Coping strategies for Triggers

[Keen]

I don't know if anyone else already suggested this, but maybe there are other ways to enjoy the social and spiritual aspects of church besides attending church on Sundays. Does your church organize / could you or one of your friends organize a group of churchmembers to go to some volunteer work / a barbecue / a hike / some activity together?

 

[CourageofSnow]

Thanks Keen. I’ve managed to have dinner at a friend’s house and had another friend come over during the week.

 

[talon]

Hi,
I hope this is the right place to post this. Mods, please move this post if not ok.

I am struggling with the fact that church has become a trigger for me. I can’t seem to go unless I have taken a Valium.

I had years of abuse as a child and one place my stepfather abused me was church. While it is no longer the same building it seems to be the association of attending church is a trigger for me. I am part of a large church community and up until recently I was able to attend church like a normal person.

Now I’m not sure why I am feeling scared and anxious at the thought of going to church and my new therapist isn’t available until November so I am feeling a bit lost.

Should I face the trigger head on and hope that I am able to stay without a panic attack or do I cut my losses until November when I have had some therapy and have better insight and coping skills?

I currently use breathing techniques and grounding techniques to try and stay in the moment though sometimes they don’t work and I end up having flashbacks or panic attacks.

If you have a faith then you would know that god would understand your decision and the answer should come from knowing you are no less a person . Maybe missing one might make you feel that you are better being alone or not . Whatever you decide you are no less a person or no less devout . There is and there should never be guilt where love is concerned

 

[hithere]

not going when you don't want to may be a way to give you some power back and help you feel in control; it may remind your brain that you are not in the same year or situation again. I had a place where a lot of things happened that created the ptsd. I went alone when no one was there in order to face the panick attacks and gain some control, and look around and remember everything. Well, I can't remember everything but what I have never forgotten is enough ... it gave me some stability. but while I was doing this (I went about 4 times) I would have nightmares and other crazy stuff ... lots of regression, but I'm glad no one saw all that. I went alone. I tried to talk to t about this but my t had too many of their own problems to be a help or support for me during that time. so I was pretty much on my own.