Posted January 29th, 2024

Let’s talk about “Triggers.” It’s a term used in psychology to refer to anything that affects you emotionally. Oftentimes, it is directly connected to something that you are subconsciously dealing with (or not dealing with), even if it seems completely unrelated. For this reason, we try to identify our triggers so that we can

1. identify unresolved trauma we have stored in our subconscious
2. not be caught off guard by our emotional reactions as often.

A trigger can be anything as small and seemingly insignificant as the color of someone’s clothes, the tone in their voice, or just being somewhere similar to a significant location you’ve been to before. They can also be as obvious as reliving a set of circumstances that resulted in trauma the first time around. Remember that triggers can be big or small, subtle or obvious, so being mindful of how you react to things and people around you will help you pinpoint your personal triggers.

Why does any of this matter? Well, triggers can be powerful influencers in our day-to-day lives and affect our quality of life if left unaddressed. They’re like warning flags that pop up in your mind, alerting you to an emotional wound that still needs healing. So when you notice that you’ve been triggered, don’t ignore it!

Too often, when we have just started our recovery or are still battling our illnesses, we minimize our own struggles and flat-out dismiss our triggers with the belief that only someone with a “severe” trauma would be triggered. That is a huge misconception! Triggers affect everyone. Not just those with a “traumatic past” or with a mental illness. If you notice that you have been triggered, give yourself the care you deserve and take it seriously.

Here are some common signs that you’ve been triggered:

• trouble focusing
• feeling irritable
• crying
• feeling overwhelmed or anxious

These are obvious signs that your subconscious mind is working to protect you from a difficult memory or feeling. If ignored, triggers have the potential to derail our whole day. So here are some pointers on what to do when this happens:

• Take some time to reflect. What was the trigger? And how did it make you feel? Naming the issue is always the first step in reclaiming your power when it comes to your mental wellness.
• Try to regulate your feelings. Putting some distance between you and the trigger may be helpful, but if that is not an immediate option, aromatherapy, deep breathing, and talking to a trusted friend are good ways to bring you back to a safe/stable mental space.
• Make a note to yourself about what happened. If you journal, record it there. If not, just making a note on your phone or a mental note can help you keep track of the things that negatively impact your mood and what helped to de-escalate the feelings.

Talking about all of this can be a bit of a downer, I know, but there’s just one more thing I want to share: they’re not all bad! Triggers are signals for needed self-care, changes, or resetting boundaries. When they pop up, try to see them as opportunities for growth and self-love. They are not signs of weakness or frailty.

This idea might not be as common, but what if we started triggering our own good feelings? What if we surround ourselves with colors that trigger joy or peace? What if we visit places we like more often because it feels fun and gives us an energy boost? Like I said at the beginning of this article, triggers are anything that affects our mood. That means positively as well! So if you are struggling because of a negative trigger, try the inverse and trigger some good feelings for yourself.

Do you know your triggers? Do you know when they’ve been set off? Have you ever triggered yourself into a good mood? Would you try it? Let me know in the comments below!

Til next time,

Take Care!