I noticed a while back that people seem to mean different things when saying that a topic/area is difficult for them because of past trauma. 

There’s my experience, which feels like essentially an exaggerated stress response. When triggered, i have a rush of adrenaline, I feel as if I’m in immediate danger, I feel trapped, can’t focus on anything that isn’t related to the perceived dangerous situation. 

Whereas some other people I’ve spoken to seem to mean an exaggerated emotional response, as in: I’ve been hurt emotionally by this before. If something similar happens to me again, I’ll feel much worse than I would otherwise, because my past emotional pain amplifies my present emotional pain. Often this is about interpersonal stuff, issues of neglect or abandonment.  

Both types seem to report a degree of reexperiencing when triggered. 

Does that make sense? How is your experience like?