Remember that emotional triggers are a natural part of the human experience and processing them is a powerful opportunity for personal growth and healing
Psychologist Dr. Nicole LePera stressed in an Instagram post the importance of addressing our emotional triggers and accepting our reactions
Emotional triggers can be powerful and overwhelming. They can come in the form of flashbacks or even physical sensations. Regardless of the source, emotional triggers can be challenging to navigate and can affect our mental and emotional well-being. However, it is possible to overcome an emotional trigger and it can provide a significant opportunity for development and recovery. Psychologist Dr. Nicole LePera stressed in an Instagram post the importance of addressing our emotional triggers and accepting our reactions.
What is an Emotional Trigger?
According to Dr. LePera, “A trigger is an event or experience that opens a core wound.” She explained that everyone’s triggers are unique and shaped by their past experiences. When activated, individuals may feel as though they are reliving the past, resulting in excessive or seemingly inappropriate reactions to the current situation. Dr. LePera noted that when triggered, an individual’s younger self can come forward, causing them to act in a childish manner. This response is known as regression, which occurs when one returns to survival mechanisms developed during their formative years.
The 5 most common triggers
The five most common triggers, according to Dr. Nicole are:
- Receive critisism
- Be featured
- Seeing someone angry or furious
- Witnessing someone who is extremely upset.
- Being pressured or controlled in some way.
5 Easy Ways to Process Emotional Triggers, According to Dr. Nicole:
- Start getting curious: When you feel triggered, get curious and pay attention to the sensations in your body.
- Pause: Stop and take a moment to acknowledge the trigger before responding.
- Self-soothing: Participate in self-soothing activities such as walking, journaling, or shaking your body to regulate your nervous system.
- Observe: Notice when you have returned to a more grounded state and are better able to think and communicate.
- Respond: It’s important to respond from your wise adult self rather than your triggered inner child to build trust.
Check out her message below:
Processing an emotional trigger is a process that takes time and effort, but it is a critical step in our emotional growth and healing. Remember that emotional triggers are a natural part of the human experience and processing them is a powerful opportunity for personal growth and healing.
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