I have been triggered by too many things at the same time. My mind is doing overtime. I am tired and tired.

[__zh]

over the years we've learned that when we're most overwhelmed we need to find some way to recharge the ol' batteries...

sometimes the smallest or simplest of things can make a large difference....like deciding to take care of certain matters one day and just let the chips fall where they may for others (like the garbage bill currently here....they'll get paid...just not this month).

there is only so much you can do and can be responsible for....others must step in as well when possible....learning to ask others to pull their weight can be helpful in alleviating some of the stressors when so overwhelmed.

play solitaire
read 'lite' reading (for some trashy newsstand rags, gossipy magazines, fashion, gardening...whatever is your lite fare)
baths if possible
long hot showers if possible
take time to paint your toenails
have a cup of coffee

allow yourself times of rest where you find them as the overwhelm is one way the body let's us know we're nearing the limits.....

[nothemama8]

if you like to draw, draw, get some coloring books, finger paints help us
Angie

[wisewoman]

grades 4 through 7 literature. Neve fails to put me in another place. Too bad my kids are too old or no young for that but get them at the library. I am going to take my own advice. Feel better soon

[EJ711]

Really enjoyed your post.

EJ

[__zh]

why thank you EJ!

it helps to know that what we've used over the years and sometimes learned the very very hard way has helped another........kinda the reason for these boards......so we can all know we're not so alone in what we face or how we deal/cope with things.

lots of reading, lots of therapy, a few intensive therapy retreats (weekends) that were good/bad but overall helpful, lots of different approachs of therapy, along with almost everything but the kitchen sink.......all that adds up to the "wisdom" we dish out like paint your toenails. LOL

however sometimes painting one's nails can be the very ticket to feeling better, if even for the short time it takes to actually brush the enamel on or hopefully longer as one looks at the finished job and smiles thinking of the time one took for themselves.
***********
time0....how ya holding up there sweetie? we felt like we were going under with overwhelm not too long ago and somehow now we're not so stuck in the riptides. today we drank a cup of coffee as our time. what were you able to find time to do?

[mssumom]

I agree with EJ those were both great posts and very helpful to me also........thank you.

[froggie2]

I was kinda like that last week and finnaly said to heck with everything for awhile. I did nothing but watch movies and sleep for a couple of days. i think it did me good. I also went to a different town and snooped around. Just getting in my car and doing something different helped. i forgot about everything for awhile, it gave my poor brain a rest.

[Zen888]

Hi time0

((((((((((time0))))))))))))))

I can relate to you about having so many triggers and feeling ________ tired. Just when I think I am having a "good day" I have flash backs....and I revert to my 2 coping mechanisms: over eating and sleeping too much.

I am just so ___ overwhelmed and at a loss. I have a very small imidate family and a small circle of friends. And a therapist.......and a therapy group. It's just mobilizing myself to go outside ......... enjoy life...and leave my worries and paranoias at home.

((((((((((((time0)))))))))))))

[(JD)]

((((time0)))

The only way I can become "un-overwhelmed" (would that be underwhelmed?) is to escape/withdraw/rest in quiet for as long as I have to/can. Pushing through doesn't work with PTSD, at least not for me.

TC

Isolating can be a good thing. I do isolate in myself but not from the outside world as I work with the public and at home I have my husband and my children are often around.

Isolating in myself, meaning I will keep to myself, can be good for me but also a curse as I know much too well that If I fall too far or too deep in isolation my bad thinking will take over and I might never come back.

To take a step back from a "bad situation" is, I think, something that is good for me to do.

To identify why I was triggered is something that I am still working on. If it's something that I can remember it would be much easier for me to deal with but often I can't remember and so I keep on being anxious, upset , thinking about it, trying to found a solution and so so hurt.

But life goes on with my responsibilities and my love towards my children. The sadness can stay present in my heart and soul but it will not destroy my meaning of life.

Thank you all for caring!

[__zh]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
time0 said:...
The sadness can stay present in my heart and soul but it will not destroy my meaning of life.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post"> time0 that is an extraordinarily beautiful way of looking at life. thank you so much for sharing.

forgetting the exact nature of triggers is common with PTSD. to be upset or hypervigilant w/o fully knowing why often is what many here deal with on a daily basis. your post expresses that fragile balance of selective isolation vs. total isolation which leave one with one's "bad thinking" as you put it.

glad you're not totally isolating but instead stepping back. wise lady you are.

Thank you DearHeart! ((((((zh)))))