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What is a trauma trigger?

Heidi Erickson • Jun 25, 2020
Nova Counseling - what is a trauma trigger?
Many people experience unresolved trauma. As a consequence, many have unmanageable physical or emotional responses to specific circumstances. Others may not know the origin of a trauma or understand the profound effect of the trauma.

Mental health problems are on the rise in today's social and political climate. Some suffer from trauma (bloomforwomen.com) and deal with side effects. In this article we will help you to recognize a trauma cause and offer some resources to help you cope.

What is a trauma trigger?

Nova Counseling - Is a trauma trigger real?

First of all, it is important to know what trauma is and how it can affect you. The outcome of a life-threatening or traumatic encounter is trauma. Trauma typically induces severe psychological trauma. As a consequence, trauma may result in extreme sorrow, rage, culpability or anxiety. Most survivors of trauma experience PTSD.


The effect of the incident may not be understood by those who endure trauma. We undergo a time of surprise or negation for many. As a consequence, they believe they have controlled the pain and it's all right. What it takes for the moment is a stress cause to rush in. A trauma stimulus typically sends a signal from one of the five senses to the brain. You can see, smell or hear something sending the brain back into battle or flight. For an moment, you relive the incident as though it were at present. Flashbacks can be as bad as the initial traumatic incident.


There can be a trauma cause from nowhere. A trauma trigger may also cause untreated physical or emotional reactions. Unresolved trauma can lead to dysfunctional treatment, such as dependence. Nevertheless, stressful experiences can be dealt with and overcome with help. Peace and joy will then return.



How to identify and cope with a trauma trigger

Nova Counseling - How to manage a trauma trigger.

When you start to treat your trauma, you need to figure out what a trauma trigger feels like. A fast heart rate is a common physical reaction. Shaking, sweating, or shallow breathing are other symptoms. Emotional reactions also include feelings of intense anxiety , fear or impotence. It can lead to fatigue, insomnia , irritability and despair (webmd.com).



However, you can use tools to cope with your trauma every day. Sport and healthy eating and sleep habits may reduce triggers' severity and frequency. Another valuable method to use is writing. Writing your experiences in detail is an excellent way of letting your emotions out. Eventually, therapeutic coping skills such as calming, mindfulness and deep breathing are available. With time, staying in charge when you are stimulated is simpler. You can also teach the brain not to respond to triggers. As a consequence, mental and physical reactions to stimuli can be controlled and even stopped.



At Nova Counseling, we are here to help you heal your trauma. We are looking forward to helping you identify and teach you healthy coping skills. You no longer have to sit in silence. Call us today.



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