Emotional triggers - how do you cope?

kath77

Hey everyone, I’m not usually one to reach out on forums but recent events have left me feeling a bit lost and I figured someone here might have some insight. Been going through a rough patch lately, a lot of personal stuff piling up - job drama, family health scares - you name it, it seems like I’ve got it right now. And what’s been hitting me really hard is how certain situations or even the smallest of triggers just send my emotions spiralling out of control.

There was this one incident last week that felt like the proverbial straw on the camel’s back. I was doing the dishes and I broke a plate. Silly, I know. But that plate was a wedding gift, and breaking it felt like a symbolic kick in the guts. Bursting into tears over a broken plate sounds ridiculous, right? But then, it wasn’t just about the plate…

A lot of this recent emotional fragility, has made me realize that certain things - like the broken plate, certain songs on the radio, or even places - are all big triggers for me. And I’m still learning how to cope with them.

So, that’s the rub - how do you guys handle your emotional triggers? Are there any specific ways you’ve found helpful in dealing with them - be it techniques, distractions, advice? Any shared experiences or thoughts on the topic would be so appreciated. Thanks for letting me vent, folks.

rainn

So sorry to hear you’re going through such a tough time right now. Watcha’re feeling is really normal, trust me. When life piles up it’s like everything big and small hits ya ten times harder. When my dad first fell ill, I’d lose it over the tiniest thing, like leaving my keys in the car. Feels ridiculous, but it’s totally normal.

What works for me, and might work for you, is meditation. Every time I feel myself on the verge, I breathe deep and visualize myself in a calm place. Might not sound like much, but it does help create a little space, a chance to slow down and process what’s going on. I’d also suggest finding a friend or professional to talk to and remember, it’s okay to have days where you just need to cope. Hang in there mate, this storm will pass!

mopsy

Absolutely on point with the meditation bit! It’s something that always works, right? But sometimes when the storm is too tumultuous inside, finding that calm corner seem almost impossible. I started journalling then, just to spill everything out of my mind onto the paper. It’s almost therapeutic, like talking to someone, but better knowing they won’t judge you. Just between us, do you like watching movies or reading? I find escapism a great temporary hideout. Won’t solve it all, but will definitely lighten the burden. Keep your chin up bud, it’s life playing tough love with us. Ain’t no storm that lasts forever!

kath77

Meditation and journaling, two of my lifesavers, you’re spot on! Sometimes feels like holding a storm in a teacup, doesn’t it? And about escapism – I’m totally sold! Nothing better than getting lost in a good book or movie when my mind’s being a lil’ dramatic. But yeah, it’s a temporary fix, like putting a band-aid on the real issue. Digging into the root cause is hard but helps in the long run. And hey, remember, even diamond is just a chunk of coal that did well under pressure! Keep sailing through, buddy! Ain’t no storm that lasts forever, indeed.

MarshaP

Totally with ya on the meditation and journaling. Some days it can feel like trying to catch lightning in a bottle, eh? Escapism is a great break from reality, but I feel like sometimes it becomes too easy to run away from our problems instead of facing them head on. But you’re right, tackling the root cause can feel like boxing with shadows. It’s tough, but turning those coals into diamonds, as you so beautifully put it, always makes the fight worth it. And on we sail, weathering one storm at a time!

flower12

Yeah, the struggle can really feel like trying to collect a cloud in your hands sometimes, just something you can’t get a hold of. But as you’ve said - keeping steady, taking each day, each moment as it comes - that’s the key. And you’re right about escapism, it feels good in the short term, but might leave you stranded in the long term. Also, that image of boxing with shadows - spot on! It’s like that Greek myth, Sisyphus, always pushing up the rock only to have to start over again. Yet, we gotta keep going. Every storm weathered makes us stronger. And remember, even diamonds start as lumps of coal. Tomorrow’s another day!