TACKLING TRIGGERS Tuesday: Identifying Triggers and Keeping Them In Check

Do you know what your psychological triggers are? Each of us has at least one. Most of us learn to cope with them quite well. But for some of us living with conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or even living with eating disorders have a more difficult time coping.

The best way to getting a handle on those triggers is to learn to identify them, then turning to a positive way to cope with them. I know that must sound too simplistic but it helps.

Even with all the therapy and other life changes I've made, my triggers can still send me into breath-stealing, heart-pounding panic attacks. I am fully aware of what my triggers are: certain family members, being disorganized and anything forcing me to step out of my comfort zone, to name a few. I can become so obsessed with worry, stress and anxiety I can barely function. It used to be debilitating some days. I've decreased my reactions considerably by avoiding stimulating foods/drinks during these times (that can intensify our symptoms), practicing my yoga and meditation, trying to ignore the negative tapes I tend to play during these times and surrounding myself with people who keep me grounded. That's what works for me.

What about YOU? Do you know what your triggers are? Do you have calm ways of keeping your reactions to those triggers in check? If you need some help with this, I found a great article through esperanza's Hope to Cope website. In THIS ARTICLE, Dr. Deborah Serani answers two questions for readers: "I'm told it's important to identify my "triggers." How?" and "I know my triggers, but still get sandbagged. What should I do?"


Dr. Serani has some wonderful insight and advice. Follow her tips to create your own 'safe place' and awareness. And feel free to share your own tips here. We're all in this together!