[Veggie Burger]

About 3 years ago, I was raped. Before then, I didn’t have any mental health concerns, but after the experience I was diagnosed with anxiety that was induced by the trauma. I was not diagnosed with PTSD, but I did occasionally reexperience the event in dreams and flashbacks. I was doing an ok job with getting back on track with my life. I started taking medication that seemed to help me deal with the anxiety.

While I felt like I was doing well, in the past year I’ve realized that certain triggers seem to put me back at square one. If I watch a movie or tv show that reminds me of my experience, I lose days to lying in bed and being unable to function. I feel like there’s no way to escape the inevitability of someone saying or doing something that causes me to reexperience my trauma. So my question is: how do you deal with triggers? Especially when they can be something small like a song or a phrase?

Hi veggieBurger.
I get triggered a lot too.
I try to distract with meditation especially at night to help me sleep, as ince I’m triggered I tend to ruminate over and over the worrying 😩
I also can get some short respite from a good movie ...
Have you had any therapy, I am currently in therapy.
You can self refer for cbt at talking therapies on NHS , there is an online form to complete, or your gp can refer you.

I wish you well
🌺🌼🌺🌼

[KimmyO]

I'm so sorry to hear that! It is hard to get over that, but you can and you will. I use audio books on timer to let myself be distracted to go to sleep. I also take magnesium and ginseng to calm my body, mind and soul. They also get rid of those sticky negative thoughts and feelings that get me down. Yes, they really work. There are so many things to help us on this earth. Also, I get outside, breathe deep in creation, touch the earth and look at the stars.

[Fuzzybear]