Contents
Triggers – Definition
A trigger is a stimuli that causes a strong emotional, physical or psychological response. Triggers are usually connected with a bad experience or feeling that seems to return when the stimuli occurs. The trigger brings back the anxious or difficult feelings, responses and memories. This can cause an emotional or physical reaction. With triggers it becomes so ingrained that the reaction seems to happen very quickly.
Who is Prone to Triggers?
Anyone can be triggered in the right circumstances. People who have had difficult emotional issues or traumatic experiences are more likely to encounter this issue. Anxiety problems and depression also factor in and make a person more prone to triggers simply because of their heightened anxiety. Victims or crime, trauma and PTSD suffers are also more likely to experience triggering events and situations.
Different Types of Trigger (Plus Examples)
Sensory
This can be sounds, noises, smells.
Example: The sound of the phone ringing could become a trigger if there had been an issue with unpleasant telephone calls.
Situational
Conversations, interactions with others, busy places.
Example: Going to a place where a traumatic even occurred in the past. This doesn’t have to actually be the same place it could just have similarities which when recognized, activate the trigger response.
Emotional
Feelings can bring up trigger reactions such as embarrassment or feeling very upset.
Example: After a previously toxic relationship, in future relationships this could cause an overreaction and triggering effect from just a minor criticism.
Visual
Places, animals, objects.
Example: Candles on a birthday cake causing a triggering memory of a fire in the past.
How Do Triggers Work?
When a trigger has formed it is an emotional reaction to a certain stimuli and can be very powerful. The emotional or fear response occurs in the amygdala in the brain. This response is exaggerated and usually would be perceived as an overreaction by an observer. A person experiencing this would feel it in a very noticeable and uncomfortable way. This is similar to a phobia response, it is built up over time and becomes powerful from “feeding” off the emotions. If you are triggered, you may have reaction like ant or all of the following:
- Heart racing or pounding
- Feelings of fear and panic
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Bad memories
Treatment for Triggers
Understanding how it happens for you if a first step to taking control and overcoming the trigger reaction. Not avoiding it completely but managing it. Gradual desensitization. Hypnosis, Meditation, CBT, mindfulness and Breath work can all help. The key is to manage the reaction rather than trying to avoid it.