Triggers.

[RAWWR]

Okay, I know this is really stupid. I don't even know why i'm posting. But recently at college I keep having flashbacks of some sexual abuse which occured a few years back. The thing is, it's being triggerd by the most stupid things. Our module at the moment is 'Personal care in Health and Social Care' And our tutor has been talking about situations where we might have to give other people a bed bath etc. That doesn't really bother me because I don't want to work in that area, but then she keeps saying 'How would you feel if you were the patient? And how about if you had a male nurse bathing you?'
I hate it. I always suddenly get this image of someone touching me and washing me, and then that turns to flashbacks and feelings from when I was abused.
Sorry, this kinda turned into a bit of a rambly post. But the point is-does anyone know of any ways I can avoid getting to the stage where i'm having flashbacks?

[Spook]

Think about helping people. A bath has nothing to do with abuse. Just think about the fact that you will be helping people who can't do things on their own. :)

[RAWWR]

I know, It was just the thought of someone washing and touching me :/

[Love.Hate]

I think you still have fully overcome your childhood abuse.. I think you should try different ways to get over it or at least come to terms with it?
Maybe talking about it would help? Art therapy? There are lots of different things out there. I would hate to be in your situation, but im afraid you just have to build up the strength to not let comments like those affect you. If you start thinking about it.. change topic.. avoid it? Always here xxx

[deadpie]

TA bath has nothing to do with abuse

You totally missed the point of what she said. RAWWR was triggered because of the idea of someone bathing her. That can lead to the thought of it, thus causing a trigger. Triggers can be connected to literally anything.

Really, I don't think there's any possible way to stop triggers. Well, I know one way but I'm not going to say it because I don't recommend it. What you have to learn is to attempt to ignore them as much as possible after you have one. Usually after I get a trigger I try to sleep, write, or listen to some new albums. It keeps your mind from dwelling on the thought from the trigger.

[RAWWR]

Thanks. Yeah, I'm hoping my tutors moved on from that now. *Crosses fingers*

[Quick_Sylver]

:hug:

I get that, a lot more than you might know. All I can say is tough it out, get some counselling if that'll help and slowly move on. Also, your tutor sounds overly aggressive about that topic.

[Nevermore]

I'm in the same boat as you are (huggs), so I know how hard it is. However, I'm obviously not in college. Therapy will help. However I'm not sure how to get rid of it, other then try distracting yourself. I'm going through this too, so I've only tried to stop myself from thinking say it's in the past, and then think about something else real quick. I'm here for you if you ever want to vent or anything. <3

[moon_lit_angel]

I got that too when i was in limerick it studying pharmaceutical and forensics,

about 3 weeks before i decided to leave we were doing about rape cases and sexual abuse etc, and it kept triggering me... i had only been attacked in november and also 3 years ago..
i went up to my lecturer and told her and she said to me that i can get the notes, and she would try not to go into as much detail..
and she did.. i wasnt triggered as often after that...

you shud try that.
and u can pm me if u want

[HandheldOutlaw]

I'm not sure if this will help much, but it helps me a lot at times. I get easily triggered too, and by the silliest things. Right now, in my law class we are talking about incest, and when I was younger I was in a bad situation with my father. I'm okay when I'm listening to her talk about date rape, (not really okay, but it doesn't trigger me as much), but at the mention of incest I begin to have flashbacks.
Right now, on days we're talking about it, I put something small and hard in my pocket that has nothing to do with the abuse. When I feel it on my leg, or in my hand if I decide to hold it, it keeps me grounded somehow.

Sorry if I didn't have much to offer.
You can always PM me if you want.
xx
Take care, please.
Lauren