Hi Kelly3

It's such a vicious cycle isn't it? Hard to find a way to break it and work on it.

I don't know if you are in therapy or not or on meds. One thing I found that helped me to find my way out during those times was to journal. I was able to go back to what I had journaled and kind of figure out what the trigger was and then I would work on that trigger. I would make a plan as to how I would change my reactions to that trigger. Like, instead of reacting emotionally first, I would stop, breathe deeply and slowly and make myself think about the hows and whys of the situation came about. I would try to see other views of it. In doing that, I had something else to think about other than the initial emotion. Not that the emotion was wrong per se, just that in acting emotionally first and thinking later is what usually gets us into a space that's really difficult to get out of and really sets us up for the guilt. By thinking first then reacting, we have more control. And control is what we crave don't you think?

I know it's not an easy task. It takes practice and lots of hard work. And its a continual job for those of us who react first and think second. But it is definitely worth all the effort especially when you see the progress you are making.

Wishing you well!

Hugsss
sabby