Lots of people are triggered by various things. I have an attitude about
them, like this: Triggers happen, like tax, unavoidable. Usually, they
are fleeting. They can be either predictable or unpredictable. You might
have a mix. I think, if I am goin...
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Lots of people are triggered by various things. I have an attitude about
them, like this: Triggers happen, like tax, unavoidable. Usually, they
are fleeting. They can be either predictable or unpredictable. You might
have a mix. I think, if I am going to be triggered by something, surely
I will see it coming. I know some things I might read, or some tv shows,
movies, some songs, & certain noises. I might make a list, except that
list seems to change daily. For example, some days I could watch Law &
Order - SVU, other days it gets to me, striking me hard enough to double
me up and have me crying. Tonight, it was the smallest thing, a word,
'Twinkle' used in a completely unrelated context, playing the fun little
game we have here on BB. I had written 'Star' and Quirkywords had
written 'Twinkle', In response, I thought, I can't see the stars
anymore. Wish I could, wish I might, because when I was young and having
an overnight visit with my friend next door, her father came into the
room. Shocked, I froze & looked out the window, saw a single bright star
and tried to imagine myself being where it was. until he fell asleep .
Now because I don't know what I would do if I needed to detach myself
like that again, I can sometimes get to feeling very upset. I don't know
why tonight? Just my response to the word, and wishing I could see a
star, any star twinkle, brought it back home to me, I can't, it is
'gone' , as I wrote in that thread. Tonight, well this morning, I am
annoyed, I'd like to say, "NO" and push this all aside. I get angry at
having these old emotions, & memories move through me, feeling like they
might settle in for a longer stay...I am tired, I need sleep, I worry I
won't. stop this now. So, post this thread, whether anyone answers or
not. I need to think things through a bit and writing is my best way to
do this. I hope, I'm reaching someone else, and what I say is useful.
Some people welcome trigger warnings. I don't, mostly because it would
be impossible to have a trigger warning on nearly everything. I also
understand, if I am triggered by something, it is an area needing more
attention & more work. I'm not finished with the memories, thoughts or
feelings triggered. I take them as a challenge. I wonder how others deal
with the triggers? Do you actively avoid them, or like me, take it as a
part of life to be faced? How do you respond to the thoughts, feelings &
memories, which have been triggered? mmMekitty
PTSD for Medical and First Responders
