makes me cry"

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      • frankisgayx

        561d

        @Pippin LMAO thank you for this high quality advice 🙏 I tend to cope using humor and that seems like a very good way to navigate a situation that could be a hot mess otherwise.

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    • Ace_Spider_Queen

      561d

      Yes!!! I feel this 😭 one of my triggers is the smell of the paper string people put in Easter baskets and I always feel silly when I tell people about it :(

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      • frankisgayx

        561d

        @Ace_Spider_Queen thanks for sharing that, I know it's hard to say when you've been made to feel silly before! My smelly-trigger is some generic kind of laundry detegent + body wash haha, I never did figure out what brand.

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    • Hallescomet

      561d

      Im really lucky to have been able to work through a lot of my triggers, but I definitely remember the days of random panic attacks because of triggers. One of my more recently developed ones is kinda weird, lime green cars (but especially sports cars), and even though it won't give me a breakdown I definitely have to put the mental on defense to keep one from coming on eventually. I totally get what you mean about having to explain it to friends, it makes you feel crazy all over again 😅. I hope you're well 🖤

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      • frankisgayx

        561d

        @Hallescomet thanks for sharing!! It's awesome that you've made so much progress!! I totally understand what you mean, my abuser used to (maybe still does) drive an old grand caravan, which sucks because they're everywhere! But kinda like you said, I can prevent a full blown melt down if I put forth some mental energy, it's just very draining sometimes.

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    • Jellibean_Lover

      561d

      Definitely not alone with this at all. Personally my triggers are very broad which means it’s set off a lot but having a strong support system is important so they know what to look for and how to help you cope with it. Advocate for yourself at work and let your boss know privately that you’re working through some things and you may need to take breaks. I know this is all easier said than done but I’m here for you whenever you need. Please feel free to dm if you need / want 💕

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      • frankisgayx

        561d

        @Jellibean_Lover you're totally right! Mine are also very broad. When I worked at Wendy's I did my best to explain that after what I'd been through, there will be times that I need to step away - we even had to make a safety plan for in case my abuser came through drive thru. Ultimately they disrespected my boundaries repeatedly and consistently misgendered me so I quit showing up and was fired. I will say that it helped to get over that initial hump, it'll definitely be easier to approach this topic in the future with employers, educators, etc. Thanks for your input! It feels really good that so many people relate and have good advice to give

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        • Jellibean_Lover

          560d

          @frankisgayx I remembered one - Colombian coffee. Instantly brings me back to my moms place. It was the only thing she ever drank and before I left one of the only things she would consume at all. She abused me for over 22 years before I finally cut her off so I slip right into any number of flashbacks. Not a great time tbh lol but I manage it as I have to.

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    • vinyl

      561d

      I feel this very hard, I sometimes struggle to really take the ones I feel are "silly" seriously even though they will always be valid and are serious matters. However I have discovered that if they make fun of weird triggers they're probably not the people I want to be around anyways.

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      • frankisgayx

        561d

        @vinyl that's a super good point - if your triggers are something to be ridiculed, that person isn't a real friend and needs to educate themselves. I've encountered that before myself, feeling awkward about 'silly' triggers and being picked on for it.

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    • Soupermelon

      561d

      I can totally relate! It’s hard to deal with and you got this! 💕

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      • frankisgayx

        561d

        @Soupermelon thanks!! It's good to know I'm not alone in this!!

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☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

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