I have so many triggers right now that it is hard to even deal with. In fact, reducing my reaction to triggers is what I am working on primarily right now in therapy.

My first step was to end a very poisonous friendship on my own terms, rather than allowing this former friend to continue to get me to take responsibility for her pain and problems.

Next, I reduced the amount of time I spend online by about 80%. Mostly, I stopped going to all the yahoo groups I used to belong to. And I stopped reading Google news.

I am pretty reclusive these days, kind of withdrawing into my little microcosm, ignoring everything that does not affect me personally (such as politics, news, online drama on LJ). I am very careful about what I expose myself to... mainly tv and online.

And I start mentally drowning myself out when I trigger.... telling myself over and over 'stop it' or 'it doesn't matter' or 'it's not my problem'.

It doesn't always work. But that is how I am coping these days. I think it will get easier with time.

Obsidian