Mitigate Triggers?

[SurvivingEveryday]

Hey everyone, I am new to the site and this is my second community.

Survivor of DV, and attempted murder here. It has been a few years since my PTSD diagnosis, and I still find that I am triggered by things, and people who do not mean to trigger me. In fact, I find that I am confused about my emotions constantly. Not to mention that I feel as though new symptoms arise daily!

How do you mitigate triggers? For example, my parents live with my spouse and I. They come from a generation where you "hide" your "crazy", and they will say things like "you are so crazy!", or, "just get over it already."

[Dolphin14 Moderator]

SurvivingEveryday:

Im so sorry for what you have been through. I read your post and your bio. Life hasn't been easy for you. Im so happy you are here, that you survived what you did. I also see that childhood issues effected you as well.

It's good to see you have found things that have been helpful. Have you tried different therapies? There are different kinds that look at things from different angles.

I've found a combined therapy program has really helped me.

I've been in therapy for years and I can still be triggered. For me exercise is key to my stability. I do yoga and meditation which help center me.

When I get a trigger I first remind myself that I am safe. I have learned to look inside myself and I can recognize what specifically is causing me to get upset in each instance. Once I know I can go through steps I have been taught to work things through.

As far as the words from your parents. They can be hurtful. We are not crazy. People just don't understand what's happening to us. It's hard for us to figure it out sometimes. I now have the strength to tell people... what you are saying isn't helping me at all.

You will find your way. Look how far you have come

🐬

[SurvivingEveryday in reply to Dolphin14]

Dolphin14,

Thank you so much for your words, and advice. I appreciate it very much and am grateful to have found such a loving community. I believe I will begin to explore other therapies also!

[designguy]

Welcome, from what you posted it sounds like you are dealing with c-ptsd and would benefit from working with a therapist who specializes in treating trauma and even DV issues. My trauma therapist uses emdr therapy that really helped me heal and be able to get on with my life and it has a strong track record for healing c-ptsd.

Most therapists have websites that you can review and hopefully find one that is a good and proper fit for what you are dealing with.

Try to make a vigilant effort to put your mental health and wellbeing as your first priority and not be so influenced by your family. It's common for trauma survivors to have difficulty prioritizing their own needs and having healthy self-compassion and self-esteem. The best thing you can do for yourself and for them is to heal and recover.