Do you experience hidden triggers?

SGT Josheua Cooke — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 12:20:10 -0500

Since being diagnosed in 2011, I have had a hard time with my PTSD. VA meds and counseling have done a lot to help control the instances, and how to identify my triggers and why they are triggers.

But how many of my brothers and sisters suffering PTSD/ "Chronic Adjustment Disorder" still get suddenly T-boned by an onset of symptoms and are unable to identify the trigger? When this happens without warning, are the calming techniques you've learned sufficient to get you through or does it have a longer lasting negative effect on you?

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Nov 10 at 2015 12:24 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 12:24:16 -0500

This still happens to me bro so you aren't alone. While I know most of my triggers there are a few that just as you said "t-bones" me.

When this happens, I normally just go back through the calming techniques that work for me and make a note of what I was doing, where I was, and my reaction so at my next visit I can talk to my doctor about it.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Nov 10 at 2015 12:25 PM

SSG Michael Scott — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 12:25:22 -0500

I feel ya pain vro.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2015 12:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 12:34:46 -0500

We are here if you need to reach out brother

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2015 12:44 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 12:44:15 -0500

Sometimes, my wife warning me before she opens a biscuit container. The pop makes me get the dirt.

Response by SGT Cody Skinner made Nov 10 at 2015 1:31 PM

SGT Cody Skinner — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 13:31:19 -0500

You're not alone I have the same problem. I know mostly what sets me off and I avoid it. But sometimes it sneaks up on you or is something out of the ordinary. I recently found a new trigger that pissed me off and made me feel pretty damn powerless. My son and I were watching Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown or No Reservations. I enjoy learning about the different cultures and I love food. This episode was filmed in Libya I think. Everything was fine while he was in a couple restaurants eating and talking to locals. But when he went out on the street the camera panned down it and it was danger deserted. Not a person on the once busy street and I had an instant panic attack. I had to walk away and put some cartoons on for my son. That was the worst most recent incident. After a while it gets second nature to pull over and find ways to calm down.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Nov 10 at 2015 3:29 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 15:29:57 -0500

All of the time... Sometimes I can uncock, sometimes I can't... I've been fortunate to not have this happen where I cant "be alone" with me. Working with a bunch of Vets also helps tremendously as sometimes, they know me well enough that they see my trigger when I cant... They really are "My Brothers/Sisters Keeper"!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 10 at 2015 3:33 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 15:33:29 -0500

When I wake up, I don't think about how I feel. When my symptoms were strong, I would go to the mirror and discuss what I love in my life, and end it with everything will be fine.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Nov 10 at 2015 4:06 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 16:06:17 -0500

could be a car door...a pot hole...cannot avoid doing a terrain analysis, specifically for soil disruption....constant awareness of garbage or dead animal carcasses along the roadsides....pot hols, every pot hole is suspect....some days are really bad

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Nov 10 at 2015 4:52 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 16:52:20 -0500

It's like a big ball of anger in your chest or Anger may be the wrong word but you just snap and go from 0 to upset or pissed off really quick?

Response by SGT Christina Wilder made Nov 10 at 2015 5:46 PM

SGT Christina Wilder — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 17:46:34 -0500

It happens to me despite the Vet Center and the VA.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 10 at 2015 6:44 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 18:44:31 -0500

If I find myself going down the wrong road, I will make myself numb.

Response by SGT S Sharpless made Nov 10 at 2015 7:39 PM

SGT S Sharpless — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 19:39:25 -0500

I can't say that I understand what you're feeling. I have PTSD resulting from a sexual assault by someone in my squad. I have anxiety and it tends to come from feeling like I am being trapped (mostly verbally trapped).

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2015 8:11 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 20:11:52 -0500

I work with service members with ptsd everyday. Try yoga and heart rate variability to learn to calm yourself.

Response by SGT Shawn Volkmann made Nov 11 at 2015 11:09 AM

SGT Shawn Volkmann — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 11:09:00 -0500

I had to start on a drug that inhibits REM sleep. I would wake up in different places in different moods. The last straw for me was when I woke up with my sidearm on the seat of my pickup. Medication helps most of the time but it takes a lot of help from my wife to contain this issue. I also had to disassemble all of my weapons and double lock them. Has anyone else had issues like this?

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Nov 12 at 2015 11:30 AM

Capt Jeff S. — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 11:30:58 -0500

Hidden triggers? As in concealed carry?

