hypervigilance/ptsd

[Depression = 72% of members]

I was diagnosed with PTSD after a bad car accident when I was 18 and I still jump at the sound of loud car noises but I never once thought I could have PTSD from living with a uBPD dad. I'm just now trying to focus on releasing the tension from my body/relaxing but it's so difficult! I've literally been twitching at the thought of relaxing and letting go of this constant on edge feeling. My dad would always comment about how I've been ready to defend myself or argue at any moment and it's because I had to grow up learning how to defend myself because I never knew when he was going to blow up again. Now that I'm 24 and things have settled down for the most part between us so I'm trying to fix my mind and body.

Sometimes I smoke weed to help me sleep and the other night I tried visualizing what it feels like to be relaxed and emotionally vulnerable and thats when the twitching began every time i would sink myself into the moment and now when i'm not high I twitch when I imagine those scenarios. I plan on bringing all this up with my therapist but I was just wondering if anyone had any coping techniques to get rid of this hypervigilance feeling?

[guliers]

I was diagnosed with PTSD after a bad car accident when I was 18 and I still jump at the sound of loud car noises but I never once thought I could have PTSD from living with a uBPD dad. I'm just now trying to focus on releasing the tension from my body/relaxing but it's so difficult! I've literally been twitching at the thought of relaxing and letting go of this constant on edge feeling. My dad would always comment about how I've been ready to defend myself or argue at any moment and it's because I had to grow up learning how to defend myself because I never knew when he was going to blow up again. Now that I'm 24 and things have settled down for the most part between us so I'm trying to fix my mind and body.

Sometimes I smoke weed to help me sleep and the other night I tried visualizing what it feels like to be relaxed and emotionally vulnerable and thats when the twitching began every time i would sink myself into the moment and now when i'm not high I twitch when I imagine those scenarios. I plan on bringing all this up with my therapist but I was just wondering if anyone had any coping techniques to get rid of this hypervigilance feeling?

[HappyChappy]

(Ignore my spelling) Yoga and Meditation. Sometimes called Mindfullness training (Buddist meditation). Some Therpasits can lead you in relaxation techniques, which makes it easier. You need a T with a voice you find relaxing. Some use Hypnotherapy (I've never tried this). But these take time to get the hang off. A more immediate release can be getting back to nature. Lie next to a river, gaze at the water.

Excersising (idealy outside surrounded by nature). Avoid Gyms. Regular exersise like jogging is good, but do not over streach yourself. Some find certain music relaxing, also smells such as Camomile, Lavender, Ylang Ylang (and others). Avoid cafeen (coffee, tee, coke). Avoid things that trigger your PTSD.

Hot baths, with essential oils Lavender (as above) are also relaxing. Massarges (but chose the right type).  But long term, you need to resolve the PTSD issues, otherwise it will keep you stressed. By resolving your BPD childhood, you should start to feel more confident and more peacefull. By resolving your PTSD, same is true. Basically you should come to realise that hypervigenalnce had it's value as a child. But no needed now, so you can stand at ease.

If you use weed, there are cetain variaties to avoid using in large amounts over long periods. But if you get it from a legitimate cafe, they should be able to advise. Oh and a candel lit room can be relaxing (and a fire hazard). But your Therapist is bound to know some, they can guide you through in more detail.  

[lavalove]

I'm sorry I don't have much advice but I can say that you're not alone with the hyper vigilance. I am like that too as a result of my childhood- reading all the subtleties of situations and detecting even the smallest changes in a persons demeanor. I observe so much at one time that I make things as predictable as possible. I am slowly learning to calm down over time. What I learned in therapy was that this was a coping strategy I developed as a kid out of necessity but that I no longer need it because I have replaced it with a healthier lifestyle- placing boundaries in situations and enforcing them, which makes me feel empowered enough to know that if I find myself in a situation that is scary, i.e. person blows up, I can protect myself by leaving, kicking them out, etc. this way I no longer have to view every situation as a potential threat. Hope that helps, hang in there!