CPTSD & Overcoming Triggers

Let's talk about my experience with PTSD. Over the years, at times, PTSD ruled my life. Be it the medical side or the trauma from my childhood. I can vividly recall parts of my life where it profoundly affected me. For instance, there were moments I couldn't even drive past an ambulance without having a panic attack.

Looking back now, after a lot of hard work and self-reflection, I recognize that my reactions were triggered by my past. I have nearly died multiple times in the back of an ambulance, which had become a trigger for my PTSD. Visiting my mother also seemed problematic. Two years back, every time I saw my mom, I experienced flashbacks, mood disturbances, and just an overall gloomy feeling.

It took a mammoth effort to get these triggers under control. We resorted to a variety of techniques, one of which was exposure therapy. I spent countless hours watching an Australian TV show called 'Paramedic.' At times, the scenes featured in these shows would make me weep uncontrollably. It stands as one of the most challenging activities I've ever undertaken. I distinctly remember one episode where a person passed away in the back of an ambulance. The mere reminder of it still manages to unsettle me.

Likewise, scenes depicting domestic violence in movies can trigger me immensely. There's one scene in particular that bears a striking resemblance to my situation, acting as a haunting reminder of my past.

One critical lesson I learned during my struggle to overcome triggers is that my triggers and my PTSD don't define or rule my life. They are mere symptoms of my experiences. The moment you accept that triggers do not constitute your identity, they become less intimidating and manageable.

Sure, I'm not suggesting that I've completely overcome all my triggers. There are still moments when I get caught off guard. For example, driving with an ambulance behind me flipping its sirens on can still make my heart race and my breathing irregular. In such instances, I pull over and resort to my 5 senses technique to stabilise myself.

I hope everyone dealing with PTSD can control their triggers to the degree that I have. Accepting that our triggers will always be part of us but can be managed was a life-altering realisation for me. I wholeheartedly believe that anyone can live with—and triumph over—PTSD if they put their mind and heart to it.

If you need any support with your PTSD triggers, please let me know, as I am open to helping!