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Horrible Night So Far- Feeling Triggered

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JEKBreatheandBelieve

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Right now there is blaring music outside. It's coming from a party outside a house up the street. Seriously, why do these people or other people around me keep throwing parties. I do not live in a neighborhood where I expected this to happen. And every party is followed by fireworks.

I was feeling anxious before I came home tonight. When I got home, my son was refusing to go to bed. My husband was just ignoring him. As soon as I got home, my son attached to me. So I had a shadow, was tired, anxious, and then the loud music started.

Finally thought I got my son to bed and he popped up again. Got him to go back to bed and he stayed for a little while. I was getting more triggered by the music and really wanted to know where it was coming from and to not be alone. My husband was in the basement 2 floors down so not easily accessible unless I broke my promise to my son and left my room. So I stayed.

That was the wrong choice. My son came back. He would not go to bed. He kept badgering me asking "Are you leaving the house?" and "Are you staying in your room?" I lost it. I felt like I was drowning. I needed help and there was no back up. There was screaming and yelling and I have no idea what I said. I ran from the room and heard him crying behind me. I screamed for my husband who went up to deal with my son.

I went to the garage, though I really wanted to open the door and just run away. Run as far away from this reality as I could. Unfortunately, I am afraid of the dark and the loud music that is out in the dark, so I stayed put. I cried and cried until I finally went in. I am surprised that I was crying.

I told my husband what had happened in as much detail as I could remember and ended by saying that I am a horrible person (and I mean that). He responded a bit and then had to go put my son back in bed...twice. More crying on my part. Then, my husband asks about whether my son has PTSD. Um, no, he's just a normal kid going through an I don't want to go to bed stage and perhaps is a little afraid for some reason we haven't figured out yet. Sometimes I wonder about what my husband is thinking. That was the extent of our conversation.

I came up stairs, still angry and overwhelmed. I switched parts, cut, threw up, and came back when I sat down at my computer. I know I am a horrible person for yelling at my son that way and I know that I am probably doing horrible damage to him. But it sure would have been nice to hear, "You aren't a horrible person" as one of the reactions from my husband.

I just wish that I could have a tiny break from the triggers and anxiety. Maybe feel a little normal...just a little...for just a little while...
 
You are not a horrible person! You are a mom of 2 little boys who is doing the best she can under difficult circumstances. Why wasn't dad helping out with bedtime as it is a stressful time of the day?
 
@littlelostchild - Actually, I was gone tonight at bedtime, so my husband put them to bed. We usually do it together. When I got home, my husband was trying the technique of ignoring my son in hopes he'd just magically go to bed- obviously didn't work. So it became my problem. I am sure my husband needed a break, but I sure wish he'd checked upstairs a few minutes after.
 
I'm so sorry you're feeling triggered! It's the next day where I live, so feel free to send me a PC when you feel up to it! You are not, a horrible person, and I'm thinking of you!
 
@JEKBreatheandBelieve sorry I was being so judgemental. I was tired and cranky last night, but I wanted to respond because you are such an inspiration to me! Raising 2 little ones and teaching while going through your trauma therapy. It is amazing to me. I think your post triggered my anger because, although my hubby is amazing, he is/was never much help around the home.

I am sorry if I offended you, it would never be my intention.
 
@littlelostchild - No worries. You didn't offend me- anger happens, but I sensed your message was more frustrated for me/wanting to help. My husband is very supportive and I am very fortunate to have him. He just doesn't deal well with emotions and struggles to understand little kids (who doesn't?!). He's amazing considering that I leave him in the dark as to what is going on. I did end up talking to him last night which seemed to go okay.

Thank you for saying that I am an inspiration to you. That is hard to believe, but I thank you nonetheless.
 
@JEKBreatheandBelieve
You are not a horrible person. If you were a horrible person, then you would not care that you yelled at your son, and you would not care if you were damaging him.

However you do care. You care so much you are calling yourself horrible. You love your son, and you love your family, and that is what good people do.

Do you yell at your kids more because of your PTSD and being triggered? Maybe, but maybe not. Our kids have a way of pushing our buttons like no one else. I know when our kids were, well kids; my wife, who does not have PTSD, yelled at them frequently because they were good at pushing her buttons. And guess what? My kids have all turned out fine.

JEK you are a good mom who loves her kids, and cares about their well-being, so give yourself a break. You are far more normal than you give yourself credit for.

Have you considered putting in some kind of an intercom system, so when your husband is in the basement, and you need him, you can buzz him.
 
@RussH We have walkie-talkies but the battery was dead. I am not a yeller by nature and so it bothers me to yell. And it's not just regular yelling, it is full out screaming at him. It is not that I expect to never yell at my kids, I'm realistic, it will happen, but it should not be this much or this loud. Thanks though.

I barely got any sleep and am trying to survive a day with my family while in a haze.
 
@JEKBreatheandBelieve if it is ok; just consider yourself hugged. I am truly sorry things have been so hard for you. Perhaps when school gets back in session, and you can get back to your routine; that will help with some of the other stressors you are dealing with.
 
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