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Nov 12 at 2015 11:53 AM

SSG Warren Swan — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 11:53:36 -0500

I'm guilty as hell of this, but whatever you do, DON'T isolate. It makes things worse until you get "over" it, and while you're doing that, life is quickly passing you by. I try to stay out of public areas (Malls, stores, wherever there are a lot of people). And if I go, I have someone with me, and a timer. I'll give myself so much time to accomplish my task and get the hell out. And for the moments it hits with no warning, I ride it out. I've been on the road in my pick up and with a blink of my eye, I'm driving my Cougar talking to my TC and gunner back in the Stan. If I'm sleeping I also ride it out. NO ONE tries to wake me up. Usually I'll shake myself awake when they're bad. Ironic thing is, I'm looking at my profile pic and one would think I'm a complete asshole, and to an extent you're right, but I'm the nicest son of a bitch to anyone I meet, especially vets or AD folks. I'd give and move the world for anyone who needs it, and I'm always there to help others who are dealing with PTSD. I can always help them, and give pointers, just not good at doing them myself.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 12:36 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 12:36:55 -0500

SGT Josheua Cooke I do not have PTSD (that I am aware of) but I do occasionally have panic/anxiety attacks. I have long ago learned to avoid those triggers that set one off. Is this ideal? Probably not, but this works for me. What I have done for many of my friends, who do have PTSD, is being there for them. If only to let them vent or talk about their demons. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. There are many that struggle with this every day.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 12:50 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 12:50:05 -0500

I have triggers that I do not know about, but I am still learning. Like I also have taught my family to not start certain machines without warning, like my awesome Ninja Blender... the pitch of that thing gets be pumping adrenaline like crazy. You just have to figure out what works for you and accept that Disney World is no longer a good idea - the crazy amounts of people and the kids and the noise... it is purgatory brother.

Response by SSG Keith Cashion made Nov 12 at 2015 12:57 PM

SSG Keith Cashion — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 12:57:25 -0500

Most yes...but there re more times then not it seems sudden with no warning. It can be hard and and lead to situationsome to where I have to separate myself from it. Like someone else stated and my wife points out to me all of the time is that if my head wasn't attached to my neck, it would spin right off my shoulders.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Nov 12 at 2015 2:10 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 14:10:59 -0500

Never been in combat but I have been through many stressful evolutions while on the ship, extended General Quarters, shipboard fires, etc., and I did suffer a TBI when I was hit in the head and knocked out one morning while working the grill in the Wardroom about a Perry class frigate. I suffer severe headaches that come on for no reason and sometimes they cause me to pass out for several minutes.
Other times I just get a feeling of rage and have to walk it off or go sit somewhere quiet to cool off.
I have had MRI, CAT Scans, X-rays, had a few EEG's and the doctors said I suffered a pretty bad concussion, they asked if I ever had a concussion before because they saw some evidence of previous concussions, I told them I played hockey from when I was 5 years old until I was 17 and took a few shots to the head. All the Navy doctors said that it would be possible to suffer PTSD but it may never occur.
The VA doctor seems to think I'm just suffering migraine headaches and prescribed me Motrin and said PTSD is extremely rare in non combat veterans.
Its not a regular occurrence like I said, just happens and I have no idea what sets it off.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 12 at 2015 5:43 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 17:43:08 -0500

When I had anxiety attacks, I would to the mirror and have a discussion of what I loved in my life, and finish it with everything will be ok. That helped me a lot.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Nov 13 at 2015 12:09 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 12:09:54 -0500

Sound of rotor blades of a helicopter = Instant adrenaline. It's not PTSD... I think. But, always give myself a couple of minutes to "recalibrate."

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2015 12:37 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 12:37:32 -0500

I had hesitated to post my respond ... because I don't really think I have PTSD ... maybe PTS. It do come back and hit me without reason and put me into a lost moment even driving that my wife need to "wake" me up if she noticed. It get a lot better now since I concentrated myself on my current life.

