C. Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma and numbing of general responsiveness (not present before the trauma), as indicated by three (or more) of the following:

(1) efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings, or conversations associated with the trauma
(2) efforts to avoid activities, places, or people that arouse recollections of the trauma

(4) markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities
(5) feeling of detachment or estrangement from others
(6) restricted range of affect (e.g., unable to have loving feelings)


#1 - Not willing to discuss anything about the trauma with anyone! Total avoidance - like when you were first diagnosed and just before.

#2 - I can not go to the dentist. It is a complete trigger in multiple ways. I skipped the dentist for 8 years at one point. Now I only go while sedated. Then will still have nightmares for weeks. My anxiety increases significantly three weeks before the appointment - even for a cleaning. Baby Showers and Weddings can also trigger me.

#4 - Depression. Losing interest in everything you once enjoyed. I also do not participate in Baby Showers due to my traumas.

#5 & 6 - Feeling isolated from the 'normal population', feeling like an outsider,
feeling damaged or so different from anyone else. Not being able to connect with your feelings. Feeling dead inside. Not emotionally responsive to people or situations -- or limited response. Not relating with someone elses expression of joy at their graduation - party - etc...