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Triggers
Triggers can happen anywhere, at any time...it's in
every object and every sense. The only difference is each Survivor is
triggered in their very own way. Triggers are like a constant reminder of
what has happened to us but they are also a significant message telling us
that we are still healing.
The only way I can personally describe a trigger is
that it's a physical imprint, for example if I see a white van I
immediately associate that white van with the Ex Step-Father whom abused
me and my Mother and I immediately either shut down emotionally or have a
flashback depending on how intense the trigger is.
Simple words or phrases can leave me feeling vulnerable
and paralyzed mentally, sad and unstable. Even watching movies with rape
scenes in them portraying something completely the opposite of what I had
experienced will send me running out of the room, sometimes holding back
the tears.
What can we learn from
triggers?
We can learn that they are not there to intentionally
harm us, they are reminders that we still have to keep fighting and keep
being strong so that we can heal in a positive light. Without triggers you
can't learn to understand the past you're attempting to heal from and in
time you'll find the less triggers will manifest out of every day objects
and senses. The amazing thing about the Aftermath is that we are in
control of mapping out our entire future simply by embracing that healer
within.
Memory Triggers
Memory Triggers are when only your memories about your
Abuse come through when you're being triggered by something. A lot of
times what happens is especially at an earlier age if a Survivor has been
abused and their mind shuts off the ability to remember due to shock and
trauma, a lot of those memories will not be able to process again or
return until mentally stimulated which is a perfect example of how
triggers help one understand they are still healing, when those memories
return in the form of a trigger one can learn to heal and begin again. And
though the process is a difficult one know that you are never alone and
that others understand and are with you on this Journey as well.
Managing Triggers
1.) Always have a notepad or a journal handy to
write your thoughts and feelings down in.
2.) Keep an Inspirational object nearby to help
calm you once you need that sense of connection to help break your mind of
the trigger.
3.) Make sure that you are in a comfortable
place.
4.) Remind yourself of the goals and aspirations
you seek in life and the outcome they will bring in the long run and
remind yourself that you have a new life now and it can exist without the
pain of the past.
5.) Process your triggers, instead of getting
angry at them...find out what significance they have whether it's personal
or revengeful you have every right to address those feelings to help you
heal so that you can look at life in a whole new light.
6.) Honor and comfort your pain. Trust your
feelings in order to validate your experience.
More ways to help us
when we are triggered
Talk to a loved
one.
Play a game.
Count down from ten.
Get up and sit in a different room.
Use Aromatherapy.
Cuddle with stuffed animals.
Write to a friend.
Do Deep Breathing.
Yoga.
Write in a journal.
Stare
at a pattern.
Watch something positive on television.
Cry, keeping your tears bottled up can be worse for you.
Light Candles.
Go for a drive.
Pray to your higher power.
Open the windows.
Let someone hold you and comfort you.
Take a Bubble Bath.
Snuggle with your dog or cat.
Play calming music.
Hold something comforting in your hands.
Relax your teeth, the muscles may tense
during a trigger and relaxing them helps.
Go for a walk.
Pamper Yourself.
Create a CD with your favorite comfort songs.
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