What To Do When You Are Triggered By Someone?

What To Do When You Are Triggered By Someone?

Being triggered is a common experience that can happen to anyone. It occurs when something in our environment reminds us of a past traumatic event, causing us to feel overwhelmed and stressed. Triggers can be anything from a specific smell or sound to a particular behavior or situation.

While it’s impossible to avoid triggers entirely, there are steps we can take to manage them and reduce their impact on our lives. In this article, we’ll explore what triggers are, how they work, and what we can do to cope with them effectively.

Understanding Triggers

Triggers are essentially shortcuts in our brains. They are formed when we experience a traumatic event. During the event, our brain creates a strong association between the specific stimuli present at the time and the overwhelming emotions we felt.

When we encounter a trigger later in life, it reactivates the memory of the traumatic event, causing us to experience similar feelings of fear, anxiety, or distress. Triggers can be external (e.g., a smell, sound, or sight) or internal (e.g., a thought, feeling, or physical sensation).

Types of Triggers

There are many different types of triggers, including:

• Environmental triggers: These are physical stimuli in our surroundings, such as smells, sounds, or sights.
• Behavioral triggers: These are actions or behaviors that resemble those of our abuser or the traumatic event.
• Cognitive triggers: These are thoughts or beliefs that remind us of the trauma.
• Emotional triggers: These are feelings or sensations that are similar to those we experienced during the traumatic event.
• Physical triggers: These are physical symptoms, such as pain or nausea, that are associated with the trauma.

Managing Triggers

While we cannot always avoid triggers, there are steps we can take to manage them and reduce their impact on our lives:

1. Identify Your Triggers: The first step to managing triggers is to identify what they are. Pay attention to the situations, people, or events that tend to trigger you. Once you know what your triggers are, you can start to develop strategies for dealing with them.
2. Develop Coping Mechanisms: Once you know your triggers, you can develop coping mechanisms to help you manage them when they arise. These coping mechanisms can include relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, or positive self-talk.
3. Limit Exposure Gradually: If possible, try to limit your exposure to your triggers. This does not mean you should avoid them altogether, but you can take steps to reduce the frequency or intensity of your exposure.
4. Seek Professional Help: If you are struggling to manage your triggers on your own, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor. Therapy can help you to understand your triggers, develop coping mechanisms, and heal from the trauma that caused them.

Conclusion

Triggers can be a challenging aspect of life, but they are not insurmountable. By understanding what triggers are, recognizing your own triggers, and developing coping mechanisms, you can learn to manage them effectively and live a fulfilling life. Remember, you are not alone in this. Many people have experienced triggers, and there is support available to help you through this.

Questions and Answers

1. What is the difference between a trigger and a normal memory?
   A trigger causes an overwhelming emotional response that can be debilitating, while a normal memory does not.

2. Can triggers change over time?
   Yes, triggers can change over time as we heal from our trauma and our brains rewire.

3. How can I know if my triggers are causing me harm?
   If your triggers are interfering with your daily life, causing you significant distress, or preventing you from functioning effectively, then they are likely causing you harm.

4. What are some of the most common coping mechanisms for triggers?
   Common coping mechanisms include deep breathing, meditation, visualization, and positive self-talk.

5. Where can I find support for managing triggers?
   Support can be found through therapists, support groups, online forums, and self-help books.