Triggers

Triggers have a lifecycle. This is what it looks like.

1. Trigger happens. (It can be a smell, a person a place, a word, etc.)

2. It sets off a reminder of the traumatic event. (Conscious or subconscious)

3. Emotions and beliefs flood in. (I'm not safe, fear, etc.)

4. Sensations begin in the body. (Heart palpitations, sweating, etc.)

5. Reaction begins. (Hiding, freezing, screaming, etc.)

6. Shame and avoidance of the trigger or any reminder of trauma. (Isolating, pushing people away, avoiding intimacy.)

*The good news is there are coping skills that can help you manage triggers. I talk about them in "The Book I Wish I Had" and I also personally have experienced great relief with the help from EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Treatment.

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