Your triggers

Would you be willing to share what, if anything, triggers your depression (or other pain)? I know depression often comes for no apparent reason, but can be made far worse by something beyond one's control (which is also a trigger in my mind).

Personally, I didn't think I had triggers, but someone's comments tested this. Specifically, she mentioned what a wonderful experience childbirth had been for her, because her kids gave her meaning and purpose in life where there had been none. I know I should've been happy for her, but instead felt the burden of loneliness on my own part. It's as though she considered life meaningless unless you're a parent.

I realize others (especially parents) are dealing with other issues and this will not be something to identify with... but any triggers you might have would be relevant.

Rejection

Feeling powerless (I would be surprised if this was not a trigger for most people. Abuse of any kind leaves us feeling that way. So called normal people think we are spoilt or having a tantrum when in CPTSD meltdown but we are really triggered when feeling powerless.)

Feling unsafe.

Not having a routine can make my depression worse. I was at my worst when I was on disability, not working and staying home all day doing very little. It gave me more opportunities to think negative thoughts and ruminate on them. I would sleep during the day a lot. I felt guilty and useless.

Having a routine is crucial for my well-being. I feel at my best right now as a full-time student on placement because I have something to do every day and a goal I'm working towards achieving. Even the small parts of my routine (showering, brushing my teeth, not sleeping during the day) are important.

Any sort of rejection or disapproval, real or imagined.

Rejection.. feeling powerless... abuse (and a few others)

Thank you so much for making this thread, T4bbyCat! Thank you so much everyone for sharing your experiences! I have never thought about my triggers, but I'll have to agree with all of what you wrote about rejection! Being rejected is a trigger for me and it always makes me feel worse. It certainly. I'm so sorry we all have to deal with all of this. You're all strong, wonderful people. Please don't give up! Try to hang on!

Not having a routine is my biggest trigger too. It was worst when I was unemployed. Tough thing is that when I am too depressed, I can't concentrate enough to work.

mine are:

1. abusive childhood./ bad abusive past

2. no family (or at least family that want to know me)

3. chronic pain/ other body issues (including self inflicted ones)

4. having limited experience (someone half my age has more experience than me)

5. nott being able to get through school (it's a big one for me), I wouldn't say I'm bad at certain subjects, but I am less than average

6. lack of a good support network and good coping methods

7. not really knowing what I'm doing from day to day, (forget in a few months/ years)

8. too many diagnoses (meaning their's always something going on with me mentally), and their's no such thing as a "normal" day"

(((((((( hugs to all ))))))))

Rejection and injustice.

Also I would have to add failure. I’m hesitant to try anything because so often I fail and that just sends me off into a downward spiral.

I was returning to the thread to post Injustice and lies
Particularly gaslighting (being called mad for calling out lies)
Any type of controlling behaviour
Bullies Grrrrrr

And side effects from med's is a major trigger too

Sending much love to all those who are triggered to feel negative emotion

Thank you everyone... good insights. Rejection in particular seems to cover a lot, including loneliness and abandonment. I don't know if there's such a thing as a true happy loner among humans.

My triggers are pain, mention of abuse of any kind and drama.

people who use our triggers against us........

(Not anyone on pc)

People who don’t like me because I’m allergic to cats

And people who use that against me

Thanks a bunch........

(Not about anyone on pc)

Rejection.

When people don't show up like they said they would.
Lack of support.
Disrespecting boundaries.

Respect for all, their time and their boundaries.

Some are too selfish to support others. The ego Grrrrrrrrrrrr

Abusers Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Seeing parents with their happy children outside, having fun... This one's not mine, and shouldn't really be a trigger for anyone, though it's somewhat related. It's apparently a trigger for some couples who've been trying to conceive for years, but haven't succeeded upon hitting their biological age limit of mid-40s or so. Just wondering whether anyone on this forum has experienced something along these lines.

Mildly so.

Growing up, my experience as a child felt like a normal life. It wasn't until later in my teens that I really started to notice that other people had parents who were different to mine. I don't think I could still fully understand why but did wish I had had my friends parents.

I am sad for my inner TS but happy also to see a young child receiving the love they deserve.

Seeing mothers with their young children makes me sad. And I rarely like to be around children. When I was a young mother, my ex-husband tricked me out of custody. It was a terrible situation. I actually had a judge sign a paper saying I was an unfit mother because I was gay. So yea, bad memories.