Set backs, stir up emotions

[Dyess]

So yesterday an announcement was made that the company I work for was going to cut many jobs, we lost 65 in our department. Which there was not enough people (staff) there anyway to take care of all the people in the Emergency room. So many friends and co workers are devastated by this. It's like having multiple deaths in the family and is very overwhelming for me. That sense of not being able to do anything for them or help them.........like it was with Dad. Hardly slept last night, still crying off and on today.

[C.]

Trace, That is so very sad.  It seems to me that anyone who learned such news would be sad.  It's tragic and I suspect you aren't the only one feeling so sad about what happened.  I know it's painful, but it seems to me that you have some awareness about why (similar to with Dad) and you're allowing yourself to experience sadness and you're reaching out here at OOTS.  Those three strengths show recovery and healing to me even though it may not feel like it much for you at the moment.  Do you have a supportive person that you can talk to?  Again, I'm sorry for what you're going through.  I hope that things start to feel a bit better for you soon.

[Dyess]

3 strengths? None of what I'm feeling feels like a strength, more like lead shoes in a pool. I guess you are seeing, or hearing something, I'm not recognizing as a strength. Thanks for responding back, maybe these feelings will lift soon.

[C.]

Sorry if I wasn't more clear.  Here are the strengths I see:

1.  Awareness of the trigger (job losses) and how this relates to the experience w/you father - the reason is that sometimes we don't even know why we experience an emotional flashback.  I feel like I'm just figuring out when someone does something that triggers me and how that relates to one of my past experiences.
2.  Allowing yourself to experience sadness - you might disagree with this one, I don't know, but I've come to see repressing emotions as worse.  Like people who cannot cry.  Or who use something to escape (alcohol, drugs, etc.)
3.  Seeking out support from OOTS

[Dyess]

Thanks.