Managing my Triggers

[Grunty1967b]

I know Im progressing in my recovery and my self proof is that sometimes I can read posts about peoples struggles, their victories and their stories. Many will contain triggers and most everybody plays by the rules and warn of triggers contained. Thats all good.

Sometimes though I feel in myself that I dont have the strength to read through posts that contain triggers. I know straight away if Im feeling like that and Im learning that its OK to skip those parts on the days that I need to.

I used to feel guilty that I wasnt being caring enough to read of others plights, but Im understanding that its not that I dont care its just that on this day Im not in a state of mind to be able to cope. To read on in that frame of mind (which Ive done in the past) simply upsets me more and really doesnt help me. On the days Im stronger; reading those same posts then helps me to grow in myself and helps me to understand others.

So, my point (to myself also) is that you need to give yourself the space to avoid triggers where possible on some days, and then on other days brace yourself, and grow through them. Maybe thats just me, but its working and Im better for it.

 

[ForeverFighting]

When I first started here, I did the same thing. I read every story, even if it did say triggers. Some of the guys here have been through so much. I found myself hurting more than I was healing some days, so I agree with your advice. The problem is that we care almost too much. We want to fix it for everyone and stop all hurting. I wish that were possible, but it's not. So now I try to write as if no one is going to read it, because even if nobody reads it or nobody replies, I'm taking my feelings and I'm putting them out there. The days come when we ARE strong enough to read, and reply, but sometimes we can't or we don't have any words because there's so much empathy and pain.

We're all in this together. I can see the progress in us, too.