What’s The Deal With “Triggers,” Anyway?
Triggers.
It’s a word we hear a lot in our cultural lexicon these days, yet many people don’t have an accurate understanding of it or the connection between triggers and mental health. Think about it: have you ever had an encounter that “just rubbed you the wrong way,” and you found yourself reacting in a way that was surprising? Or maybe you have a friend or a loved one who is working through understanding their own triggers, and you’re curious how you can support them. As our society becomes more comfortable discussing mental health issues, it is important to understand what triggers are — both our own and others! — so we all can maintain good mental health.
So, what is a trigger?
A trigger is any experience that reminds someone of a past traumatic event or negative experience.
This could be something as simple as a smell, sound, or visual cue. The triggering experience may bring back specific memories or feelings associated with the past event, causing emotional and physical distress. The emotional response can be strong, even surprising at times. It’s more than just feeling upset, anxious, or stressed. The effects of being triggered can be debilitating and long-lasting.
People who have experienced trauma or have mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression are more likely to be triggered. They may also need to develop coping mechanisms to avoid triggers, such as avoiding certain places or experiences.
The Effects of Being Triggered
Being triggered can cause a range of emotional and physical symptoms that can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health. Some common symptoms of being triggered include:
Intense fear or anxiety
Feelings of sadness or depression
Panic attacks
Flashbacks to the past event
Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
Negative thought patterns
Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
These symptoms can be overwhelming and may cause significant distress.
Managing Triggers
Managing triggers requires a proactive approach that involves understanding what triggers are and developing personal coping mechanisms. Some common strategies for managing triggers include:
Seeking therapy or counseling to work through past traumas
Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation
Developing healthy coping mechanisms such as exercise, creative outlets, or social support
Identifying and avoiding triggers when possible
Educating loved ones about triggers and how to support someone who has been triggered
If you have experienced trauma and/or have triggers, recognizing and managing your personal triggers is essential for maintaining good mental health. Understanding them and developing personal coping mechanisms can help prevent triggering experiences from negatively impacting your daily life. Additionally, seeking professional help and engaging in self-care practices can also help to address the underlying causes of being triggered.
