Traumatic Experiences Community Daily Check In - Saturday Sept 16th 2017
It's just a quick check in from me today as I have a long day out planned. Sorry I shan't be around to respond much to you, but remember you all have one another, and the support within this community is so very impressive, warm and empathic. Trauma is such a challenge to have lived with, it has such an impact on your view of yourself as an individual, (that inner critic really is a meanie), it creeps up on you through flashbacks and memories. But don't ever think of yourself as weak. Fellow warriors, how strong are we to cope with all that day in and day out? To continue to live our lives with a sense of normality - somedays that can feel harder than others. But we get through each one, and we can be there for one another - strong, courageous, survivors.
This space is yours, tell us how you are doing because we care, you matter to us. Remember you are not alone.
@Avaray @vriska44 @Shadeshack @BeeLeigh @Faeryschild @dancingRainbow45 @Lavendermoonlight @KLM3278
@sweetMelody95 @jr50 @agreeableKite4304 @PhoenixPatronus @Morfo66 @themainjane @raycascotch
@KatieMoon1 @conscientiousPineapple1782 @Tamba @inventiveOrange1 @Jenna0903 @melliotm @PanamaBanana
@AutumnLeigh @DeborahUK @PuppyLove13 @HearingYourHeart @vriska @TreesandWine
@guyb @Sharkradio @MKjart @AnnaKateMillerLCSW @Tamba @Celestialvoid @WaterLily16 @TheAsh @MKJart @Asiam1971 @philosophicalship9444 @rumplesteeleskin @Survivetoalive @exuberantTriangle2562 @coraline23 @Lilyflower0817 @caterpillargirl @Survivetoalive @exuberantTriangle2562 @coraline23 @Ivorycat5573 @fearlessPear8268 @themainjane @SemicolonSurvivor @weare1 @weareall1 @Annaka1 @moonchild95 @summernight69 @sheaintgotnoshoes
@rationalWillow8882 @AMusicalSilence @catsith @energeticPenny8 @Rebekahwriter13 @behindhazeleyes @sensitiveShade5337
@singercrystalspirit @wittyTree8219 @Ocendade @Rpjrx @Brooke12 @tenacity37 @Autismaunt14 @Raveninthelabrynth
@Axeman53 @kkSp3nc3 @22charms
love the picture :)
so far having a good day, but it is still VERY early in the day only lil after 3am but cant sleep, have been having some rough days, but i pull though on the strong side yay :) hope all is doing ok and has a good day
Hi everyone,
So nice to have a place to feel safe today. Things are going fairly well. I am managing to experience my emotions associated with a traumatic event a little bit more than recent days. It was helpful to step back for a moment and just observe. I am still struggling with flashbacks, nightmares, dissociative experiences and have a very healthy startle response 😳. Through it all my perspective is beginning to change. I am very grateful as I was experiencing some very dark days. I have a lot of work to do, but don't feel consistently hopeless and overwhelmed. It comes and goes at this juncture.
@Compassionatelistener108
I'm glad to hear you made it through those darkest days, and yes, it does create perspective because you can look back and say 'at least I no longer feel as bad as I did then'.
But, let's look forward instead! You're claiming your life back, little by little. Yes, you're still troubled by your responses, but you sound like you're more in touch with your emotions, and I do hope that's in a positive way for you and allows you to feel you're gaining a little more control.
And in the spirit of the thread, let's look within. What do you see? Strength I don't doubt, and I hope it leads you to find peace.
Can you all pray for me too please?
Here is my story!
@samc95xc
Know you are in my thoughts as you continue on your journey. This is a wonderful, supportive place to be during the ups and downs.
@Compassionatelistener108
Thanks!
