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My PTSD Brain Won't Be Quiet--Constant Thinking Protected Me

June 26, 2017 Tia Hollowood

PTSD brains protect us in many ways. One way my PTSD brain does that is through constant thinking. Learn why my PTSD brain's way of helping isn't the best way.

My posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) brain keeps me busy to avoid pain. Your PTSD brain could help you avoid pain in a very different way. The diversity found in the coping mechanisms people develop in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) continues to surprise me. In my case, constant thinking was one way my PTSD brain protected me.

My PTSD Brain and Constant Thinking

In my teens, my brain created a way for me to avoid traumatic memories and obsessive thinking. By constantly having a stack of projects to work on or several dilemmas to solve, I could focus on them instead. Even now, when I am particularly stressed, I find myself slipping back into the habit of constant thinking.

In this video, I reveal what I miss out on when I'm lost in constant thinking. It is pleasant to quiet my thoughts and I realize that working on mindfulness when anxiety overstimulates my PTSD brain benefits my mental health.

APA Reference
Hollowood, T. (2017, June 26). My PTSD Brain Won't Be Quiet--Constant Thinking Protected Me, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, March 19 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/traumaptsdblog/2017/06/its-hard-to-relax-when-the-ptsd-brain-wont-be-quiet



Author: Tia Hollowood

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Penny Hollick
July, 3 2017 at 9:00 pm

Just what I needed to hear, Tia. I consider myself cured from PTSD, but I am always busy, busy, working, working. I have no time for bad thoughts or relaxation thoughts. You were "living in the moment" and just enjoying the sights and sounds around you. I need to do more of that! Thank you!

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

October, 1 2017 at 10:00 pm

Thanks for sharing, Penny!

Joni
June, 27 2017 at 7:19 pm

I am 37 and have been diagnosed with PTSD. Thanks to my child hood and past relationships. Just looking for some way to deal with my emotions and thoughts. I have never before, so I decided this could be a good source.

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

October, 1 2017 at 10:01 pm

I hope you find some useful information, Joni.

Charlotte Howard
June, 26 2017 at 10:01 am

Such an awesome post, thank you so much for sharing. I know a good amount of individuals who as well have a hard time relaxing because of PTSD. It is such a powerful thing that takes over the brain and can be very hard on the person's mental health.

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

October, 1 2017 at 10:02 pm

Thanks, Charlotte. It's amazing how easy it is to fall into old habits.

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