Symptoms of ptsd

ellie2000

On à anniversary of a event tht impacted u g8ly, can it make u act odd around ppl around tht date?

ellie2000

N u don't remember it coz ur brain goes into defense mode n switches off?

ameliaJayne

Hi @ellie2000 . The brain is super powerful and sometimes it can make us an act a certain way for reasons that are repressed and not currently accessible in the conscious mind. It is very difficult to tell if the way you are acting is because of a repressed memory if an event, unless these memories are uncovered. Just as you said the brain does this as a defence mechanism to protect us, and sometimes it is best to leave the memories repressed.

I've attached a link to an article that teaches a bit more a bout repressed memories and what to do if they start to become uncovered or make you feel negative emotions. https://mentalhealthdaily.com/2015/06/15/repressed-memories-causes-mechanisms-coping-strategies/

lunarcat522

@ellie2000 PTSD can impact people greatly as you've said, particularly on any landmark dates such as the anniversary as it may bring back a lot of unwanted emotions and feelings about the event. Therefore it can make people act differently around others so it might help to explain this to others before or after the day if this sounds helpful.

It's also common not to remember trauma or only fragmented parts of the event as it is a way the brain tries to protect itself from any potential stress, however it may end up causing issues in the long run where feelings seem to come out of nowhere when a person is triggered. It is essentially a defence mechanism where the brain goes into autopilot and tries to shut out whatever it sees as being emotionally or mentally detrimental or taxing.

There are ways to bring up repressed memories but it is best that you seek help with this professionally so it can be done in a safe environment with someone trauma informed.

ellie2000

@lunarcat522 @ameliaJayne is laughing wen opening up to someone a defence mechanism?

lunarcat522

@ellie2000 Yes it definitely can be defence mechanism to try and emotionally distance yourself when recalling the event and opening up to someone about it. It's quite common

Former Member

Yes most definitely.
It's a really hard one.
Ur brain just freezes and u kinda reliving the situation. Awfully lonely place to be.
Sending love n strength 💪 ❤️