I Can't Name My Triggers

[ailema]

hi everyone!! i'm ailema, and my question regards triggers. ive noticed that i only have one trigger, a song that was playing during an event that happened to me last year. but i definitely still do have other triggers from the trauma that happened when i was little, but i just can't name them? so i still have the bad reactions when i'm triggered, but i have no idea what has caused it. i've repressed a lot of what happened to me, and i think that ties in.sorry if i haven't explained it well, but i was wondering if this happens to anyone else. any answers would be appreciated, and have a good day! :D

 

[EveHarrington]

:hug:

Figuring out triggers can be quite difficult!

I think that keeping a diary would help. If you write down the details surrounding your triggering, I think that over time you may start to see a pattern. Maybe you always get triggered at a certain time of day, or when you're in a certain place, or doing a certain thing.

 

[lostforgottensoul]

I have many triggers as well but can only name one clear one, being told i did something wrong which in my head equates to bad.

I guess you could count like anything around my neck, wrists, or ankles but i also called them fears but a necklace did make me have back to back flashbacks so i dont know.

But i certianly dont know but a few of MANY. It isnt uncommon and i think you learn as you go through therapy and gain more self awareness.

 

[ailema]

:hug:

Figuring out triggers can be quite difficult!

I think that keeping a diary would help. If...

Oh, thank you Eve! That is a good idea, i've kept a diary before but never stuck to it :) Thank you for the reply!!

 

[ailema]

I have many triggers as well but can only name one clear one, being told i did something wron...

Thank you for the reply, soul!! i have some vague triggers as well, things like glass bottles clinking and the smell of wine sets me on edge and horrible thoughts. you have a wonderful day! :happy:

 

[lostforgottensoul]

i have some vague triggers as well, things like glass bottles clinking and the smell of wine sets me on edge and horrible thoughts.

Sorry, i cant see the reply but saw yours, a diary is a good idea.

Now, my therapist back traces everything so i can say "someone saying im wrong equates in my head that im bad because_____". Its very useful. He back traces everything and its so much more help to know why. It takes the "charge" out it for me.

So maybe make a list of triggers you come across and every once and a while go over the new ones with your therapist and see if you can connect those dots?

I also dont avoid triggers that wont tailspin me hard as after the tailspin i come out it having so much more self awareness and clarity.

Just a thought. But the diary or listing of them, to know what all your triggers are, is a good idea either way.

 

[ailema]

Sorry, i cant see the reply but saw yours, a diary is a good idea.

Now, my therapist back tr...

Oh , a list is good too! I haven't tried that, but it sounds very useful :D

 

[Gs172003]

It has taken me a while to slowly learn some of mine. But you will figure them out.