By Donnisha Sambrano
Most of the psychological triggers are caused by external
events, circumstances and stimulus, such as sight, sound and smell. Some of
these triggers can invoke the feeling of distress and flashbacks of traumatic
events. Though most of the triggers are innocuous in nature, some of them can
turn quite threatening. Because of their innate tendency to evoke traumatic
memories and emotions, it can turn more challenging for people to wrestle with
these triggers. More than a warning bell, it can turn into an obstacle capable
of instilling fear and inhibitions.
Psychological triggers among individuals coping with
addiction and psychiatric illnesses are more likely to induce the feelings of
anxiety, panic, discouragement, or other uncomfortable states of emotion. Moreover,
the exposure to these triggers increase the risk of re-engaging in unhealthy
behaviors and negative thinking among people with mental disorders.
Therefore, it is essential to know the ins and outs of these
triggers. By developing the ability to identify triggers and implementing
measures to reduce their impact on life, a person can significantly dissuade
the aggravation of the symptoms of psychiatric diseases in the long run. In
fact, triggers can influence moods and behaviors even among individuals not
affected by mental disorders.
Although a person cannot predict, identify and avoid all
triggers, building effective coping mechanisms can prevent negative effects by
strengthening a person's ability to exercise control over them.
Though reacting to triggers is a normal thing, one should
keep this point in mind that most reactions are built subconsciously over a
long period of time. Some forms of coping are very maladaptive in nature that
can cause a person to be in a constant state of anxiety and distress. This not
only worsens his or her mental health symptoms, but also prevent him or her
from exploring more adaptive ways to deal with their triggers.
Understanding how triggers work
As such, a person's reaction to triggers is not understood
well. However, it is believed to emanate from the sensory memories and the
formation of habits. When a person perceives patterns that resemble his or her
traumatic experiences, it is very likely that he or she is probably already
responding to a trigger. After certain time of the traumatic event, the
person's efforts to cope with the incident coerces him or her to form certain
habits.
Most of the times, these habits are not beneficial to the
person and over time it can become deeply ingrained or his or her second nature.
Such individuals are unlikely to be aware of the psychological impact of their
natural reaction and the habits they demonstrate, especially when the trauma is
fresh in their mind. Therefore, it is essential to keep a check on one's
potential triggers to avoid serious consequences, particularly on mental
health.
Among various types of mental disorders, post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) has a large number of psychological triggers. Some of
the negative life experiences, such as death, injury, sexual assault or other
debilitating incidents, can lead to the onset of PTSD in people. When the brain
links certain sight, sound, smell, circumstances and places to the sensory
memories of the traumatic event, it could potentially trigger his or her
memories of that incident and coerce him or her to relive it again.
Triggers also play a crucial role in dictating the chances
of a relapse among individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). People with
mental health problems and SUD aware of their unique triggers for relapse
should plan their day to avoid some places or people that can reignite distress
and cravings.
Correspondingly, they could find ways to controlling their
thought so that their mind and body does not give in to the pressure of a
trigger. It is unlikely that a person will be able to stay away from his or her
triggers at all times, but it could significantly reduce the hardwiring of
their negative automatic responses.
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