Stressers and Triggers

[Zurich42]

Although I am on my 8th day of sobriety, I can't help but feel a little stressed with all that's happened in my State of Colorado over the weekend.  One of the churches where a gunman killed 2 people and then himself is less than 1 mile from my home.  I will never understand this senseless tragedy.  My entire community has been 'hit hard'.  
The tragedy over the weekend is 'not about me' - rather a senseless act by one person.  That being said, I can honestly say that 'today is just a sad day' in Colorado.  Although I work in emergency rooms, I was not in one yesterday when these tragic events took place - which I am thankful for (for my own recovery from Vicodin).  I am so sad this happened - so very sad that a 'family' lost 2 of their daughters within hours of each other.  
Don't worry - I won't 'use'.  But I can tell that this event has indicated something in me - maybe not a full blown trigger, but something that says, 'Is this all worth it?'  And here last week I thought 'those poor people in the Iowa Mall - how will they manage?' - and now it's happened here TWICE in one day.  
It cold be coincidence, but as I sit here in a coffee shop near the New Life Church, NO ONE has their back turned towards the door - rather, everyone is 'watchful'.  

[MissBecca24]

Oh sweetie im so sorry...
I cant imagine how you feel thats so sad and scary... How are you sleeping?? Maybe the doc could give you something just to help you sleep if this gets to you to bad. Im here if you need anything at all!

All my love
Becca

[Jennip]

I think that with all the messed up things that happen in this world on a daily basis, it's a wonder everyone isn't on some sort of drug, although plenty of us are.I think it is good that you noticed in yourself that this was a trigger for you and that you decided not to let it be an excuse for you to use.  That is one of the hardest things, those triggers.  You should also remember that you are ultra sensitive right now.  Things that would not normally effect as strongly, specially when you were on the vikes, are really hitting hard now that you dont have numb feelings.  This can be a good thing to.  Just ask yourself how you would have felt 2 weeks ago if this had happened, would you have been as effected?  You should feel good about yourself knowing how much you actually care.  Hang inthere.

[uberadtx]

Senseless acts of violence rock our world whether its a mile up the road or 1,000 miles away.   It gets magnified when its in your state and its shocking when its in your community.  Everyone is traumatized.  The incident in Iowa upset me for multiple reasons but it also effects something more primal.  It effects our sense of safety.  Which is very disturbing.  Add the collective grief people feel about it and its a toxic stew of sadness and anger.  Everyone grieves when things happen like this.  They grieve for themselves, the victims, maybe the perpetrators, families, communities and it is indeed sad.  The sad thing here is that communities lost valuable people, families and friends are forever altered, lives have changed.  Nothing will ever be like it was 2 days ago.  That is sad because 2 days ago, people had a little more hope, people smiled a little wider, people shook hands with their neighbor and today that can not happen.  Little does everyone know that today is the day to do it.

[Zurich42]

Good point - very good point.

[GoingToMakeIt]

That whole incident is horrible! I can only imagine what you are going through. I do know this. If you ever have to act extremely quickly, you will be quicker when you're sober.