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Yesterday I was way out of my comfort zone, meeting parents at practice for Brighton, then a game for Bowie, followed by a dinner at a restaurant.
When we face our triggers in real life, it is called exposure therapy.
If we avoid often, we go out and engage people, take perceived risks, and challenge our PTSD.
The ballgame was at a park with four fields in a circular pattern.
Four times the fans, a crowd greeted me at the game.
After the initial shock, my thoughts patterns freaked out then settled down.
We can expect an anxious reaction, so having a plan to calm ourselves in the midst of unrest is a necessity.
What a day. I was exhausted but thrilled at the risks taken yesterday.
Oh yes, take time to re-energize, today I will take it easy and soothe my frayed nerves a little.
Healing is an everyday challenge, a call to arms.
Do you use Exposure Therapy?
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PTSD - A Way Out.com 
Posted by Don't Lose Hope on April 17, 2022 at 1:25 pm
Thanks for sharing this … Exposing ourselves to our triggers in a measured way is definitely an essential part of the healing journey.
Posted by Marty on April 17, 2022 at 1:28 pm
We need to challenge our perceived boundaries
Taking calculated risk is important
I observe my negative thought patterns in mundane situations sense of danger
It will never be seamless but we need to improve
Posted by Don't Lose Hope on April 17, 2022 at 1:31 pm
Yes, I absolutely agree with you!
Posted by Marty on April 17, 2022 at 1:34 pm
Exposure therapy is difficult and scary
I use mediation as my first safe exposure therapy
In due time I confront my triggers in real life
Posted by Alana on April 17, 2022 at 1:52 pm
Great job!!! I know how hard that can be.
I went to the movies the other day for the first time in years. It was definitely exposure therapy for me and it was extremely difficult getting past the anxiety of it, but I’m glad I did it.
Posted by Marty on April 17, 2022 at 2:02 pm
I was agoraphobic for a while
That was insane time
It is never easy is it?
Without conscious thought look how we avoid
Posted by Alana on April 17, 2022 at 2:06 pm
I truly believe I have some sort of agoraphobia going on. If it’s out of my normal routine, it brings me so much panic and I just don’t go out. I don’t go to stores or shopping or anything. Rarely I’ll go out with my husband. If I don’t HAVE to, I just don’t.
It’s definitely easier to avoid. But I guess easier isn’t always right.
Posted by Marty on April 17, 2022 at 2:13 pm
You have a husband
That is a big plus
Does he understand
Sometimes it is just a calculation
What r benefits going out versus risk
I have lost interest in things
Posted by Alana on April 17, 2022 at 2:19 pm
Definitely a risk benefit assessment each time. Loss of interest is a big problem, but I’m trying hard to push through that…I don’t want to feel trapped and stuck inside of myself forever.
Posted by Marty on April 17, 2022 at 2:33 pm
A mate can be of great support
It’s hard to navigate a relationship
We want to avoid they may want to engage
Posted by rudid96 on April 17, 2022 at 4:09 pm
Exposure Therapy? Every day is an opportunity to engage in one form or another of Exposure Therapy. Some days there’s success in inching the PTSD response to the background. On other days, I notice the need to articulate a lot more self-compassion for those parts that need more time to grow stronger.
Posted by Marty on April 17, 2022 at 4:47 pm
Everyday is a challenge