QUESTION

[CroixNoire]

When I remember and try to share the bad things I passed through, I notice that I start to shake and it gets harder to breathe and I can’t speak. Feels like I have a rock in my throat. Do I have a trauma?

[Jeff1943]

The rock in the throat is called Globus Hystericus, a fairly well known symptom of anxiety. I had it 20 years ago but had a barium meal scan and they said nothing wrong. The reassurance was good enough for me, I forgot about it and ignored this symptom of anxiety went away.

Breathlessness is another common anxiety symptom but it's always worth getting these things checked out by a doctor for 100% reassurance. Like they say, just because you're paranoid doesn't mean you're not being followed.

[Arroyon75]

Wow thats actually what happens to me sometimes..

[BetaTogetha]

Trauma is subjective, and I think it’s up to you to decide how you label it or if you want to.

For a long time I downplayed my trauma and I just called it “difficult experiences.” For me and my past I wasn’t doing myself justice. I wasn’t allowing myself to process, because I was just minimizing the reality of it. Through therapy and educational reading I have come to terms with it. I call it trauma, I accept it, and I listen to my body to help identify my triggers, and learn how to utilize the tools to help me move forward.