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Why do intense reactions still occur when exposed to things related to the other person?

1. email reminder 2. trembling hands 3. lawyer 4. chaotic scene 5. emotional distress
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Why do intense reactions still occur when exposed to things related to the other person? By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024

One day after class, I unlocked my phone and saw an email reminder on the lock screen with that blinding name. Seemingly harmless, it shook every nerve in my body. I was acutely aware of my racing heartbeat and the trembling hands that were almost dropping the phone. Without bothering to read the content, I tremblingly took a screenshot of the email, sent a text message with difficulty, and forwarded it to my lawyer along with the screenshot.

After a series of actions, I put down the phone and realized I was breathing heavily, feeling like I was about to suffocate.

I reached out with my still-shaking right hand, fumbling and floundering in the chaotic scene. At that moment, I just wanted to grasp something... anything!

I picked up the pen holder on the table. The soft sensation instantly spread from my palm to my arm, shoulder, and quickly dispersed. It felt like being forcibly pulled back from this out-of-control alternate dimension.

My breathing gradually stabilized, but my hands continued to tremble. I was too weak to lean back against the chair, and I lost focus with my gaze. The thought kept echoing in my mind: How did I become like this?

At that moment, tears welled up in my eyes and wouldn't stop.

Helplessly asking myself: When will all this ever end...

It wasn't the first time, but it was the most intense. I resolved the dispute with the party, but I still had such a reaction when encountering anything related to them.

Whenever someone mentioned that person, I became particularly anxious and vigilant. I felt that this kind of life was so exhausting, but I really didn't know what else I could do...

Delilah Martinez Delilah Martinez A total of 9634 people have been helped

Hello, dear reader! Have you ever had the experience of seeing a face in a word? It can be quite powerful!

This reaction may be triggered by things related to the other person that bring up emotions and memories deep within you. Even if the dispute has been resolved, these emotions and memories may still exist and be reactivated when exposed to related things, which is a great opportunity to learn more about yourself and your reactions!

Think of it from a different perspective: this reaction is the body's natural response to potential threats or stress. It may be that your mind and body are trying to protect you, which is a great thing! In addition, past experiences may have had a profound effect on you, making you particularly sensitive to things related to that person, which is an opportunity for growth.

I'm excited to share some tips on how you can relieve this reaction!

1. Self-awareness: Take a deep breath, calm down, and feel your reactions. You've got this! Understanding your emotions is the first step to gaining better control over them.

2. Learn relaxation techniques! Learn and practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, etc. to help you calm down when you are anxious.

3. Avoid triggers: You've got this! Try to avoid contact with the person or things associated with them to reduce the chance of triggering a violent reaction.

4. Don't be afraid to share your feelings with family and friends! They can provide invaluable emotional support and practical help.

I'm excited to share two incredible books on post-traumatic stress disorder that I think you'll find really helpful!

I'm so excited to tell you about this amazing book! It's called The Body Never Forgets: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. It's a fantastic read that dives deep into how trauma affects our brains and bodies, as well as the most effective ways to heal. It also offers a rich understanding of post-traumatic stress. I highly recommend it!

If you're looking for a roadmap to recovery, look no further than "Courage to Heal: The Psychology of Growth after Trauma." This book is a treasure trove of insights and practical tools to help you navigate your way to a brighter future.

You can do this! Dealing with this situation requires effort and patience, but you can gradually find more effective ways to cope and reduce the intensity of anxiety and reactions. If you feel unable to cope or if your emotional distress is severe, don't hesitate to seek professional help, such as the advice of a psychologist or counselor.

Here's to taking what we've learned and putting it into action! May we all have the rest of our lives ahead filled with happiness!

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Nell Nell A total of 1634 people have been helped

Hello! I give you a 360-degree hug!

From your brief description of the problem, it's clear that you've had a traumatic experience before. You've also resolved the dispute with the other party, which is great! However, there's still a bit of trauma caused by the other party that needs to be healed.

