When I first came to the board I was in bad shape and so easily triggered that it's almost funny in hindsight. I had more than a couple panic attacks sparked just from the way the emojis dance around on screen while you're posting. Talk about hypervigilance!!
I think I'm moving past the place you described of experiencing the flood of entirely unchecked emotions, but I know it well! It's brutal to be emotionally dis-regulated.
First & foremost: protect your recovery!!!!!
There's a great deal on here that I don't read for the risk of being triggered. I avoid the journals altogether, but I'm thankful for those of you who are able to engage with people's stories in the journals. It means so much to be validated in that way!
Trust your intuition, you will know where to draw that line for yourself. And in case you don't... this is the perfect opportunity to practice getting in touch with your intuition. Ask yourself if the title or first line of text is upsetting to you, really check-in with your body and thoughts. If you experience a shift (elevated heart rate, suddenly tapping your foot, chewing your nails, clenching your fists, etc.) then be honest with and kind to yourself and step away from the forum.
As for getting stuck, I've wondered the same thing. I tend to come here to read posts when there's something going on in my life that I want to avoid thinking about. It's something of a security blanket. I do think it would be healthier to stop myself when I come to the forum and give myself some kind of self-care first (bath, food, etc.)... then proceed to the forum if it's still of interest to me and I'm sure I'm accessing it for the right reasons.
Hope my experience is helpful to you!