“Triggered” seems to have become a buzz word for people having an Emotional Response, to a word, event, action, or situation that makes them feel overwhelmed, unsafe, or disturbed. This can be move prevalent at stressful times of our lives, holiday seasons, moving house, changing jobs.

Not only can we have an emotional response but a physical one too, feeling stress in our body. Palpitations – a racing heart, hyperventilating – breathing quicker, as the body tries to regulate itself. If the stress continues without reprieve (de-escalation) it can also impact on the immune system. It is therefore important to find ways of bringing relaxation and calm, to offset the dis-ease.

But the true nature of this word, used in psychological treatment is vastly different to how it’s being used. Here in its original context, we see that it is used to denote a resurfacing of original trauma, through sensory reminders, causing an altered state as a traumatic experience is relived. 

Anxiety, unease, or panic may lead to an uncomfortable experience but by using the term “Triggered”, for those times we have an emotional response, are we not diminishing or making light of the pain of trauma survivors. 

I have seen the word used to fend off being held accountable for some people’s actions, and as “get out” for emotional avoidance or communicating. The simple truth is when we have an emotional response, we often find that there is a pearl of wisdom, a teaching, or a lesson that is wanting to be revealed. 

We have an opportunity to look at our beliefs and revaluate, what is holding us back, why we feel an emotional response and what is connected to that. 

This completely is different from the psychological meaning of the word, being consumed with reliving an experience that we cannot function or think. In comparison think of Soldiers being affected by PTSD after hearing fireworks or loud noises such as a car backfiring. They can relive the trauma and event, losing connection to reality.

It is important to note that someone being affected by such triggers will often behave strangely or in a manner that may appear over the top to others, not understanding they are reliving the original trauma. This may also increase the symptoms of the trauma and mental health condition.  

Common triggers can be any sensory stimulus, sounds especially loud noises, yelling or augments, feeling ignored, laughed at, or left. If you feel that you may be suffering from previous trauma and often feel disconnection although some of these points may assist you, it is important that you seek professional assistance, talk to your GP, counsellor, or phycologist. There are many things that can help in this situation, keep reaching out, look for support groups, talk therapy, and let those close to you aware of what’s going on. You may also find that integrating relaxation therapies creates more of a buffer between stimulus and attack.

Although it is important to acknowledge when we are having an emotional response and why that is happening, to process and clear those arising feelings. It is also imperative that we acknowledge extra assistance that those with more comprehensive needs such as triggers and mental health needs may have. Using “triggered” out of its proper context as an everyday term dilutes the severity of what it is and how much it is affecting those that suffer.