Quote:
Originally Posted by Trace14
Triggers can be anything at anytime in my experience. Usually I know when I get triggered and it's mentally and physically exhausting. And can take a while to go away, or get back to a somewhat normal space. My therapist has identified that I have been living most of my life in avoidance habits. So I have a lot of changing to do, it will take some time, but I'm working on it. Patterns need to be practiced I think until they become a natural reaction to a situation. Maybe try some DBT. Meditation, yoga. You have to find what fits with you. Music maybe? Dance like nobody is watching  |
Yes it is mentally and physically exhausting and it's hard to not just stay in bed 24/7 at times because my body feels so extremely heavy.
I usually can manage when I've been triggered but it's the times that I can't see outside of my symptoms or even recognize they're symptoms that are the hardest.I get too caught up in it,too lost in it to be able to do anything to help myself really and it all just seems so hopeless.
Thankfully it doesn't happen too often.I have really progressed through therapy and self care through the years but still have those times where everything I have learned,all the tools I have in my toolbox elude me,and I have to find a way to change that.
I'm thinking maybe I need to make an actual toolbox,get a box and put things in it like art supplies,DVDs,articles about PTSD,bath oils,candles,recorded guided meditations,pictures of people I love the most,etc.,along with a note to myself,reminding myself I have been triggered,all the thoughts and feelings will pass and that I just need to take extra special care of myself and ride it out.And write on the box "open this when feeling hopeless" and keep it sitting somewhere in my bedroom where I can always see it.Maybe that will help me realize I have been triggered.I guess it's worth a try.(thanks elevatedsoul,your posts about a magical box helped me think of this).