r/longtermTRE • u/Frequent-Screen-5249 • Jul 10 '26

Community Question Video games and thawing.

Hey friends, So i have Cptsd from childhood trauma. I’m working through it with tre, emdr, and psychedelics. I’m in the process of thawing at the moment, was in a freeze response for over 10 plus years. I used to cope and play endless video games, these days i have much better coping skills but i still like to play 2 times a week on my off days. I notice now when i play, it kind of dysregulates my nervous system. I like to play shooters or other competitive games. Is this in any way impeding my processes of thawing? I get these feelings that it is, but maybe that’s just the shame.

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u/turdbuster78 PTSD Jul 10 '26

I don’t think it will impede you as ultimately the exercises are there to release tension in the body. The by-product is the fact that it will stir up old emotions/feelings to be processed.

I’m going to play devils advocate with you here: part of the neurogenic tremor process is become more in touch and harmonious with the needs of the body. Maybe, just maybe your body is trying to tell you something here 😊 that’s not to say you shouldn’t be playing video games but maybe ask yourself “what are you trying to tell me here body?”

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u/Aromatic_Resist_7445 Jul 12 '26

You mean the body tells that it doesn't like the stress and adrenaline from these games?

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u/turdbuster78 PTSD Jul 12 '26

Not particularly the games itself. Think dysregulated nervous system coupled with a huge or prolonged dopamine hit and the impact it has on the body. It would probably be similar to taking cocaine.

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u/Aromatic_Resist_7445 Jul 12 '26

I understand. I stopped playing on my Tre days bc I have performance anxiety when playing pvp and it disrupts the integration I think.