Figuring Out Triggers

[ashdawn8287]

I am in the process of trying to figure out my triggers, control them, and cope differently. I wrote a list of my internal triggers, such as, nervousness, negative thoughts, biting my lip, shaky voice, etc. I wrote another list of my external figures (which was a lot, apparently everything sets me off ;)), such as, being around families, crowds, rude people, liars, people that judge, people that leave (even to go to work or the store), sex, social media, and the list could go on forever.

My point is I am on my way to self realization and I think that is a good step for people like us. Once you figure out your triggers you can start to control them, which is HARD, but possible. I still have hope that one day I will be able to not work as hard in controlling them.

My hopes in writing my triggers is to eventually make note cards that help me when I do have a trigger and repeatedly go through and read these note cards every day. I think this is a good idea. I think the hard part will be picking those cards up and just doing it.

I am trying my hardest to heal. I will do anything. I am that desperate. This is my new life. It is not one I would have picked, but sometimes people don't get a choice. People like us have to handle things differently. I will not allow this to ruin my life. I am taking back control. I do not want to lose anymore of my life. I want to be happy all the time. Happiness is a choice.

Also, I will be making note cares for numerous coping strategies. From what I have found, the more coping strategies you develop, the better you are in handling things.

I hope people read this and get inspired to do the same.

 

[gio_marino]

I keep a little journal instead of notecards on my iphone where I jot down things about my day. My anxiety level, level of foginess, what I ate including calories, complete workout program, any angry thoughts or arguments I may have got into with my father or friends, any sad thoughts of my grandfather, how many times I thought of my ex fiancee, and ALWAYS the important things I need to accomplish the following day. Otherwise I get nothing done and stay lost in a fog. Its so encouraging when you see progress but equally as sad when you are struggling.

It was just my birthday the other day and my first without my ex so I ended up really over drinking-- & let me tell you this entire day is a nightmare. My crazy intense panic attack led me to find this board though and I like it here :) you are a very inspirational bunch. so thats a plus... Going to get in bed early tonight and try to be the best I can tomorrow. im not giving up either until every aspect of my life is back on track, REGARDLESS of what this world throws at me next. im adding triggers to my journal. thnx.

 

[ashdawn8287]

Journaling is great and a healthy coping mechanism. I'm glad you are going to add triggers into your journal. It's good you work out too, because that is healthy as well. Happy late Birthday! Yes, birthdays without someone we use to value and deem as important are hard. I know that feeling all to well.

I'm glad you like it here. I'm glad you are deciding to take this into your own hands. That is good. You should be proud of yourself. I feel the same. I am not giving up until my life is in balance and where I want it to be. I am here for you if you need to talk.

 

[Venusian]

You both might like to read this thread.

Stressor vs. Trigger - What Is A Trigger?

[DLMURL]https://www.ptsdforum.org/c/threads/stressor-vs-trigger-thread.26147/[/DLMURL]

 

[gio_marino]

Im definitely experiencing regular stressors, not triggers. triggers rarely occur for me. little term mixup there,..Thanks