Did you know that one out of three women experiences domestic violence at some time in their lifetime? And many of them suffer from traumatic reactions as a result.
A trauma trigger is a type of stimulus that can cause flashbacks, nightmares, or other reactions in people who have experienced trauma. If you are living with domestic violence, it helps to understand the trauma triggers and how they can cause trigger responses.
With domestic violence counseling, you can develop strategies for healing that will help you live in a way that honors you. It can also help you to create a plan to deal with triggers when they occur.
What Is a Trigger Response?
Traumatic reactions are the emotional responses to a traumatic event. They can be mild or severe and vary in intensity over time. Traumatic reactions are a normal part of the human experience. They can be caused by a one-time event or chronic trauma exposure.
A trigger response can be caused by something in the environment, such as an object, smell, or sound. It can also get triggered by something someone says or does. The response can be an emotional, physical, or mental reaction to the event.
Some examples of trigger responses are:
- Panic attacks
- Feelings of intense fear, anger, or helplessness
- Intrusive thoughts
- Being easily startled
- Hypervigilance
Some people are more susceptible to traumatic reactions than others, and no single pattern predicts who will develop them. Trigger responses can range from mild, such as feeling depressed, to severe, such as an anxiety disorder or PTSD.
Learn About Your Traumatic Reactions
What triggers us may not be what triggers someone else. There is no one-size-fits-all approach for coping with trigger responses. People must find a way that works for them and their personal needs, preferences, and values.
How To Cope With Trigger Responses
Some people may be unable to control their emotions and might need help from others. If you feel like your emotions are getting out of control, taking deep breaths is essential and reminding yourself that the emotional response is only temporary.
Reset Your Nervous System
Take deep breaths and focus on your breathing. It will help you to feel more grounded and in control. It also tells your brain to switch from “fight or flight” mode to “rest and digest” mode.
Focus On Something
Racing thoughts can make trigger responses worse. Find an anchor. It could be a phrase that calms you down or something that reminds you of what is good in your life.
Talk It Out
Talk about it with someone who cares about you – this will make it easier for them to understand what is happening and reassure them that they are not the cause of your anxiety. Talking about it with domestic violence counseling services providers can make a big difference.
Domestic Violence Counseling by Braden Counseling Center
You don’t have to live with trigger responses as part of your daily life. If you’re struggling to function in your home, work, and relationships, domestic violence counseling could change things for the better.
You can find a new way for a better day at one of our locations in Sycamore, Rochelle, Elgin, Bartlett, Geneva, and Oregon. Contact a Braden Counseling Center for domestic violence counseling near you today.