Tongs

[Peace, Love and Pretzels]

Yes, you read that right.  Tongs.  Not thongs, TONGS.  Casserole dishes and tongs.  This weekend I completely melted down.  Out and out panic attack.  Passed out for a good 14 hours afterwards.  I was a mess.  Complete.  Total.  Know why?

Yes, it is true.  Tongs.  Like in someone's kitchen tongs.  I would like to giggle but am not quite at that stage yet.  Used to be I would panic attack in Canadian Tire.   Why?  Casserole dishes.  I still panic attack over casserole dishes.  Not in Canadian Tire though.  Not because I am better, but because I refuse to go to that store anymore - so I guess my attack has gotten worse because I won't even go into the store anymore. 

Out of all of the things I lost (everything that I have ever owned), I have panic attacks over tongs and casserole dishes. 

I
am
a
freak.

[littlemitch]

Hi Andi,

This didn't pop up with my "unread posts"..  I don't know why that happens
sometimes..   so I didn't see it til just now.

You are not a freak!!   You must have some very deep, important emotions/feelings that you associate
with symbols of cooking/kitchens/family gatherings..    I wonder if when those emotions/memories start to well
up - they just create a huge wash of anxiety because of things that have happened..  Everything is
for a reason.  Never because you are a freak..   

Remember the dance song "le freak"   Wasn't that the disco era?   Don't know why that popped up into my mind.
I think the word freak is always linked to that song in my mental files..

Sorry all - I couldn't resist a moment of youtube..

Here is a bit of nostalgia....   enjoy Andi's theme song for the day !!!   

A good kind of "freak"!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjsH5mT33Pg

squishes,
LM

[tkb]

Caserole dishes are containers in which family members bring their prepared food item to holiday occasions.  Tongs could be what one uses to select pieces of carved turkey off a buffet or tongs could be someone going ariound adding more ice to people's cups.   Both refer to family holiday occasions which are the EXTREME of stressful situations.  Everyone has their holiday day smiles and holiday pleasantry conversation and to keep up the smiling, we are all joyously happy mask is sooo difficult and sooo painful.  And I sat there silent with my smile, was very careful about what, the speed, and how much I ate, all the while, since I was a child, not even the slighest clue I was under extreme stress.

Learning your triggers can't be stupid or freaky.  In fact, it's the exact opposite.  You are being brave and thinking through objects, smells, sounds that are triggers, all in an attempt to find some peace.  You are doing the right thing - it just hurts!

Tracy

[Peace, Love and Pretzels]

Tracy and LM.  Thank you so much for your kindnesses.  With Christmas coming up, yes, you are exactly right.  It may well be because of the stress and association of those things to family affairs.  An incredibly stressful time for me.  Dad for 7 years - every year had either a heart attack or stroke on Christmas.  My husband used to get on me for having to go to the hospital and 'leave the family behind' and how selfish that was.  That is just the start.  I won't even go there.  Holidays are for the birds. 

Thanks both....

Hugs

Andi

[msdisenchanted]

poor thing!  I am so sorry...It must have been awful....but know you are not alone...I have several freak oout objects...
Birkenstocks, cribbage boards, avon scrubby brushes, bowie knives...to name a few...hang in there.

[Peace, Love and Pretzels]

misdis, have you been able to break the trauma association and any of those (or other) items yet?