Not all strong emotional responses are trigger reactions. If you receive news about the sudden death of a friend or relative, it is sane and sensitive to react with shock and grief. Your body experiences an automatic change in heart rate, breathing, pulse, brain synapses. This is not something to be avoided, nor is it healthy to try to control it.
When we react this strongly to a less significant event, though, it’s likely that the past is invading the present and hijacking our nervous system. In my work as a psychotherapist, I see nine categories of triggers:
Feeling self-conscious, such as when we’re alone in a group or comparing ourselves
Being discounted, such as when someone stands us up or ignores our calls
Feeling we are controlled, such as when someone is making decisions for us or is telling us what to do or feel
Feeling taken advantage of, such as when someone fails to pay us back on a loan
Feeling vulnerable, such as when we’re in a situation in which we feel exposed
Relationship experiences, such as when we’re lonely or feeling smothered
Boundary concerns, such as when someone is coming at us while drunk or disrespecting our space
Feeling uncomfortable about what is happening, such as when we witness someone being hurt or when someone’s words or actions disagree with our values
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9 Types of Emotional Triggers By Dr. David Richo
Not all strong emotional responses are trigger reactions. If you receive news about the sudden death of a friend or relative, it is sane and sensitive to react with shock and grief. Your body experiences an automatic change in heart rate, breathing, pulse, brain synapses. This is not something to be avoided, nor is it healthy to try to control it.
When we react this strongly to a less significant event, though, it’s likely that the past is invading the present and hijacking our nervous system. In my work as a psychotherapist, I see nine categories of triggers:
This article originally appeared as “Trigger Origins” in “Reactive Remedies” in the October 2020 issue of Experience Life.
David Richo, PhD is a psychotherapist, teacher, and writer. This article is adapted from Triggers: How We Can Stop Reacting and Start Healing by David Richo © 2019. Reprinted in arrangement with Shambhala Publications, Inc., Boulder, Colo.
The articles on Fitnesshacksforlife.org website is provided for reference purposes only, A public resource you can use for free. You should not take them as the sole source of medical direction. Fitnesshacksforlife.org does not accept payments or incentives from any of the individuals or organizations named in the articles, and the articles are not an endorsement of those parties or their products or practices. Do not ever disregard professional psychological or medical advice nor delay in any manner seeking professional advice or treatment because of something you have read on our site or social media. Fitness Hacks For Life is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, eligible to receive donations under the laws of the United States of America.