the news was very upsetting today

[augustnow]

ok upsetting is an understatement. I had the worst panic attack I've had in months. I have been tense for weeks and I just completely broke down tonight after hearing an absolutely terrible story on the news. Of course, my heart is with the victim but I am losing sleep. They blurred the image on TV but they played a snippet of the screams, I didn't see anything but it's like my mind is filling the blanks. Why would my own mind do something so horrible? It's been an hour since my panic attack and i thought i was calming down but every other thing reminds me of it.

I'm very sensitive about control and I knew what was coming in the news story would trigger me but i tried to power through. I just wanted to watch TV with my dad but now i cannot imagine leaving my house for school in the morning. The fear is so intense. I thought i was getting stronger but i was wrong

[Bookishbunny]

Hi, I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. I have OCD and GAD and the news is very triggering for me too. I struggle a lot with feeling unworthy and broken because I have situations I feel like I need to avoid to stay in the right headspace. Like I’m not normal. In fact I have done the same as you and tried to control it, prove to myself I was stronger. What I’ve learned from living like this for so long is that no matter what you ARE stronger than your fear and you don’t need to prove it. The things that once triggered me don’t anymore. You’ll grow, be patient with yourself in this time. At this moment in time I cannot watch or read the news or watch cop shows, you aren’t alone in this. It’s okay to be afraid. I’ve had days where I couldn’t shower with the curtain closed after watching a scary movie. I know that most likely no one will come inside my locked bathroom with a knife while creepy piano music plays in the background but that doesn’t take away the thoughts and fear. I know it’s hard to live in this scary world but what helps me is listing the facts vs. my fears. Get mace if that make you more comfortable. Hitch a ride instead of walking make small changes to make yourself feel better and eventually it won’t be as scary.

Good luck 💜

[augustnow in reply to Bookishbunny]

keep forgetting there are actually things that can be done to help feel safer, thank you

[Zhangliqun]

Do you know what's causing the panic attacks? Not the triggers, but what is making you trigger-able?

[augustnow in reply to Zhangliqun]

i do, my mistake was pretending I was over them 😑

[Zhangliqun in reply to augustnow]

What is the cause, if you're willing to say?

[WriterG]

Wow, I totally understand. It is hard to watch. First, so much is fake. All the major news channel are pushing their bs propaganda and it is crap. In some cases the truth is a lot sweeter and in others it's worse but you will never get the facts from these channels all bought and paid through "them." (I'm not saying it.)Since COVID and because I've been ill and rarely go out, I've taken up watching YouTube videos. Why don't you try that instead? It's free and there are thousands upon thousands to choose from. We happen to be interested in paranormal stuff, etc. so I can tell you some good ones, but just do a search and you can find anything. A lot of these creators are hell bent on trying to cheer up people like us so it's good. I'm happy to share more in privatie if you'd like.

[Arie11e]

I don’t own a tv anymore, and I am glad. I listen to music, read and paint. I do keep up with news some on podcasts, but try to limit that because it is so upsetting.