What do you do, if triggered at work?

[ThetaPirate10]

What do people do when they are triggered at work? I can't leave the kids alone, unless it is an emergency and someone can cover for me.

I work with elementary aged kids of varying needs. I used to vent for hours and spiral that would end up with crying. I still have the same job, but am working with a different population. My work goal is to leave work at the door. I feel less stressed this year, but they will still share things that trigger me.

The problem is I can't go to the bathroom and pull myself together. When I first started job hunting I was turned down for openly sharing about depression. I suppose that both the students and I don't understand social boundaries yet.

Students share trauma, exhibit unhealthy behaviors, I watch kids be removed or brought back into unhealthy households. It can be a lot sometimes.

Any suggestions?

 

[scout86]

What does "being triggered" look like when it happens to you? I think that will vary from one person to another and how you handle it depends on what you have to handle.

 

[EveHarrington]

Can you explain the structure of your job? I think that would help us give you possible solutions.

 

[ThetaPirate10]

Can you explain the structure of your job? I think that would help us give you possible solutions.

I am an Ed Tech (teaching assistant) for a k-5 school. I run small group resource classes and do in class academic/behavioral support.

What does "being triggered" look like when it happens to you? I think that will vary from one person to another and how you handle it depends on what you have to handle.

Often I tense up, highly anxious, silent or simplified speech, need to remind myself to breath, often long pauses between breaths.

My most wiggly students I can take for walks for movement breaks.

 

[alwaysworkingthruit]

I dont know that I can answer you question, but I can certainly empathize with you, as I am a high school teacher who also has difficulty when I'm triggered. I try to be present and use breathing techniques and sensory skills. Its difficult, as some situations warrant more . Self care is key

 

[Maou]

I am lucky I work a job that I can walk away, and ruminate in peace. If I get pressured though, or someone is even remotely annoying or demanding. I will lose my shit at them. I normally tend to disassociate the moment things become difficult though. Even when I do not want to. Intensity just makes me opt out of reality.

 

[alwaysworkingthruit]

I have learned that I have to cope, as I am responsible for 150 students. who, let's face it, can trigger me themselves. It's so difficult, but I have to do my best to keep it together. There is no alternative

 

[ThetaPirate10]

I have learned that I have to cope, as I am responsible for 150 students. who, let's face it, can trigger me themselves. It's so difficult, but I have to do my best to keep it together. There is no alternative

I considered leaving school this past summer. Even though I could easily get an office job, they just don't seem as fulfilling. I always worked in academic settings.

Kids are involved in my trauma. I am still learning to let go. It is not my job to save every student. That is the biggest issue I struggle with. Sometimes they will be crying or in a huff about something and I will leave work spiralling and anxious they are not OK.

I am happy to see them, just trying to learn more ways to maintain mindfulness when things feel chaotic in my head.

 

[Justmehere]

I do things to be mindful and connected to the present moment. Triggers are about the past being stirred up and not the present being dangerous so the more I can connect to the here and now, the better. There are a lot of great self help mindfulness tools online. Dbtselfhelp.com has some.

I also get really busy, and try to burn off the fight or flight symptoms that are stirred up.

I really struggle leaving work at work. :/

For dealing with the desire to rescue every kid, which is and admirable impulse, it might help to look into caretaking or maybe codependency resources. Not saying it’s a codependent urge, but that the boundaries to let go are often discussed in those kinds of resources.

 

[whiteraven]

I stay in a pretty triggered state always at work. The only thing that keeps me from leaving and running into traffic is staying so busy I can't think about anything else.

 

[Tinyflame]

I'm not always triggered at work, but very close to it most times. Fast pace and dedicated focus, being present to others and moments of privacy or non-communication helps.