Comments on: Anthropomorphizing PTSD Symptoms, Part II: Triggers and Hypervigilance

By: Rochelle

Rochelle — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 15:30:00 +0000

I work with many individuals coming out of years of incarceration and the level of PTSD is astounding. Getting used to the ‘outside’ world is a challenge for which their skill set is very low. Hypervigilance is extreme and so unbearable that some revert to prison behavior. In addition, coming to terms with new experiences, rules, feelings, etc… is often so overwhelming. To help someone adjust to the trauma they have experienced, I think some distance is necessary and that’s why I really like the concept and function of the private investigator (PI). Healing, with the right guidance, is possible.

By: carlos

carlos — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 11:17:35 +0000

Sometimes there may be no apparent trigger to set off the events. There is never any control over what will set off PTSD in some people, and what will keep them mired in their negative memories.

By: E.J.L

E.J.L — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 20:32:17 +0000

“The process by which each of the above items is pursued is through anthropomorphizing symptoms as an internal character with specific functions.”

But if these things are causing an imbalance in life,bringing trouble,then of what use is such a component in the individual? Isn’t throwing it out is what every survivor attempts to do?

By: Leslie

Leslie — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 13:39:40 +0000

hiding from the fears only gives them more power over you; but when you confront them, doesn’t that make you the strong one instead?

By: beth

beth — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:30:54 +0000

I’ve experienced such trauma before and I can tell you it feels like there’s going to be no end to it. I wish I had all these things in my mind back then, things would have been much easier.

But that is not to discount the help of my therapist who I am grateful to this day for helping me end that horrific phase of my life after a very bad episode.

By: Kip

Kip — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:26:03 +0000

At least when patients face their fears they will then have the chance to actually overcome them. When there is the unwillingness to make some change then that will never come.
If you are lucky enough to find a good therapist then this is something that can be possible in your life.
PTSD can affect so many people, from veterans to rape vistims to those who have witnessed violent acts but felt incapable of stopping it.
The most important thing to do is to recognize that yes, there is a problem, and that you need help.

By: Jerry B

Jerry B — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 23:58:10 +0000

Too many survivors with PTSD tend to run aawy from the pain but really the healthiest way to deal with the pain is to confront it. It can be scary to do that, but if it can turn your life around in a meaningful way, than how could you chhoose not to do that?