Trigger Reactions Harmful to Your Depression
We all have things that trigger reactions or memories. It could be a familiar smell or you could see something that triggers a memory. I know over the last 17 years, I have had to learn how to avoid these triggers that cause me to fall into a deep depression.
When I am feeling depressed I cannot watch the local news, because it is so depressing. If I watch any news at all it is CNN Headline News. It reports world events and not so much of the day-to-day struggles of other people.
Another trigger I had is the local newspaper. It is much like the local news. It dwells on the struggles of others. The only paper I would read is the USA Today. That paper is similar to CNN it's focus is on world events. The news on the internet can be a little overwhelming, but you have to pick and choose which stories are best for you to read.
Television can be a trigger. I know being an abuse survivor, I was drawn to programs that featured abuse victims. I felt, at the time, they helped me. But I was so wrong. If you watch programs about violence, your mood will reflect that. I know I would feel dark and depressed. If you watch funny or happy programs than your mood will reflect that!
Even now I have to be careful of what I read and watch on TV. When you are treated for depression it is easy to fall into a trap. You may be feeling good and think you can handle it, but it still affects you. It is better to protect yourself now, rather than getting into a deep depression and have to climb back out of the hole you have gotten yourself into.