Trigger

Definition

A trigger in the context of psychology, refers to a stimulus such as a smell, sound, or sight that triggers feelings of trauma. This stimulus is typically tied to a memory of a traumatic event and can cause a person to feel overwhelmed with emotions, ranging from extreme anxiety to intense anger. Triggers are often associated with PTSD and other forms of mental health disorders.

A close-up of a finger about to press a red button, symbolizing a psychological trigger

Types of Triggers

Triggers can be categorized into two main types: internal and external.

Internal Triggers

Internal triggers are feelings, thoughts, or bodily sensations that remind a person of a traumatic event. These can include feelings of sadness, loneliness, or fear, thoughts about the event, or physical sensations such as pain, tightness in the chest, or a racing heartbeat.

External Triggers

External triggers are people, places, or situations that remind a person of a traumatic event. These can include certain people or places, the anniversary of the event, certain sounds or smells, or situations that resemble or are reminiscent of the traumatic event.

Understanding Triggers

Understanding triggers is crucial in managing mental health disorders such as PTSD, anxiety disorders, and major depressive disorder. Recognizing what triggers a traumatic memory or a panic attack can help individuals avoid these triggers or develop coping strategies to deal with them when they cannot be avoided.

Coping with Triggers

There are several strategies that individuals can use to cope with triggers. These include:

Grounding Techniques

Grounding techniques help individuals stay in the present and disconnect from traumatic memories. These techniques can involve focusing on the physical environment, such as naming objects in the room, or focusing on the body, such as feeling the feet on the ground.

Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises can help individuals calm down and reduce feelings of anxiety or panic. These exercises involve taking slow, deep breaths and focusing on the breath.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that can help individuals understand and change thought patterns that lead to harmful behaviors or feelings of distress. CBT can help individuals identify their triggers and develop coping strategies.