Have you ever heard a sound, smelled a scent, or saw a place that reminded you of something from months or years ago? Did it bring back emotions or feelings that you had at that time? If so, you may have experienced a trigger.
A trigger is something that reminds you of a past event and causes you to have an emotional or physical response as a result. Triggers can be sparked by any of the five senses -- touch, taste, smell, sight, or hearing.
Sometimes triggers bring up happy memories like the smell of cookies baking, or the comfort that someone has when wrapping up in a favorite blanket. There are also triggers that remind people of disappointments, losses, past trauma, or abuse. In these cases, everyday situations like the examples below, can cause a rush of feelings.
- A look that someone gives you or a particular voice tone may remind you of someone who was once mean or abusive to you.
- A place might remind you of a relationship that you have lost, or of someone who has died.
- A big crowd of people could make you anxious because you remember being separated from your parents in a crowd when you were little.
- Seeing kids playing basketball might remind you of being cut from the team, or of a time you were embarrassed by a mistake you made during a game.
- A certain smell may remind you of a place or person that you would rather not be reminded of ever again.
Sometimes the feelings triggered by these events are big and can throw you into confused, paralyzed, or angry states of mind and other times they may just make you feel a little sad. These reactions are all normal and can be anything from a minor annoyance to something that impacts your life in big ways.
Sometimes when triggered you might be able to manage your responses. Other times, you might need more help. If you are finding things are triggering you in big ways and it's impacting your relationships with friends or family, your ability to succeed in school, or just get through the day, please talk with a trusted adult.
