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Dealing with Triggers and Flashbacks
Learning to live despite them
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) is a complicated and life-altering mental health challenge formed when a person is under extreme distress with no escape.
Many symptoms accompany CPTSD, with perhaps the most painful being the horrific flashbacks one experiences. This article will tackle the topic of flashbacks and the stress-related triggers that cause them.
Explaining Triggers
Triggers are anything that causes you to recall an experience, such as sights, smells, colors, songs, etc. These triggers are windows to the past, allowing it to flood the survivor’s consciousness.
Here is a brief story to illustrate triggers and how they influence the formation of flashbacks.
A woman named Cathy moved into a new town and knew no one except a few people at her place of employment. On the weekend of Christmas, Cathy has been invited to a party, and she decides to go. Upon arrival, Cathy is met at the door by her new friend and led into the house. Once inside, Cathy’s senses are assaulted by pleasant odors, such as the smell of freshly baked bread.
Two years later, Cathy walks down the street when she sees a new bakery has opened. Cathy goes inside, and the odor of freshly baked…
