Triggers- what are your distractions for recovery?

[white knight]

Do you suffer from triggers? What is a trigger?

For me, a trigger is a moment that panic can set in quickly. From that moment on it is a battle to overcome the fallout. Often a panic attack will accompany the shaking, the stress and for me anyhow- the overwhelming temptation to- cry.

Today it happened. My wife and I went for a drive for coffee. Lovely sunny winters day arrived at our favourite country general store café at a very small town only to see the "closed" sign. Ok, we'll go to a country house nearby where they advertise Devonshire tea. As we pulled up the thought came to me about cash. The other place took eftpos which is what we use all the time. This little place isn't likely to take cards. As the old lady approached I didn't have time to talk about it to my wife...in fact the old lay was impossible to interrupt so I could speak about the matter. On and on she talked as we walked about 50 metres to the "tea rooms" all the while not able to talk.

As we arrived at the rotunda I had to interrupt but the shakes started and I was desperate with wanting to ask my wife if she had any real money. So out it came "do you take eftpos" I asked. At that exact moment an old man called out to the old lady something about taking his dogs to a friends place. She walked towards him out of sight. So I didn't get my answer. This freaked me out more in frustration. I turned to my wife and asked her "I hope you have cash"? "Oh, she thought, "I don't think so". I had to return to the car where I found $8 in coins then returned and my wife found $5 in her purse. The old lady returned and we asked the cost of Devonshire tea and she replied "$16"- we were short $3. She was ok with that and being locals we'd make up for it when seeing her in town.

The event shook me up. The rotunda and nearby sheds had jugs as a display many of them so it was a distraction. About 20 minutes later I was 90% recovered. The overwhelming desire is to cry but being older and male it doesn't come.

Distraction is my tool for recovery. I don't think there is a better or faster remedy. Do you know of any?

Prevention is better than cure and having $50 or so on you is the preventative measure. We'll try and do that of course.

Feel free to contribute.

TonyWK

[Guest_9610]

Hello Alison & Tony,

I also agree that this Thread is very vital especially for All Those of us who suffer from triggers. An excellent thread where we all can learn from each other. You Both had mentioned that are 63 Years Young, well... I wouldn't mind being 63 Years Young Again!!! 🙂

Each of us have something common here that we have the experience that comes with age yet not exempt from having mental disorders. I suffer from anxiety depression ptsd BPD which can have an huge impact on Triggers. As we age we don't seem to be as resilient as we used to be, not meaning that we're any less important than the younger folk on this forum.

Each of us are unique is our Own ways.

Each of us react differently to a trigger differently & we how we deal with the out come.

I've had many years of experience of dealing with my own triggers, recognizing the cause of them & how to deal with it. Not saying it's been an easy road at times. I personally have found that if you can "Recognize the Cause of your Own Trigger", then you already half way there in dealing with it ... this come with geniune self analysis of what's really affecting you...

Professional Drs all have their place when trying their best to help their patients to understand the Whys of their triggers. Each patient is unique in their own ways of dealing their triggers. What may work for one patient doesn't necessarily mean it will work for the next patient. It's so important to go to a medical professional that you feel comfortable with.

The vital lesson I've personally learnt out of all those ideas suggestions etc, I need to remember, not to compare myself with another who seems to succeed well from their professional Drs advice & ideas. Some professionals will say it comes from early childhood traumas where as others have different veiwpoints. Only you yourself know what traumatic experiences you've gone through in life & having that knowledge of yourself Will help to understand behaviours & the like. I n turn, helping the medical professionals drawing the right conclusion of your triggers & reactions to them.

Will take time to get to know them. It's well worth it.

Hope this may help to anyone reading this.

Regards

Amiella

[Anicca]

Hi Tony and Amelia,

I know these triggers are worse when I am caught totally unawares. School kids were hiding out near my unit. I turned the corner of the path to see three female students sitting on the ground chatting. I freaked and yelled at them to move. They totally ignored me. I told them to move (Like a sergeant major) and they barely looked at me. I then asked if they’d spoken to their school principal and said I was going to phone him. Well, they ran as fast as they could. I phoned the school and a teacher came up to meet me. She didn’t react like I did. We agreed it would be hard to identify the students. I just hated the way I sounded when talking to her. I feel ashamed and wouldn’t want one of my neighbours to see me. If they heard me, they haven’t said so. I think at my age I should be more mature when handling things.

Thanks for your suggestions,

Alison

[Jill_G]

I can relate to the shakes. For me lm still recovering from anxiety which lve had for about 10 months now and even though its much better l still get the shakes and a slight fear every morning. Im also still getting like a wierd taste and smell...lm hoping this goes away. My tummy still occasionally feels like its in a tight knot. Will this eventualky go away so l can feel normal again.

[white knight]

Hi everyone, well this topic has struck a cord.

Amiellia, well said. All of us are on different unique parallels of triggers all depending on our past.

My sister and I are both bipolar2. We've recognised that we trigger much easier when tired. Up till 5 years ago I wasmt aware I have sleep apnea and subsequently a cpap ensure a more quality sleep. It does help with triggers because I'm more jovial, less moody.

Alison, having excess guilt can be worse than triggers imo.

Google

Beyondblue topic guilt the tormentor

Beyondblue topic the benefit of the doubt

Guilt, when acknowledged can be a good thing because you are aware of your faults.

Jill G,

Please google

Beyondblue topic anxiety, how I eliminated it

Beyondblue topic he helped me for 25 years, Maharaji

TonyWK

The muscle tensioning exercises I swear by.

[Jill_G]

Thank you

[Guest5643]

Sometimes someones innocent post can be a trigger.

Cheers lynne

[white knight]

Hi Lynne

After more than 5 years here and most of that time being a Community Champion, I can say with certainty that most replies, although we are as careful as we can be, can be triggers.

It's merely impossible to give advice/guidence without being honest and sometimes all the tact you can muster just doesnt suffice. We are not trained counselors (most), we are people that offer life experiences with our own mental health issues so, carrying out this role is purely voluntary hoping to help others. It takes its toll on us too.

I hope you havent experienced triggers on this forum but if you have I'm sorry that has happened and also hope you see the benefits of any activity you involve yourself with.

Feel free to mention it here if it makes your feel better.

TonyWK

[Guest_9610]

Hi Helium

As you had quoted:-

"Sometimes someone's innocent post be a trigger"

Can I be of any assistance to you? Would you like to share what triggers are someone's else's post that affecting you?

We're all here to do our to encourage each other & do our very best without hurting each other.

Regards

Amiella

[white knight]

Hi helium and Amiellia

Ive just replied to your post in the "who cries over spilt milk" thread.

Regards

TonyWK

[paddyanne]

Hi Tony and all at BB. You'll be getting fed-up hearing from me. Part of my problem (for lack of another word) is the feeling of not being wanted. My dad wanted me, I'm sure of that. My mother literally told me I was an accident so I grew up with that knowledge. Things that trigger my emotions: feelings of being trapped, unable to escape. I cannot sleep in a room with the door shut. I get anxiety big time. I have a/c in my bedroom, luckily my flat is small enough I can leave the door open, no fear of 'escaping air'. I only have two windows that can be opened so I can close them and leave the bedroom door open. I was sexually abused and locked in my room with my attacker, hence the fear of being trapped. I can't listen to anything related to sexual abuse. Verbal abuse has me running scared too. I do have ways of combatting to keep the anxiety under control. One way is to indulge in crossword puzzles. I also love to cross-stich tapestry. I recognize when I feel afraid so I keep a crossword book handy. Having to concentrate keeps me busy and quells the desire to run.