This Site Triggers Me A Little. What Now?

[somerandomguy]

Although I WANT to participate on this website - it seems really full of information and kind, caring people - I find that when I click my bookmark, I breathe a little faster, I start having negative thoughts, and I feel depressed.

I really wish I didn't have this problem.

Maybe I should be asking how people deal with their triggers. Maybe I should be researching how to deal with my "hair trigger" - it seems like since my diagnosis on Friday, I've been thinking about it ALL the time. I really feel on edge, much more so than usual.

Any thoughts and advice would be very appreciated.

 

[Manic11]

This is a common problem most members have. This site can be very triggering and is very triggering but talking about trauma and anxiety is never easy. If we can't talk about it here, where can we talk about it right?
Things get worse before they get better.

If it helps at all, think of it as exposure therapy. If you are exposed to it enough, you will get triggered less by it. You can also look for grounding techniques and other threads posted about this.

I hope this helps and I hope you find the help you need.
Peace and healing.
Manic

 

[Deleted member 541]

It really is triggering, but in the long run, getting triggered, taking a break, coming back and doing it all over again, eventually desensitizes you.....

Facing this shit is hard, it can cause all sorts of emotions to come to the surface......Grounding techniques will help too......

Hang in there...It does get better, but you have to get sicker first....

 

[Nicky31]

Hello there

It is good that you are listening to yourself and that you have such self awareness of your triggers. Like SheCat says here, by gently submerging yourself, say, starting off in the shallow end of the pool, you will gradually feel more confident and ready to swim to the deep end. Some days will be easier than others and those will likely be the days that you'll want to try giving it a go, but remember also that you have floats here in the shape of other forum users to support you as you try.

Nicky:smile:

 

[Lionheart]

I think it is perfectly normal for this site to be a bit of a trigger. I have been a member for several months and I still get triggered coming here, but I have found friends that are supportive, understanding and caring. Although there are times when it is just too difficult, I like coming here. If you are a PTSD sufferer or carer you are in the right place. My best to you... :occasion:

 

[Tinyflame]

I believe I read that this site is designed to trigger (us)- which was a relief.

I find it less triggering (usually) as time goes on (exposure therapy, as was mentioned), also it makes me think, the people here are frequently very wise and always very supportive, and have good suggestions/ tips.

Most of all I'm starting to recognize what some of my triggers actually are. Now I can choose (in a more informed way) to face them, or avoid them for the time being and come back when I feel up to it.

 

[cynelena]

Take a breather. Take a break. Take minutes, hours, or days if you have to, but do come back.

I came here for information to help me in my relationship with my BF that suffers from PTSD and found that I was being triggered myself...I have a LOT of unresolved issues from my childhood and have just begun to delve into them with my therapist.

I can tell you with absolute honesty that YES, you can and will be triggered here, but the outpouring of support and knowledge that you will find here will help you through it. Keep posting and don't push yourself...too much:wink: You are safe here. I promise.

Welcome to the forum by the way!:hello:

 

[CCurry]

Hi,

I have to say everything that cynelena said is exactly my scenerio too. Initially this site dug up stuff that I had buried and yet I wasn't here for myself. Like Cynelena I was here because of my bf.

Stick it out if you can!

C.

 

[2quilt]

When I feel anxious, I come to this site because all of you understand me, you don't expect me to be bubbly and happy--I can be myself however I feel at the time, and you don't judge me. I feel safe here.

 

[Jade-]

I'm glad I found this because I am very triggered when I come here.Sometimes I just can't read anything at all and log off and other times I can.

 

[Artista]

Same here... some days all I can manage are the "safer" threads. Happier ones in Chit Chat or Accomplishments. I can't seem to make it into many other areas just yet for very long as I found it too painful and made me quite anxious. I can see how it can eventually work to desensitize. Just depends on the day for me and my reserve strength I think. It is just good to know it's here if I ever decide to completely "spill"' and let more out or if I want to vent, at least others will get it!

Welcome.

 

[gdf]

I think one of the good things about coming to the site is we have control over it. We are not in the original situation which produced our symptoms but our pulses still pick up, flashbacks happen and we feel our breathing increase along with our anxiety. Although it does take a while for it to wear off when you start here it does help desensitize you. I too felt the same rush when I first came here--kind of like rubbing the cut with salt but then I also used it to exercise control...I could log off when it got too intense and push myself at a controllable pace. With a website it's not in your face like the original trauma but it does provide a place to put your feet in the water where people care and can support you while you are trying to expose yourself to your trauma and work through it. I think of it as a safe place to experience the triggers.

Gina