The great news is that you can usually lead a normal life without information about the other party. However, once you come into contact with information about the other party, or even related or similar situations, it may trigger your trauma, seemingly taking you back to the situation where you were hurt at the time, and being hurt again. This kind of situation or information about the other party is called a trigger point. This trigger point is like a time tunnel, taking us back to the trauma of the past.

I'm so excited to help you with this! I think the best way forward is to focus on trauma healing. From what you've told me, it seems that although you've resolved the legal dispute, the trauma you suffered has not been healed. This means that certain trigger points will still bring you back to the trauma, and this acute trauma, with emotional outbursts and physical symptoms, is quite serious. The great news is that you can absolutely heal! You just need the support of professionals to help you along the way.

I'm so excited to tell you that I don't recommend that you heal through self-study. You need professional support and help from others!

Now, let's talk about what you can do when you're faced with acute emotional outbursts!

First, make sure you stay safe and prevent any accidental injury to your body. When you feel something is wrong, find a place to lie down or sit down. If you sit down, it's a great idea to sit in a chair with armrests or something similar, so you can give yourself a comforting hug!

If you can, wrap yourself up in a blanket or something similar. It'll give you that same wonderful feeling of security you get when a baby is wrapped up. You know what else? You tried to hold onto the pencil case, and the soft touch brought you back to the real world.

This is a great way to do it! The trigger point takes you back to the trauma, back to the past situation, a situation where there is only harm to you, while the real world is safe. And if you can return to the real world, your emotions will slowly subside!

Second, grab hold of someone nearby. If there are acquaintances or friends nearby, that's the best! If not, grab hold of whoever you can, pull them along, support them, etc., to help you stay in the present.

Another great tip is to take deep breaths! When you're feeling agitated, your breathing tends to be shallow and rapid, and you can easily feel dizzy. But you can easily fix this by taking big, deep breaths to inhale more oxygen!

Also, keep your eyes open! When you get excited, don't close your eyes because you'll miss out on all the amazing things happening around you. Keeping your eyes open will help you stay in touch with reality and enjoy every moment!

If you can, treat yourself to some water, milk, or even sweets or chocolate! These simple pleasures can really help to calm your emotions.

You can surround yourself with some sweets, and you can talk to trusted colleagues, friends, or family members in advance about what to do to help you if you show any abnormalities. It's okay to have emotional outbursts—they're a reaction to serious trauma. Don't be ashamed of them! It's very effective to find support resources around you.

If you can, try to isolate the things that might set off your anxiety. You said in your description that when people around you talk about this person, it makes you anxious and on your guard. If you can, change the environment to reduce the possible impact.

Third, it's okay to let your hair down and lose your temper a few times! It's only human. But if it's happening more often and affecting your life, it's time to seek professional help.

I highly recommend seeking professional treatment from a counselor!

I am an often-depressed, occasionally positive, and motivated counselor. The world is an amazing place, and I love you all!

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Bonnie Ruby Page Bonnie Ruby Page A total of 2401 people have been helped

I extend a supportive gesture to the individual posing the question, with the hope that they will perceive a sense of warmth and assistance, and that my response will prove beneficial.

Although the events may be in the past, the emotions are still present. These emotions are complex and are composed of a multitude of feelings, thoughts, and physical reactions. It is advisable to seek the assistance of a professional counselor for trauma treatment if possible. Additionally, there are methods that can be employed to facilitate healing, such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and mindfulness-based therapy. It is important to note that these techniques can be effective in promoting recovery.

It is this author's recommendation that the following course of action be pursued:

One may utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a means of facilitating healing.

One may choose to read the book Letting Go of the Past, which contains a plethora of case studies and specific methods of operation to facilitate healing oneself and one's wounds through EMDR. To illustrate, when one encounters items pertaining to the other person and experiences a pronounced stress response, it is advisable to refrain from allowing emotions to take control. Instead, it is beneficial to be mindful and acknowledge one's feelings. When did this feeling arise? Who was present at that time? What emotions were experienced?