Ugh, my "friend"'s alarm went off at 6:10am on a Saturday!!!! He has the same alarm I do so my body is primed for it (yes, I thought of changing my own but I've been used to the sound for multiple years... I didn't think I'd retrain my brain for only the five weeks I'm with my friend). And I couldn't fall back asleep. So I didn't get enough sleep. If it's not one thing with this guy it's another, it's so frustrating!!!!!! 13 days till I move. So I'm on lack of sleep.....
Really not wanting my depression to be back. I had cheered up last night from talking to some old friends here on 7cups... the effect is already gone cause of this living situation. It makes me so mad that I'm having to fight so hard to survive this / get out of here.
That's how I'm doing today, first thing on a Saturday! Sorry it's not cheery. I wish I was in a better mood and actually feeling positive, clean, clear, and free.
- Singer
On a side note.... if my current therapist isn't treating me for "trauma" (but rather for anxiety, which is what I am diagnosed with) am I going to get better? 😫 Sometimes I think she's helping and sometimes I don't... she still brings up her belief system a lot and I'm wondering how much of the treatment I'm getting is geared around that and her wanting to "help" vs her being qualified
I changed my alarm 😏 Eff this guy. I needed an excuse to change it anyway; I'd had my old alarm for long enough.
@singercrystalspirit
Yay! You're initial frustration over the alarm has led to positive action - how good is that?
Interesting question you raise about your therapist. Does treatment for anxiety help with trauma? Hands up, I'm no expert - but my instinct is to say yes. Okay, she's maybe not addressing what's happened, and you're not having the opportunity with her to process your thoughts and feelings, but a lot of work can be done outside the therapist's room.
If your anxiety lessens, hopefully that improves your belief in yourself and your ability to cope, perhaps that boosts your self esteem, and in turn you may be able to see the traumatic event(s) from a different perspective. Maybe less self critically, maybe less helplessly?
Like I say, I'm not speaking with any expertise. But my own journey back to mental wellness involved various sources. Had I just pinned everything on an hour a week with a therapist, I think I would still be in that black hole I found myself in. So maybe just to have some faith in your ability to heal, your right to reclaim your life, your wish to recover, may see you making the progress you hope for.
@DeborahUK
:D :D :D :D :D Thank you!!
@DeborahUK
Hi. I don't feel fisical weal and worried how would deal with collage.
@conscientiousPineapple1782
Sorry you're not feeling so well, but try not to let one day make you feel that everything is going to go wrong. Have you been in college for long? Have you managed okay up to now? If so, it seems unlikely that a day or two of feeling unwell will have such a detrimental effect.
I hope you soon feel better.
@DeborahUK
I need to (re-)watch The Martian.
Talk about challenging circumstances, and inspiration to turn 'em around.
I hope you have a great day Deb You rock.
@singercrystalspirit
I've never watched that Singer. Is it worth watching? Not scary I hope? I'm a bit of a wimp! 😧
@DeborahUK
It's SO good! I highly, highly recommend it. It's basically a movie about conquering depression. I don't consider it scary. It's definitely not a horror film. Although I suppose a couple parts could be a bit scary.
@singercrystalspirit
I can cope with a little scary, so long as it's not full on horror and gore!
Thanks for the recommendation Singer. I can feel a duvet day coming on, good film, snacks, full on chilling. Won't be today sadly, but something to look forward to 😊
I have to get going on my homework that's due today, but my mom called a couple hours ago and said that she was at a nail place nearby and told me I should come get a pedicure. So after a little convincing I went. Then her and this other chick we were talking to the whole time and the chick doing my feet talked me into getting acrylics. SO. I just got my nails done for the first time in forEVAAAAAAA, and I love it 😁
For some reference, here's an after and a before cuz I'm just realizing I did this collage backward 🙃😜
@BeeLeigh
Wow! What a difference! You're looking very glam there Bee. It's nice to do something for yourself. What's life without a few indulgences? I've had a very indulgent day out today. Lots of laughs, lovely moments, and too much food. But I wouldn't change a thing about it!
You know what they say - you can't rely on others to treat you right, but you can treat yourself right. So enjoy!