Response by PO2 Lester Sullivan made Nov 13 at 2015 12:53 PM

PO2 Lester Sullivan — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 12:53:44 -0500

Heard hugs help some;)

Response by SPC Chelsea Fernandez made Nov 13 at 2015 1:20 PM

SPC Chelsea Fernandez — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 13:20:16 -0500

I don't know if we're speaking about PTSD in general I was diagnosed with mild PTSD but haven't been confirmed yet by a doctor. I have however been diagnosed with MDD (major depressive disorder) early last year. The lowest point in my life was Sept 6 when my now ex left me for a much younger younger female. I broke down. It was to the point where I wanted to end my life there because I felt like I'm not good enough for anybody. The Chaplin didn't want me be alone by myself because I felt worthless. I spend days straight crying myself to sleep. My hair started to fall out and loss 11 or more pounds from this. There were times where I cut myself from facebook, twitter and Instagram. I loss everything for him- my car my job everything. I was the one who took care of his two girls when their biological mom didn't have anything to with them. Whatever they needed I provided. I helped them with their homework, I fed them when he couldn't afford to feed them, and I sheltered them when they were sleeping in the car. They call me mom and always wanted to go where I go. They were my shadows. Everything I did was for them. I didn't not ask for anything in return. I loved those girls as if they were my own.After calling into the suicide crisis line several times. They arranged me to speak with my counselor every week for the whole month of October. I finished college Nov 16 with an Associates in General Studies. I'm looking forward to culinary school in the near future. My appetite is back where it used to be but need to work on getting back physically and mentally. At the end of October my counselor moved my session from every week to every three weeks. I still have my moments where I want to beat the living crap out of him with my baseball bat and then tell the police I did it with a good heart. Right now I'm going through the system to get some money back where he bounced a check onto my account. Sorry for the long story

Response by MSG David Johnson made Nov 13 at 2015 2:18 PM

MSG David Johnson — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 14:18:53 -0500

I can usually deal with the 'Instant Anger' that I've come to know all too well.
I'm in a club with Veterans from the Korean era to present, and we All have issues to varying degrees, it's the younger generation who has had the most issues with this. I know I'll probably get some feedback about this so I'm just going to throw it out.
I think the younger Vets have more issues with PTS because of the Me generation. I didn't say Millenials, I said the Me generation. I think that most older Vets say this every time a new generation of Veterans come along, you hear it as '...when I was young we didn't have all this stuff, we had to walk 5 miles to school in the snow, uphill both ways'. Sound familiar SGT Josheua Cooke?
I'm a Desert Storm and OIF Vet so I feel I got to deal with what the younger Veterans are dealing with now, and how the older Vets dealt with things.
My diagnosis is chronic and acute PTS because I never dealt with my issues from ODS and am now dealing with stuff from 2 tours in Iraq.

So, back to triggers and dealing with them, to me it feels like a forest fire, every time I think I've got the flames stomped down they pop up somewhere else. So my answer would be No, I myself have never been able to corral all my triggers, and most likely never will, we, my wife and I, deal with them as they come along.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 16 at 2015 8:08 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 20:08:42 -0500

I am sure I am redundant in answering you as my memory is poor. The other night I was feeling an inordinate amount of anxiety in bed, so I went to my go to solution, "Ken you are a good person, father, husband and everything will be fine." It worked like a charm.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2015 11:25 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 23:25:58 -0500

Because of my triggers, since coming home has cost me job so I isolated myself to my properties and have started since started down a new career path. The VA has classes that I attend weekly and has helped me handle myself when I sense I'm amping up. However when I amp up from a not so obvious trigger I beat feet straight to the house and ride it out. The VA has not given me pandoras box of meds so I just try to adjust myself as necessary, it helps that I have five dogs and one is extremely atune to me. So she is a great help in keeping me grounded.

However it really bothers me when I spin up for no apparent reason. I find myself OCD'ing about it trying to figure it out using the tools I've learned in PTSD/CAD, OIF/OEF and Anger Management classes.

I've been home around eighteen months now. And what really frustrates me the most is my constant state of agitation. I'm angry when I wake, throught the day and angry when I finally get to sleep.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2015 2:05 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 14:05:55 -0500

it might sound strange, but chewing gum can sometimes help me calm down. its a hardwired brain thing that convinces your brain you cant be in danger because you are eating. music helps also, but when I start getting toward the edge of my limits I need pure silence. too many focal points and input can really set me off. like driving in heavy traffic and my kids are in the back being loud and my wife is talking and im focused on the road can be a flash point. my wife is really good at noticing this before I even realize im getting spun up.