Please describe your thoughts and physical sensations.

One may find answers to these questions by crossing one's arms and tapping one's shoulders in an alternating motion to induce relaxation. It may be observed that one's current emotional state is related to unresolved complexes. One's current emotional state may be understood as a reaction triggered by emotions that were not addressed in the past. Upon recognizing this, one may allow one's emotions to flow while identifying the original limiting beliefs, such as the perception that the individual's appearance is dangerous. In time, new beliefs may emerge, such as the realization that one is safe and that the past is over. This process may contribute to a gradual healing of the individual.

2. Mindfulness can be employed as a tool for self-help.

You state, "At this moment, I desire to grasp an item...any item will suffice." You then retrieve the pencil case from the table.

The gentle contact initiated a rapid propagation of sensation from the palm of the hand to the arm and shoulders. This sensation evoked a sense of involuntary retraction from the uncontrolled, alternative dimension.

Indeed, mindfulness is being employed. When fear takes hold, the mind is not in the present moment. At such times, emotions and fearful thoughts may be perceived as occupying the mind entirely. However, if anchors are utilized through the five senses (touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste), the mind can be returned to the present. When the mind is in the present, past fears and strong reactions are less likely to be repeated. When the mind is in the present, one can devote oneself to the here and now.

One can assist oneself by adopting a mindful approach. For instance, when one becomes aware of an emotional response, one can promptly alleviate this intense reaction by utilizing the five senses previously mentioned or by simply taking a three-minute breathing space to return to the present moment and relax. Additionally, one can practice mindfulness meditation on a regular basis to enhance brain function and augment one's capacity to live in the present moment.

For further information, please refer to the book The Eight-Week Mindfulness Journey, which contains comprehensive instructions for specific exercises.

3. In the event that one is unable to facilitate healing on their own, it is advised that they seek the assistance of a professional counselor.

Should one feel unable to heal oneself and reluctant to confront past feelings and experiences, seeking the assistance of a professional counselor may be a viable option. The counseling relationship can provide a supportive environment conducive to relaxation, enabling individuals to confront their issues with greater ease. It can instill the courage needed to confront one's deepest fears and facilitate the healing of inner wounds, thereby enhancing one's inner strength.

Seeking professional assistance in the face of adversity is an act of strength and wisdom, as well as a means of self-care. Many significant challenges can be overcome with the guidance of a trained professional, facilitating personal growth and healing.

The aforementioned information is provided for your reference. Best wishes!

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Johnathan Johnathan A total of 9827 people have been helped

Hello. It seems you've experienced a serious traumatic event. Even though the dispute has been resolved, things related to him still make you feel uneasy.

Trauma shatters our assumptions about a safe world.

Our lives may have been stable, and stability brings a sense of security. When this is disrupted, the memories do not disappear. It makes us feel unsafe, and even the slightest stimulus can trigger a painful experience.

We also worry about dangers all the time. These feelings make us tired and make us feel more insecure.

Not all stress reactions are PTSD. PTSD needs to be diagnosed. Some short-term stress reactions are protective and can be eliminated over time.

If you've been feeling this way for a long time and it's affecting your life, it's best to go to the hospital.

If you feel like your life hasn't changed much but you still have emotional stress, talk about your experiences and feelings. Healing from trauma doesn't mean suppressing it, but talking about it.

Talking about it helps you understand what happened, how you handled it, and puts things in context. If you have friends or family nearby who can support you, talk to them. If not, seek counseling or support to repair your confidence.

Trauma is painful, but we can find resilience within ourselves. Trauma can also help us grow.

Knowing this can make you feel more hopeful and strong. But remember not to rush things. Take your time, let yourself feel scared, stressed, or unsure, and see these feelings as part of the healing process.

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Bertie Bertie A total of 5064 people have been helped

Hi, good question.