@DeborahUK
Thank you!!! My nails are making me so happy!!! I haven't had acrylics in like 7yrs lol. I went out to eat with my mom last night too, so I'm gonna have some of my leftover pizza for dinner tonight cuz omggggg it was so good!!! And if I ever finish this homework I may just indulge myself a little more with some pineapple coconut margaritaaaa 😁
@BeeLeigh
I'm liking your style Miss B! Sassy! 💁
@DeborahUK
💁🏼💅🏻
@BeeLeigh
Yas! I LOVE them! Well done for taking care of you! Such a treat and so beautiful! 💕💪🏼💃🏼
@KatieMoon1
Aw, thanks Katie!! I really am so glad that my mom pushed me to go out with her today!! It was a fun afternoon, and my nails make me so happy, and I still got all my homework done! 😁💅🏻
@BeeLeigh
Well then, good reason to get them done EVERY WEEKEND! Look at you go girl! 💃🏼💕 (Okay. Maybe not your nails every weekend but maybe your hair did next weekend? 😜)
@KatieMoon1
It's been almost a year since I got my hair cut, so maybe 😜
@BeeLeigh
You have a date with yourself methinks! 💕
I like this guy, but I think he could be a catfish, I'm not sure how to approach them about it. The pics they showed are fake, did a good search.
@Rebekahwriter1
That's scary he is doing that. I hope you're okay!!
Sorry not been around, wasn't much wifi in the Lake district and hubby got a cold so not much of a break. Scattered my uncles ashes yesterday and was hard going back to Windsor again for the fourth time in a year to do it. Started hating that place which is awful as it is beautiful. Mum had a tough time and has her op tomorrow. Im scared for her and cant think about losing anyone else. I know it sounds selfish.
Go back to work too which will be awkward as they all knew was off because of their due date. See therapist afterwards and not sure what to say. If im honest it will too much to deal with. Get feeling she is giving up on me anyway. My brain too stubborn to change. Dont know why still trying but am.
I hope everyone has a better day. Take care. Many hugs
@inventiveOrange1
I will keep you in my thoughts tomorrow for your ongoing struggle and sorrow and I will keep your mother in my thoughts for a successful procedure tomorrow.
I am glad you are too stubborn to give up. So much pain, so much sorrow and loss ... it just can't be all there is for you in this life. It MUST get better, this I pray for you. You suffer these horrible things with so much strength and grace... I just want it to mean something or be okay someday. I guess I want an emotional miracles of sorts for you. Hope I haven't said the wrong thing.
First things first: tomorrow, in my thoughts.
@themainjane thank you Jane. I share everyone else's happiness in seeing you again and I hope you are able to get some rest to go on fighting.
As far as miracles go I doubt it but would settle for just 24 hours without any crisis right now.
Hugs and love
@inventiveOrange1
sometimes 24 hours without a crisis is the best thing to hope for.
I'm still catching up on reading forum but wanted to ask - how did your mother's procedure go?
@inventiveOrange1
I think @themainjane has pretty much said it all. You stay stubborn - it's a strength that pulls you through what must have been such dark times for you. You're in my thoughts as you face the next few days xx
@DeborahUK thank you Deb. I dont feel particularly strong just got some meds to help the cold and to sleep which should help a little.
Slightly stressed as my cycle is now quite late which was usual for me with the pcos before all this vut have been regular since the loss. Hoping its just the stress and weight fluctuations recently. Just another thing.
Hugs and hope your sunday is good.
@inventiveOrange1 Resilience and stubbornness are two sides of the same coin. Even though it may feel otherwise, you will get there. Right now, you're coping the best that you can amid a lot of internal and external stress points, and that's more than good enough. You have fort to seek sanctuary in and friends who are here for you -- and are extremely happy to see you back (if sorry to hear that you brought a bug from the lakes with you). Tight hugs. ⛺🍪🍪🍪