When someone experiences symptoms of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), being triggered, or reacting to internal or external cues, is likely to worsen symptoms. Triggers cause many trauma survivors to re-experience memories of the event(s), often like they are happening in present time.
Triggers cause our brain to momentarily, or for long periods of time, set off alarm bells that we are in danger. The amygdala acts like our smoke detector, detecting danger. The result is that we enter the primal fight, flight or freeze response. But what happens when the triggers keep setting us off and are not posing a real threat? In these cases, chronic anxiety, sleeplessness, and depression can result.
Most times, the triggers survivors experience are not really dangerous (like a firework exploding), while other times they can be (like a perpetrator raising a hand and then causing further violence towards a domestic violence survivor; or, a child who cannot leave a violent household and yelling becomes a trigger). In these cases, the triggers warn the survivor, but because they never end, the PTSD symptoms become chronic.
With chronic PTDS, irritability, memory issues and, in some cases, complete dissociation or derealization can occur (that is, feeling detached from one’s body or even feeling as if one can see their world as if floating above looking down). In addition, feelings of depression and anxiety likely set in.
So this is what a trigger does to the body. But what exactly is a trigger?
A trigger can be most anything reminding one of an event. A trigger can be a sound, a smell, the way someone looks at you, the way someone or a group of people move towards or away from you. It can be a sight, a memory, a feeling in the body, or even a conversation. The Diagnostic & Statistical Manual-5 (DSM-5), defines triggers as, “recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive recollections of the [traumatic] event(s).” (2017, p 75)
What can be done to reduce reaction to triggers?
In this therapy practice, time is spent on identifying triggers and then understanding what is happening in the body. In cases where clients cannot express feelings or sensations, time may be spent on meditation, learning to put words to what is happening in the body, and understanding that it is safe (in the context of therapeutic space) to tune into one’s body. This eventually allows for the client to put space between triggers and present time. In cases where there are no words, Brainspotting and EMDR techniques can be very useful in desensitizing the impacts of triggers. In addition, clients work with me on identifying ways of building up coping skills to use outside of therapy. Over time clients see that they are not as reactive to triggers and begin to identify with safety instead.
In cases where actual threats are still a reality (an example may be ongoing domestic violence, living in community violence, or workplace bullying), work from a solutions-focused perspective may be integrated into therapy sessions for the client to navigate through what options may be available for change.
Working at desensitizing triggers will many times improve sleep, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and create clarity on present life. Insights are gained and many clients report they are no longer triggered by things that previously burdened them.
If you are interested in beginning therapy, Jordan Nodelman is here for you. Providing EMDR, Brainspotting and other therapy services to clients in Florida and Virginia by tele-health, Jordan also sees clients in-person looking for a therapist in Broward County, FL. Jordan provides therapy for PTSD, anxiety, depression and offers counseling for high-profile clientele seeking EMDR.
