Dear Annie: I am a 72-year-old retired psychologist who suffered from embarrassing sweat attacks for many years -- in fact, since adolescence. It is only recently that I have found a reason for these episodes where I would get totally drenched. In my case, it appears to be due to the “fight or flight” adrenaline rush caused by a subconsciously triggered anxiety attack. I am a survivor of sexual abuse and emotional abuse who was diagnosed as having PTSD about 30 years ago, but I never connected my background to my sweating episodes.
Very small perceived similarities to past events can trigger the subconscious “tape” of past traumas to start rolling, causing your body to act as if the old trauma was reoccurring. When I really started closely examining when these episodes occurred, I started noticing that the rush of sweat would happen when I became anxious. It usually surrounded an inner fear that I would be a disappointment to another person or someone would perceive me as being inadequate. In reality, I am a very successful professional.
Then I noticed that when I woke up sweating at night (after menopause was long since passed), it usually followed a nightmare.
I have found that understanding myself has significantly shortened the frequency and duration of the episodes. I was in my late 40s before some therapy regarding other life events permitted me to acknowledge and come to terms with my childhood trauma. Acknowledging my buried experiences has freed me to truly enjoy life to the fullest. I still have some episodes, but I am no longer mortified when they happen.
-- Been There
Dear Been There: Thank you for your very honest, self-aware and wise letter. I hope it helps others heal. I always love hearing from professionals, and you certainly sound like one! You are correct that PTSD can cause unwelcoming bodily sensations, and excessive sweating is one of them. In addition, excessive talking, being shut down, shaking and rapid heartbeat are all ways that our body is trying to protect us from a perceived threat. This is the flight, fight or freeze response.
For PTSD, I recommend somatic therapy. It is a body therapy treatment focused on the body’s various reactions to trauma in a safe way with a trained somatic therapist. It was founded by Peter Levine, author of “Waking the Tiger.” From the sound of your letter, it seems that you already know about that therapy.