For me, even though it is hard, I use this as a distraction. Although, my work does not really involve much emotion. Advocating for better math standards does not require that. I look for it as a respite. I must say though there are days when I am not sure that I will get through. However, in the end, the fact that I had to do it was necessary to get through the day.

I must say that I was having a difficult night last night. I have a conference call with my math people today. I am thankful that I have that.

Now, my major downfall is that later I usually fall apart. If I can figure out how to prevent that from happening, then that would be better.

The last thing that has been helpful to me is making sure that I exercise and prearrange that. I am running tonight with a friend which makes me do it. I have another friend that I trained for a triathlon with. That prearranged need to exercise is a necessity in my life, especially now.

That is hard...good advice to exercise, and also generally take care of yourself like remember to eat, eat right, and get a good night's sleep. As you plan your lessons, how about taking time to journal out what triggers you from the lessons? Maybe you are running into stuck points and that is what's stressing you out. Journal it ahead of time.

Also, I don't think good cries are to be avoided--if y'all "fall apart later" I say go with it. Have a cry, a scream, a rage...whatever feels needed at the moment. In the comfort and safety of your own home, there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Let that stress out!

Interesting, my fall apart.. I need to figure out how to do that and not prevent it. I continue to stuff it down. I am a big stuffer. I need to figure that one out. Thanks for the insight.

I am a nurse, in a Urology practice. Most of my days, until recently, was inserting syringes full of Xylocaine into penises, catheterizing males and females, making semen slides for analysis, and on and on. Some of my female patients were even on their periods and had to be catheterized....and that was hugely triggering for me, that and the semen...yuk! So, I had to make some decisions, because I need my job to keep Health Insurance. So, not wishing to stand out as the one who "can't" make the slides, I pushed myself to make them more than anyone else was. Wrong move. One of my co-workers noticed I was doing that all the time, and she commented on it. I replied honsetly. She knows about the rape. I explained that I didn't want to lose anything else to it. She said she understood, but that there was no need to be the Super-Semen-Slide-Queen either. She said she had no problem with it, but she didn't like drawing blood on difficult to stick patients....which is my forte. So, we kind of had an unwritten agreement to trade responsibilties. I have since taken a job in the same office doing triage nursing....more administrative than hands-on. That has made a huge difference in my demeanor.

If a thing is triggering, or, if the doing of a non-triggering thing is stressful to you, try to make adjustments that work for you, not that tax you beyond normal limits. If you had a broken leg you rpobably wouldn't sign up for the aerobics instructor's job....and no one would think less of you. If PTSD is an issue for you and you find yourself stressed over anything you can possbily avoid....do what is reasonable for yourself. And absolutely....cry when you need to....it is definitely a great stress reliever, but is probably best done away from work, lol.

Good luck with the classes.