Holiday Season/dysregulation

[FauxLiz]

I don't want to offend anyone here and I have tried very hard not to let my personal stuff get in the way but lately I seem to be seeing in all of the areas of the site threads that seem to get off topic due to misunderstandings, lashing out, or internalizing.

I haven't been very active posting this month due to the fact that I am trying to recognize when someones comment strikes a nerve, rubs me wrong or seems to offend me. I know that those are all my issues not others in the forums. So I am wondering how many of us even recognize that this holiday season with its commercialized joy and happiness, family togetherness and seeming forced gaiety is coloring both the things that we post and our responses to others?

I wish I could say that the holidays are a storybook time of year for me. They aren't, they are distressing, stressful, and awkward. I know this about myself it doesn't make things any better but I know I am trying not to take out my issues on those around me. I guess what I saying is that as the holiday season has continued along more and more members seem to be having issues with dysregulation when dealing with these forums. I am sorry that we all are dealing with this and I can only say I wish that none of use were going through this.

 

[Justmehere]

Yeah. I have noice that folks get a little more reactive this time of year on the forums and my therapist has told me that most trauma therapists see a spike in symptoms in their clients for the holidays. In the past she has said that she is very busy every December because of clients struggling a lot more.

Her actual words this morning were "everyone loses their stuff a lot more during the holidays." She says this to remind me that I'm not the only one and it will get better soon.

Its a high stress time of year for many who don't have PTSD - and it makes sense that PTSD sufferers stress cups might fill up a little faster too. It's a good thing to be aware of and to do what is needed so we don't react to each other reactions.

I try to remember it's not me, take a deep breath, and give others extra space as they fall apart and pull themselves back together this time of year.

I'm sorry the holidays stink for you too. :hug:

 

[Suzetig]

I think anything that comes along and disrupts our usual routines, expectations and ways of managing relationships has the potential to knock us off course - at least I know it does for me. Add in difficult memories, unrealistic expectations of togetherness, financial pressures and a whole community of people with active mental health issues and you've got a recipe for all kinds of dysregulation.

It's part of life with PTSD but can make it difficult to write, respond or take a step back depending on what your particular triggers are. I think being aware of being more activated than usual is a good start to coping with it, and sometimes taking some time out and away from the community is the best way to manage.

 

[Deleted member 541]

I think many of us have done the "I got triggered" and forget to step away from the computer routine. Not much offends me these days, so when people get a bit rowdy I just sort of let 'em have at it and do what they gotta do.

Yes, the holidays seem to bring out the worst in people. I think it's all the freaking stress associated with this time of year, money issues, bad memories, crappy childhoods, the weather and maybe even the man in the moon. People get stressed over little and big things, they just need to work it out, step away, cool down, think and ask for clarification!!!

 

[ShodokanJenn]

I moderate a different forum, and have definitely noticed a spike in activity that needs intervention. Members who have never caused trouble are getting their toes stepped on and lashing out. So it wouldn't surprise me in the least to see the same thing happen here. Holidays can be tough for SO many reasons. And there's really no good way to completely escape them.

 

[Freedomfighter]

I don't want to offend anyone here and I have tried very hard not to let my personal stuff get in the w...

It also has to do in which state we are with PTSD. PTSD is a constant state, the patient will always travel with their mind back and forth from traumas, attempt to get away from past traumas, and at the same time tries to approach a better future. I don't know about you guys, but that alone is already a lot on my plate.