Emotional triggers
Emotional triggers are events, memories, or experiences that can cause an intense emotional reaction, regardless of your current mood. They are often associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and can vary from person to person. Some common situations that trigger intense emotions include rejection, betrayal, unjust treatment, challenged beliefs, helplessness or loss of control, being excluded or ignored, disapproval or criticism, feeling unwanted or unneeded, feeling smothered or too needed, insecurity, and loss of independence¹.
To identify your emotional triggers, it’s important to pay attention when situations generate a strong emotional response. Beyond surging emotions, you might also experience some physical symptoms of anxiety such as a pounding heart, upset stomach, shakiness or dizziness, and sweaty palms¹. When you notice these signs, stop to consider what just happened and the response it activated. Try following these feelings back to their origins by thinking back on other situations that made you feel what you’re currently feeling. Sometimes the connection isn’t quite as clear, so you may have to do a bit more digging¹.
Managing your emotional triggers is a key component of good emotional health. Coping mechanisms can vary from person to person but may include mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing exercises. Long-term healing may involve therapy or counseling¹².
(1) Emotional Triggers: Defintion and How to Manage Them – Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/emotional-triggers.
(2) How to Spot Your Emotional Triggers | Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-gen-y-psy/201810/how-spot-your-emotional-triggers.
(3) How to Manage Your Emotional Triggers | Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-emotional-meter/202202/how-manage-your-emotional-triggers.