A word commonly associated with mental health and substance use disorder is “triggers,” but what exactly are they, and how do individuals process them in their thoughts? Simply put, triggers are an automatic response by the brain or body to some stimulus or emotional state. A trigger can be anything from a person, place, smell, words, or even colors.
Some triggers can be physical, and some can be emotional; some can even be physical and emotional. When someone refers to a “trigger,” they are referring to an emotional event, but it is also a word that can be used for a physical response, such as a smell causing a subconscious or conscious craving for a substance.
Does the Word “Triggers” Have a Place or Apply Outside of Recovery?
The word “trigger” has a couple of meanings:
- An emotional “trigger” refers to anything that causes a negative emotional response
- A physical “trigger” refers to anything that causes a physical response, such as a smell causing a migraine headache
Does Everyone Experience “Triggers” In Some Way?
Emotional triggers happen all the time and differ from person to person. An intense situation can cause a “trigger” for everyone in one way or another. People experience physical “triggers” in different ways, such as a response to an allergy amine makes some people sneeze. Other people are triggered by certain places or sounds.
Can I Stop Feeling “Triggers”?
It is possible to control triggers by identifying them. Four steps can help overcome the response:
- Feel the trigger and accept it
- Change the response from an automatic negative to a positive
- Leave and put space between the trigger
- Communicate feelings
Can “Triggers” Be Positive?
Yes, some triggers can cause a very positive emotion. Positive triggers are important because they can help individuals stay focused and positive throughout life. “Healing triggers” cause a positive reaction, such as happiness to something that happens.
More often, triggers enact a behavioral response that, if not addressed, can become negative habits. Therefore it is important to develop healthy ways to cope. At The Guest House, we’ll work with you to help you understand your behaviors in response to a challenging situation. We utilize methods such as CBT therapy and mindfulness to address the root cause of why you’re experiencing and responding to certain situations the way you are. To find out more, reach out to us today and call (855) 483-7800.