Overcoming Triggers: Tips and Tricks

I found a hobby that I could translate my emotions into. My sister releases hers through art - when it gets too much for her she draws or paints or quills and she's made some freaking awesome art pieces. I've thrown mine into writing. When I start getting stressed or overwhelmed, I step aside and write about everything happening inside of me. I usually end up crying while I write, but then I'm okay. I feel better about crying a bit rather than having a full on breakdown/attack.

I talk with my therapist about it, no one else. It's my safe place to be me.

I find that talking about it helps me the most and if people find it hard to listen to, tough!

It depends on the trigger, but something I learned is to start with small, controlled exposures (sometimes even doing a thought/writing exercise can be an exposure) and try to accept/adapt to the feelings they give you, until it's not as painful anymore. Think of it like slowly increasing the water temperature in the shower so you don't burn yourself right our of the gate.