Ever had a moment where something just set you off, like feeling angry, sad, or anxious for no
obvious reason? That’s probably a trigger. Triggers are things that fuel strong feelings or
reactions, often linked to past experiences you might not even realize you’re carrying with you.
For example, maybe you got into an argument with a friend years ago, and now hearing
someone raise their voice makes you tense or upset, even if it’s not directed at you. Or, if you
were bullied online, seeing certain social media posts could make you feel insecure or anxious
without thinking about it. Sometimes, just hearing a specific phrase like “You’re useless” can
bring back that old hurt, even if you didn’t realize it was still bothering you. There’s so much
buried in our subconscious.
Triggers aren’t always obvious. You might notice your heart racing or feeling angry or sad after a
certain smell, like perfume or smoke, because it reminds you of something painful. Or maybe a
certain place, like an old house or school, brings back memories you’d rather forget.
The good news is, recognizing these triggers is the first step in managing them. The best part of
awareness, is the healing and understanding of why your behavior is the way it is. When you
notice a pattern, you can work on calming yourself, and knowing everything will be ok.
Remember, it’s totally okay to ask for help. Finding the right therapist can help you understand
your triggers better and give you tools to handle them. Over time, you’ll get better at noticing
what sets you off, and how to stay in control. I promise, it works.