Are You Being Being Triggered?

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Are You Triggered by the News?

The issue of sexual assault and trauma has been prominent in the news the past two weeks with the Kavanaugh hearings. Even those who may be avoiding the hearings and the news often can’t escape the buzz; it’s all around us. If you are a survivor of sexual assault or sexual abuse of any sort you may be getting triggered. I have been hearing from people, both in my practice and my personal life, who are being triggered and aren’t quite sure what to do about it..

If you are a survivor and are being triggered, please seek help. You can start with a trusted family member or friend; someone you know you can trust to believe you and keep your confidentiality. In addition, all Maine counties are served by a sexual assault center with caring people who are there to help. They generally provide advocacy, counseling and group support, as well as a list of resources. Cumberland and York Counties (excluding Eastern Cumberland – Brunswick area) are served by Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine (SARSSM) http://sarsonline.org/. You can contact their 24 hour crisis support at 800-871-7741. If you live outside Cumberland or York Counties including (eastern Cumberland (Brunswick area) find your center at the end of this blog. In addition to the county centers there is one for immigrant and refugee women and children living in Maine. That link is included below as well.

Here is a link with some ideas on how to take care of yourself if you are being triggered https://barcc.org/blog/details/self-care-survivors-more-than-vacations. Sometimes when we are stressed it’s difficult to practice self care. Please remember it’s more important than ever to practice good self care at this time.

Below is a Loving Kindness Meditation I’ve written for Survivors. Wherever you are in your journey, I wish you peace and healing.

I believe you
May you be safe
May you be hopeful
May you be kind to yourself
May you find healing
May you live with ease.

Peace.

List of Maine Sexual Assault CentersCumberland and York http://sarsonline.org/

Cumberland, York (excluding) Brunswick area) http://sarsonline.org/
Midcoast – Lincoln, Knox, Sagadahoc, Waldo and Eastern Cumberland (Brunswick area) https://www.sassmm.org/
Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford https://www.amhcsas.org/
Kennebec, Somerset http://www.silentnomore.org/
Penobscot, Piscataquis http://www.rrsonline.org/
Aroostook, Hancock, Washington https://www.amhcsas.org/
Immigrant Resource Center of Maine: Serving Immigrant and Refugee Women and Children living in Maine in a manner which reflects their gender and cultural practices (located in Lewiston) http://www.ircofmaine.org/

 

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