You feel like you've had an "emotional flashback" and used an effective way to pull yourself back to reality. This isn't the first time, but it's the most intense. You want to get out of this state. Let's look at what can be done.

What is an emotional flashback?

If you see or hear his name or think about him, you will feel very anxious. This is your body's way of responding to an emotional flashback. It is a warning sign that you are experiencing psychological trauma. It is trying to protect you and signal that you need help.

"Flashbacks" are a common symptom of CPTSD (Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). They cause people to flash back/regress to an unbearable emotional state when they were abused or abandoned as children.

If you're trapped in a flashback, fear, shame, or depression can take over. Since flashbacks usually don't involve visual re-experiencing, they may be misdiagnosed. Learn more in the recommended book, "It's Okay Not to Forgive: A Self-Help Bible for Complex PTSD."

Your effective coping method

Picking up a penholder on a table can help you deal with an emotional flashback. Touching real objects can pull your consciousness back to reality. You will feel safe and your emotions can be relieved.

You feel helpless.

You feel helpless because your flashbacks haven't gotten better. You've lost confidence in yourself. You need to believe that the flashbacks will pass and that you're getting better.

Give yourself time.

Recovery is a gradual process, like weight loss. You may hit a plateau and rebound. This may be why you feel stronger.

Don't be discouraged. After a flashback, your body needs time to recover. Don't feel guilty about having a flashback.

Be patient and confident. It can take as long as it takes. Celebrate every time you overcome a flashback.

If you need help, you can find a counselor or consultant. Stay strong!

I hope this helps.

I'm your friend, and I'm here for you. Thanks for listening.

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Ivan Ivan A total of 334 people have been helped

Hi, I'm Coach Yu, and I'd like to talk about this topic with you.

Let's talk about emotions. Emotions are made up of unique experiences, external signs, and physical responses. Each emotion may be an unmet internal need. When we don't get a promotion or a pay raise, we feel sad. When we lose a treasured possession we've had for many years, we feel angry.

When it comes to emotions, we usually focus on the ones we can see and feel, like anger, pain, and self-harm. But there are also hidden emotions like guilt, self-blame, and shame that we often overlook.

It can be tough to talk about these emotions with others because they're often buried deep inside, like ghosts walking through.

These emotions are kept hidden in our minds, but our bodies remember them. When we come across something similar, our bodies react as if it's happened before, making us feel tense and breathing faster.

This is what psychologists call a "complex" or an emotional button. The questioner's current negative emotions and physical reactions may be triggered by touching this emotional button.

As the questioner wrote, one day after class, when I saw the email reminder with that name, I was really aware of my heart racing and my hands shaking so much I could hardly hold the phone.

We can ask ourselves what we think when we come into contact with things related to the other person and what emotions and feelings this brings up.

We can also ask ourselves what it is that we need in our hearts when we can't stop the tears from welling up in our eyes when we think of these things.

We can also ask ourselves what it is about these things that makes us feel anxious and on our guard.

However, being aware is the first step to making a change. As the person who asked the question said, I feel really tired of living this way, but I don't know what to do...

So we can try to make peace with our emotions. When we feel such uncomfortable emotions, we can say "stop" in time, take a deep breath, and quietly watch them without making any judgments. We can also try writing therapy, writing and drawing out our pain and suffering, so that our emotions can find an outlet and be released.

Another option is to use an empty chair to create a safe, controlled atmosphere through role-playing and self-dialogue. This can help us connect past events with our current state of mind, allow chaotic thoughts to become more conscious, and release negative emotions.

We can also learn to distract ourselves, especially from overthinking, and stop replaying events in our minds. When we come into contact with things related to the other person, we can try shouting "stop" at ourselves, take a deep breath, and do something else, such as listening to music, stretching, etc., to distract ourselves. Meditation and mindfulness are also great ways to regulate.

We allow ourselves to react and be vigilant occasionally, and slowly come to terms with it and slowly say goodbye. It's important to respect your own emotional rhythm.

