PTSD & Stress

Why is it difficult for those of us with PTSD to handle “normal” “everyday” stress? Function in a workplace environment? Maintain healthy & safe relationships? Well, one way to help us understand why Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is so debilitating, is with the aide of the “PTSD CUP Theory”

 

“Brain Stress” or, “Functional Stress” as I like to refer to it as, includes things that our brain has to deal with to help us function. Things like breathing, digestion, organ function.

Then, believe it or not, there is something called “good stress”. This would be activities that do not cause a bad reaction. Things like shaving, cooking, playing cards, etc.

Finally of course we have “bad stress” which, unfortunately is something we are all very familiar with. Things like receiving bad news, making a costly mistake, arguments, relationship problems etc.

The problem for those of us who have chronic PTSD is that every day, our “cup” is already almost “full” before we even have a chance to deal with the “good” and “bad” stress. This in turn, creates a tremendous challenge for us (our brains) to make it through a day without serious difficulty (see below). In addition, often times our “bad stress” includes things that trigger our PTSD stressors which, also negatively affects our central nervous system (fight or flight response). When our fight or flight continues to get overloaded, it creates a toxic environment in our bodies. I can tell you from personal experience that it makes you feel literally sick.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see, the diagram clearly shows how those of us who have PTSD already have a “full cup” to deal with every day. This is why we:

• Do not handle stress well
• Tend to be easily agitated,
• Think “worst case scenario” frequently
• Have trouble maintaining good & healthy relationships
• Lack in problem solving skills
• Tend to isolate
• Self medicate

There are many other things that I could list here, but as you can see, it creates quite a challenge. That is why I believe we need to take part in as many (healthy) therapeutic activities as possible. Such as:

• Intense Weightlifting & Cardiovascular Exercise
• Talk Therapy
• Massage Therapy
• Yoga
• Nature walks
• Drawing, Writing & Journaling

 

 

Unfortunately, many people who struggle with PTSD are not able to engage in these types of therapeutic activities due to a variety of reasons. In addition, often times things can get so overwhelming to the point that these healthy, therapeutic activities are or may seem impossible to attempt or in some cases they’re simply not enough. This then becomes an unbelievably terrible situation often resulting in a crisis that can lead to drug & alcohol use, self-destructive behavior, and suicide. There is no “cure all-end all” with PTSD. We just have to do the best we can with what we have.

 

References:

Anthony Parsons, founder of www.myptsd.com 

Articles Written By Lilly Hope Lucario