Response by SSG John Caples made Nov 29 at 2015 12:31 PM

SSG John Caples — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 12:31:44 -0500

I know some of my triggers , there are some that happens to me that are different than the usual one's the one's I know about, are the longer lasting, grab me by the throat and seems like it never lets go, No they do not work

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2015 1:09 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 13:09:59 -0500

oh lord yes, all the time. It could be a video game, a tv show. A sound outside, going by the scene of an accident. It sometimes is rather difficult to leave the house. It sucks sometimes. By coming to this site though, it does help an awful lot.

Response by PFC John Henry Parker made Feb 10 at 2018 8:45 AM

PFC John Henry Parker — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 08:45:58 -0500

https://vimeo.com/253898431

Part 1: Transitioning Veterans Audiobook Explainer Video (Closed Caption)

This is "Part 1: Transitioning Veterans Audiobook Explainer Video (Closed Caption)" by John Henry on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people…

Response by PFC John Henry Parker made Feb 10 at 2018 8:47 AM

PFC John Henry Parker — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 08:47:35 -0500

https://vimeo.com/253862435

Part 2 Managing Triggers and Emotional Responses (Closed Captioned)

This is "Part 2 Managing Triggers and Emotional Responses (Closed Captioned)" by John Henry on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who…

Response by PFC John Henry Parker made Feb 10 at 2018 8:48 AM

PFC John Henry Parker — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 08:48:10 -0500

https://vimeo.com/253898431

Part 1: Transitioning Veterans Audiobook Explainer Video (Closed Caption)

This is "Part 1: Transitioning Veterans Audiobook Explainer Video (Closed Caption)" by John Henry on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people…

Response by PFC John Henry Parker made Feb 10 at 2018 9:27 AM

PFC John Henry Parker — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 09:27:13 -0500

https://vimeo.com/253898431

Part 1: Transitioning Veterans Audiobook Explainer Video (Closed Caption)

This is "Part 1: Transitioning Veterans Audiobook Explainer Video (Closed Caption)" by John Henry on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people…

Response by PFC John Henry Parker made Feb 10 at 2018 9:27 AM

PFC John Henry Parker — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 09:27:45 -0500

https://vimeo.com/253862435

Part 2 Managing Triggers and Emotional Responses (Closed Captioned)

This is "Part 2 Managing Triggers and Emotional Responses (Closed Captioned)" by John Henry on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who…

Response by PFC John Henry Parker made Feb 10 at 2018 9:30 AM

PFC John Henry Parker — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 09:30:48 -0500

I can relate to your struggles. Thought you might find the two brief videos helpful just released on triggers, trauma and the critical mind

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Feb 22 at 2018 12:04 PM

SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 12:04:55 -0500

SGT Cooke,
I was actually diagnosed with a mild case of PTSD which I still with and has to do more with noise in general. My spouse always asks me, how can you complain about noise when you wear your headphones really loud? Good question, and the answer is that I really don't know. Maybe it is certain or sudden noises especially when I'm trying to get some sleep. For those in here that has experienced combat especially on FOBs, had to deal with a lot of attacks so, good luck trying to get some rack time. Another thing that I actually deal with a lot is the roads...ie, pot holes, objects, etc. Sometimes I just change lanes just like we do while on deployments. I have become or gotten better over the years but I still deal with stuff. I'm a recovering alcoholic and some things that have helped me cope with my addiction is by having a good solid support system that truly understand what your problem is. Someone who has never deployed will never understand what you go through everyday...no offense to those who has and are serving right now. Continue to attend to whatever meetings you go to and try to be open about how you feel at the moment you're experiencing those triggers. If you like to workout, keep doing it because you could diffuse some of the negativity thoughts by conducting physical activity. Some might think is weird, but a little self talk wouldn't hurt. I do it in my truck on my way to work all the time. Sometimes we need to hear things instead of thinking them. I hope this helps a little bit and remember that you're not alone brother. Have a good one!

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Feb 22 at 2018 12:15 PM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 12:15:48 -0500

As crazy as it may sound, I cannot listen to the song Run away Train. That for me is a trigger.

Response by SPC David Willis made Feb 22 at 2018 12:56 PM

SPC David Willis — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 12:56:01 -0500

I never know if its PTSD or just my shitty attitude but I can get super irritable really fast, noises or other physical stimuli have never been an issue for me except the random firecracker here or there. Honestly the best relaxation tip Ive found is still illegal in most states.