My pastor asked me earlier in the week what my coping strategies are for when I get triggered at church... I kind of wanted to share them here
@ENKELI
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My coping strategies, well, there are a lot that it's difficult to know where to start. Let's start with my process. It's important to know that those with anxiety disorders often find caffeine doesn't stimulate, it actually settles nerves, that coffee calms me down.
So yes, Sunday is the one day in the week that I'll get an iced coffee before church.
Next, it is sitting in the front row, or at least the front 3 in case of an event so I can visibly see and access an exit if I need to.
Third is that I have a space next to me so as not to brush up against anyone.
Fourth is my tablet, that in the case of a trigger, I have apps that help regulate my breathing and distract me from whatever has caused the current distress. I also have online support services that allow me to connect in case I need help managing my distress.
Fifth is writing, like yesterday, I started writing soon after getting triggered, that this particular poem was described as "haunting".
Sixth is the grounding and fidget objects I wear.
Seventh is more a coping ahead tactic, the pouches I have, if I've ascertained that a sermon might be triggering or an event might be overwhelming, they'll be in my bag with me.
Eighth is in the case that everything is proving too much and I'm unable to regulate my emotions that I do make the decision to walk out, where if I exit the front door near me, I go to the garden area to the left, or the back door, that I go to the ledge in the car park. Usually someone follows to check on me.
If it is post service, I will have no energy left to even try to make conversation and I am likely to bolt. I will likely go somewhere and start crying, then go to Officeworks or Kmart or Bunnings, depending on the time, somewhere familiar that I can get fixated on something because going home is not good for me in these cases as overwhelm combined with being alone often results in seizures.
When my anxiety is at a manageable level I then go home.
I do all this because in essence, I like church.
