Other Triggered By Trump

[Iamsensative]

So many times i have belittled myself for having total fear of Trump. I never watched his TV shows, he gave me that feeling he was a total abuser. Now with him running for president, my anxiety has increased. I cant watch any news without going into panic. He is what my guy says he is a dangerous animal, preying on the weak. I dont understand how as a country we could have even considered this man as president material. My nightmares of not being safe, the world not being safe have even started again...So stupid for me to worry about the world. I have no control of the craziness.

 

[Sideways]

I actually got a string of intrusive memories this morning when they played the video on the news, and tv sometimes does that, but it was actually pretty unexpected for me coming from presidential election news.

But I'm heaps proud of myself with the way I handled it. I switched off the tv, because I just don't need that. And I've been hitting the cbt all day, just reminding myself that this is not someone who actually assaulted me, and while what he said, urgh, yeah, asshats have done that - this is not a person in my life, and this is not my story.

It's really unpleasant when something like morning tv sets off a day like that, and memories like that. But I don't need to listen to it again. If they start talking agout it on the tv tomorrow, I'm just gonna switch it off. So the one good thing to come out of it - Ragdoll taking control of her triggers and looking after herself for a change. It's not much in terms of 'empowerment', but it's something I can do for myself, and that's progress for me.

I can understand why they played the tape, since he's up for election and it's pretty relevant to that. But hopefully we don't get the instant action repeats for too long. Cause we don't need this shite, we really don't. God help us if he gets voted in and we get years more of tapes like this. Fkin 'ell.

 

[hodge]

@Iamsensative, you are so not alone. Do NOT belittle yourself. He is a toxic individual and being repelled by him is a totally normal response. And it's NOT stupid to worry about the world. It's a sign that you have extraordinary compassion and outlook, which is a gift. A difficult gift, I know, but way better than being a selfish Trumpster.

My T, who is a wonderful and strong woman, is also triggered by Trump (she also has PTSD, but functions incredibly well). I watch MSNBC and Republican strategist Nicolle Wallace is also in therapy because of Trump. She has mentioned it freely on occasion. He is like a human hurricane. I've taken to calling him Hurricane Donald.

 

[hodge]

Good for you, Ragdoll! I'm so glad you found a way to handle this. It's horrible how he spreads his toxicity all over the world. Ish. I think there are way more tapes that could come out, but hopefully, only till the election. In the meantime, maybe we can view them as exposure therapy? I dunno. I am at a loss to explain how the U.S. Republican party went from Abraham Lincoln (one of my idols) to Donald Trump (NOT).

 

[hodge]

We are going to watch the debate tonight. At least parts of it. I'm reassured from the first debate, because Hillary was a really reassuring presence. She was calm and cool and barely recovered from pneumonia. When the D was particularly disruptive and obnoxious, she just would look over at him and then smile strongly at the camera or the audience in what I felt in my bones was a reassuring mothering way, as she waited for her turn to talk. And my bones are very sensitive. My mother was rarely reassuring, and I've learned to recognize that in others. Hillary's strength is very reassuring to me. We have got to get this guy out of our lives!

 

[Stickler]

He's just a con artist. I'm really rather horrified that people would elect him. But yes...

I mean, I try to avoid political speeches, because it's rhetorical hot air and empty words? But the guy just...I do not understand why people find him reassuring?!?
To me he's frightening. He's like my dad.

 

[hodge]

Me, too, Stick. He's a total con artist with totally unflattering attributes. I don't get the appeal. At all.

All analysis I've seen point to a very small percentage that he would be elected, so thank God for that, but we still have to endure at least another month of news exposure to his sociopathy. Shudder. Shudder. Shudder.

Atm the Michigan Marching Band is my go-to remedy for Trumpism. (YouTube links are in my diary.) But, then, yeah, I'm desperate.

 

[Rumors]

Here is what bothers me as well, men excuse this behavior as locker room banter! Like everyone says these types of things and it is acceptable. My husband defends him under that scenario and it drives me nuts. It also tells me that he thinks it is ok that such things take place. I am raising my son not to say those things about any human being.

 

[hodge]

@Rumors,. I'm so sorry your husband defends this. A lot of men don't. My husband is completely disgusted by Trump's words and behavior. And so are his friends.

I applaud you for raising your son to not find this acceptable. :hug: if that's okay.

 

[Stickler]

I actually fear he WILL be elected! Polling is within the margin of error.

 

[hodge]

I have that fear, too, Stickler. I well remember my confidence that W wouldn't be elected in 2000, then he was selected. I thought that was a nightmare. That was nothing compared to this current situation. And yet, there is reason to hope that he won't be elected. He doesn't have any minority votes. He doesn't have enough college-educated women votes. Every weekday on MSNBC Steve Kornacki does a rundown on all the current polls -- nationwide and in swing states, and it's not looking good for Trump. Yeah, in some states, he's within the margin of error, but that's all before this release of this abomination video. We'll just have to wait and see how the polls look in a few days. I don't think they'll look good for him. I think he's got as many as he could get drinking the kool-aid, and that's probably all he will get. And it's not enough to get him elected. Just pray he keeps on being himself and no one else will vote for him.

 

[Rumors]

@hodge yep, there are a lot of things that I am just now becoming aware of about people including my husband. I can't blame him bc I am pretty sure he has always been this way but I am just now seeing it. I lived in dissociation land for so long I had no idea. However, I truly find the rhetoric disturbing. But I also find Bill Clinton equally disturbing.