I have learned to observe the intrusive thoughts as they arise and choose to either ignore them or "listen" to what they are trying to tell me...if it is totally negative, I re-frame the way I think about it and my feelings change as well. Then, for me, it is just a matter of allowing the feelings to flow...observe them, and allow them, and then they tend to dissipate.
But honestly, if you are having intrusive thoughts and feelings that are causing you to not be able to work or keep a job, you may wish to stop working all together and file for disability benefits. You may be, or are becoming, disabled due to your PTSD symptoms.
For insomnia I take Trazadone to help me get to sleep and Prazosin to stop PTSD nightmares.
Seriously, I would contact a professional trauma therapist and tell them just what you said here and see if they might refer you for disability. Also, I would also see a psychiatrist for medication management.
I have been disabled with PTSD since 2000 a.d. and I had to stop working. I hope this is not the case for you, but if it is, professional help is what assisted me the most.
Dealing with triggers........I try to take a walk and leave the situation or whatever might be triggering me, figuring out my thoughts and feelings, and then return once I have calmed down. I realize that it is just a memory from the past and although it is sometimes distressing, the past can't harm me anymore.
These suggestions are only my personal opinions based on my experience and they may or may not work for you but, I hope you will take them in the spirit with which they are intended.
Best of luck to you on your healing path,
Lionheart777
