Two nervous system reactions to trauma include hyperarousal (fight or flight) and hypoarousal (shutting down). You can learn strategies for caring for yourself during either reaction.

Animals face danger, but their stress lasts only as long as the danger does. Once the threat passes, their bodies reset.

People don't work that way, especially people living with PTSD.

After a flashback, grounding in the present, allowing your nervous system to regulate and approaching yourself with compassion are key strategies.

Trauma can take the nervous system in two different directions, and understanding both of them explains what’s happening in your body and what will help. 

Grounding is an important skill to use after experiencing a PTSD trigger. You can practice some simple strategies to help.

Traumas can involve threats of death, serious injury or sexual violence.  PTSD was originally seen in veterans of combat, but over the years we have come to understand that a wide range of experiences including natural disasters, crimes and childhood abuse to name just a few can lead to PTSD.