PTSD - How Do You Know If You Have It - Or Not

I can only speak from personal experience, Plastic. 

For me, it is triggered by external and internal stimuli. Fearful reactions to external stimuli associated with the past trauma. For me, it can be any external images, words, people... anything that either has a connection to the past event(s) or to which I have made new fearful connections.

Also, internal feelings, mental imagery and thoughts can also generate the same fearful reactions.

As a real example, I very narrowly avoided being murdered by a partner well over 20 years ago. It's enough now for anyone who behaves in any way like he did, says similar words to him, or even wears similar clothing to him to trigger memories of the traumatic period. By triggering, I mean setting off a chain of visual images, fearful mental movies, depressive thoughts and surges in anxiety.  Once it begins, it can also build and maintain momentum by feeding off the remembrance of other unpleasant events, large or small. 

Once it begins, it builds and maintains momentum by feeding off the remembrance of other unpleasant events, large or small. 

That's what I'm thinking - it's a cascade mode.    I've been nearly killed about 9 times so far - I mean literally dodging death by microseconds (flying near misses and traffic accidents) or by not being killed enough - massive seizure and anaphylaxis etc.  

I think you collect traumas until it all overloads.

But how is a level measured?

It's measured by the effect it has on your ability to function in daily life.

For me, when the PTSD is at its most intense, I am not able to move. Anxiety courses through my body and paralyses my body and mind. At its least intense, I withdraw, become fearful and usually go to bed.

Plastic said:

I zone out staring at the HDMI plug on the projector

That's meditation! 

Plastic said:

I'm fitting external lights on the house.   Job is either done or not.

Love it! 

First one this morning - it's odd - I can't do the deep breathing exercise - too painful - so I zone out staring at the HDMI plug on the projector.

We had to set a goal for the week - the others have difficulty pinning something down - they want to do 'more' or 'less' of something - very hard to measure their success.     I'm fitting external lights on the house.   Job is either done or not.     Fitted 2 so far - tired now - fit another tomorrow.

I need more hands.      Many hands make light work. 

First one this morning - it's odd - I can't do the deep breathing exercise - too painful - so I zone out staring at the HDMI plug on the projector.

We had to set a goal for the week - the others have difficulty pinning something down - they want to do 'more' or 'less' of something - very hard to measure their success.     I'm fitting external lights on the house.   Job is either done or not.     Fitted 2 so far - tired now - fit another tomorrow.

I need more hands.      Many hands make light work. 

Plastic said:

I zone out staring at the HDMI plug on the projector

That's meditation! 

Plastic said:

I'm fitting external lights on the house.   Job is either done or not.

Love it!