Of course, we can seek help if this is an issue for you. It can be hard to overcome things like this overnight. Try to find a family member or friend you trust and who has always given you positive support to talk to. If you feel the need, you can also find a counselor, because emotions must have an outlet to relieve the heaviness and blockage in our hearts.

We also need to focus on making ourselves happy, relaxing our bodies and minds, resolving internal conflicts, letting go of unhappy experiences, and gaining an inner understanding of ourselves. This is what maturity and growth look like. Bless you!

I'd also suggest reading "The Body Never Forgets."

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Kai Knight Kai Knight A total of 4161 people have been helped

A hug first!

You seem to be experiencing a strong emotional and physical reaction, which could be a sign of PTSD. PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It can lead to strong reactions when exposed to trauma-related triggers.

Here's some info to help you understand and cope with these reactions:

1. It's normal to have strong reactions after a traumatic event. This doesn't mean you're weak. It means your brain and body are trying to process and adapt to the trauma.

2. Get help from a mental health professional. They can teach you how to manage your reactions through talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).

3. Self-care: Get enough sleep, eat right, exercise, and relax. This can help you feel better.

4. Get support: Talk to your family, friends, or a support group.

5. Learn coping strategies. Practice deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, or other relaxation techniques to reduce emotional and physical reactions to triggers.

6. Gradual exposure: A professional can help you gradually face things that trigger your emotions.

Recovery takes time. Be patient with yourself.

Everyone recovers differently. Find the best way for you.

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Comments

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Stella Anderson Forgiveness is a way to release the energy that has been tied up in anger and use it for something positive.

This is so overwhelming, the sight of that name on my screen sent me into a panic. My heart was pounding, and I could barely hold onto my phone. Without thinking, I just had to forward everything to my lawyer, hoping they can handle this somehow. After all that, I was left breathless, searching for anything to anchor myself in the moment. Picking up a pen holder nearby gave me some strange comfort, slowly pulling me back from the edge. Even as I calmed down, the fear lingered, questioning how I've ended up reacting like this.

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Doris Anderson Forgiveness is a way to make peace with our past and move forward.

My hands wouldn't stop shaking after seeing that email. I didn't even read it; I just knew I needed to send it off to my lawyer right away. The whole ordeal left me gasping for air, clutching at whatever I could find. Holding that pen holder felt oddly reassuring, almost like coming back to reality. I couldn't help but wonder what has happened to me and when this cycle will finally break. It's exhausting living in constant alertness over someone who's no longer part of my life.

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Klara Thomas The truth is like a diamond - clear, hard, and precious.

That email reminder was like a punch to the gut. I could feel my heartbeat racing out of control, and my hands were trembling so badly. Instinctively, I took a screenshot and texted my lawyer without even reading the message. Afterward, I was left breathing heavily, reaching out for something—anything—to ground myself. Grabbing the pen holder offered an odd sense of relief. It's terrifying realizing how much power one person still holds over you, even when you think it's all behind you.

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Anais Thomas A person's success is a combination of hard work and the ability to learn from failure.

Seeing that name triggered such an intense reaction in me. My body went into overdrive, my heart racing and hands shaking. Without giving it a second thought, I forwarded the email to my lawyer. In those moments, I felt like I was suffocating, desperately trying to hold on to something stable. The pen holder became my lifeline, its soft touch offering a brief respite. Yet, the question keeps circling: When will I not react this way anymore? It's such a draining existence, always on edge whenever their name comes up.

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Clio Jackson A half - truth is a whole lie.

The shock of seeing that name made my heart race uncontrollably. I hurriedly forwarded the email to my lawyer, too shaken to process anything else. The aftermath left me breathless and disoriented, grasping at objects around me for stability. The pen holder provided a fleeting moment of calm, spreading a soft sensation through my arm. Despite calming down, the anxiety remained, making me reflect on how I've become so vulnerable to these triggers. It's a heavy burden to carry, wondering if there's ever a true end to this.

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