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Showing posts with the label Triggers

Triggers and what they are.

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Understanding Triggers. So what exactly is a trigger? A trigger is an external stimulus, whether it's a sight, sound, smell, or situation, that can evoke a strong emotional reaction based on past traumatic experiences. While seemingly trivial to others, these triggers can instantly bring back the pain, fear, or distress associated with prior trauma. Recognising and understanding triggers is crucial for emotional well-being and healing. PTSD  and CPTSD are both trigger related and can a tumultuous way of living. Triggers can be powerful reminders of past traumatic events, often causing intense emotional and physiological reactions as if the event is happening again. The role of memory and the brain.The Amygdala is part of the brain that processes emotions and is critical in the formation and storage of emotional memories. During trauma, the amygdala becomes highly active, creating strong associations between sensory inputs (smells, sounds, visuals) and the traumatic experience. ...

What are emotional triggers and abreactions?

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Emotional triggers are events or experiences that activate deep-seated emotions or memories that are often associated with past trauma. When someone experiences a trigger, they may suddenly feel intense fear, anxiety, anger, or sadness, which can be overwhelming and disorienting. Abreactions, also known as emotional flashbacks, are a common response to emotional triggers. During an abreaction, a person may re-experience intense emotions and sensations associated with past trauma, even if the trigger is unrelated to the original traumatic event. Abreactions can be particularly distressing, as they often feel as if the traumatic event is happening again in the present. Fortunately, there are strategies that can help individuals heal from emotional triggers and move through abreactions when they occur. The first step in healing from emotional triggers is to identify them. This requires a willingness to examine the emotions that arise when confronted with certain stimuli. Common emotional ...