Post-traumatic stress disorder can surface for a variety of reasons. Trauma can be internalized after a prolonged period of time or after a single event. There is no “threshold” per se, or some sort of definitive measurement, for when an individual will experience PTSD. It’s not so much about what occurred as to how we feel about what occurred.
So, while someone may start experiencing flashbacks, panic attacks, and paranoia after years of being in an abusive relationship, another may experience debilitating symptoms after only a few weeks. Again, each individual is different and, therefore, each will cope with trauma differently. It’s important to focus on developing the proper coping mechanisms which will minimize the effects.
Abusers often target individuals who are empathetic, empathic, compassionate, codependent, or otherwise have open energy. They use this energy to fuel their own supply, and often target “temporary fixes” to boost energy levels.
Think of it this way: When you enter into a new partnership with someone you’re really into, you experience an adrenaline rush. You’re excited and feel “butterflies.” You can’t get enough of this person.
An abuser craves this energy, believes it should not be finite, and will often have multiple “temporary targets” to supply as much of it as possible. Even if they are in a committed relationship, because this rush naturally dissipates over time, they tend to engage in affairs outside of the home. Unfortunately, while these bonds are fueling the abuser with a rush of adrenaline, they are sucking the life out of a target. And, when the abuser is satisfied that they have taken everything they can, they simply move onto the next, leaving the other person devastated.
PTSD symptoms can become debilitating if proper the coping mechanisms aren’t put into place. But I want to emphasize: They do not have to be debilitating. Trauma does not have to define who you are. Rather than focusing on the trauma itself, shift your focus to the present and make a commitment to yourself today to rebuild. Make peace with the past and identify sustainable strategies so you are protected against the harmful effects moving forward.