When we think of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), we generally think of a series of symptoms that follow a traumatic event. But these are only the results of the disorder. For many people, identifying PTSD triggers can lead to a better understanding of their condition and how to manage it.
Here at Skywood Recovery, an addiction and rehabilitation treatment center in August, MI, we strive to provide the help and support you need to identify what are PTSD triggers and work through your trauma. Call us at 269.280.4673 to learn more about our PTSD treatment program.
What Are PTSD Triggers?
Before we go over what are PTSD triggers, it’s important to understand what post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is. PTSD is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event that is experienced or witnessed. It can cause severe anxiety and flashbacks and make people feel like they’re in danger even when they’re not.
A trigger is anything—a person, place, thing, or situation—that sets off a memory or reaction in someone who has been previously traumatized. These triggers can be direct, like seeing the person who hurt you, or they can be indirect, like hearing a car backfire that reminds you of gunfire.
You can also experience triggers by having a bad dream about the trauma, or having a good day when suddenly you feel overwhelmed with sadness and anxiety for no apparent reason. When you are triggered, you may feel like you are going through the trauma all over again. You may feel fear, helplessness, anger, sadness, guilt, and shame.
You may also have physical reactions, such as a racing heart, sweating, or trouble breathing. These physical reactions are part of the fight-or-flight response, which is the body’s way of protecting itself. For people with PTSD, triggers can set off an intense, long-lasting emotional reaction. These reactions can make it hard to do everyday activities.
Identifying PTSD Triggers
When you know what your triggers are, you can start to work on avoiding them or managing them. This might mean changing your routine, avoiding places that trigger you, or learning how to deal with your emotions.
Here are some things you can do to start identifying PTSD triggers:
Listen to Your Mind and Body
If you notice that you have a strong reaction to something, take a step back and try to understand why. What was happening around you when you felt this way? What were you thinking about? What did you see, hear, or smell?
Keep a Journal
Write down your thoughts and feelings after you’ve been triggered. This can help you see patterns and figure out what your triggers are. Try to remember your emotional and physical reactions to different situations and keep track of that.
Curiosity Can Help You
When you’re feeling better, try to explore your triggers more. If you can do this in a healthy way, it can help you understand them better and eventually make them less scary.
Seek Professional Help
If you have PTSD, it is wise to see a therapist. They can help you identify your triggers and work on ways to deal with them.
How to Manage Triggers?
There’s no one right way to deal with triggers. Some people find that they can avoid their triggers altogether. Others find that they can’t avoid them, but they can manage their reactions to them.
If you can’t avoid your triggers, there are some things you can do to manage your reactions:
- Breathe – When you start to feel triggered, take a few deep breaths. This can help slow down your heart rate and calm your body.
- Talk to someone – Find someone you trust to talk to about your triggers. This can help you feel less alone and give you a chance to talk about what’s going on.
- Distract yourself – If you can’t avoid your triggers, try to distract yourself from them. This might mean listening to music, reading, or doing something else that you enjoy.
- Relax – Try to do some relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation or meditation. This can help you calm your body and your mind.
Dealing with triggers can be hard, but you can do it. It might take some time and effort, but it’s worth it. You deserve to live a life that’s not controlled by your triggers.
PTSD Treatment Program at Skywood Recovery
Don’t wait any longer to get the help you need. Skywood Recovery offers a PTSD treatment program that can help you heal the trauma and learn how to manage your triggers. Call us at 269.280.4673 today and learn more about our array of treatment options.