I discovered something within myself that I didn’t realize. I have more triggers than I knew. Every day I interact with people from work and home. Each day I face highs and lows that change within seconds. Simple words, minor actions, missing pieces seem to have me reacting in strange ways. Triggers that alter my outlook. But now I know what to look for.
From the beginning
From my childhood through much of my adult life, I had people telling me what to do. As children, you expect that from your parents and teachers. But I faced other children dictating my actions. Then as an adult, I have people all around me constantly directing me as if I just climbed out from under a rock. I couldn’t understand why I was reacting to people in a negative manner, until I realized the trigger.
And Beyond
We all hope that our friends and family will be available at any and every minute we need them. But they all have lives of their own. They work, care for their families, and have social lives. This doesn’t mean that they don’t care about you if at that second, they are not home. But I realized that I trigger into negativity about myself each time. No matter how many times they assured me they love me.
For those of us that might remember a TV show called, “Children Say the Darndest Things.” It is so true. The innocent minds only speak direct and (mostly) true of a world they see. So, when your child asks a simple question about “why do you always need time for yourself?” it is easy to fall into negative thoughts. I lost count of how many times I knew I needed to say something or do something, only to fight myself. Triggering thoughts of not being good enough because I cannot always stand up for myself. Or that I seem much more patient with people around me than most.
Many Forms
Just as in those suffering from PTSD, triggers can come from innocent action or words, not directly meant for suffering. Only to have us twist the meaning. As in every recovery process, the 1st step is discovery and acknowledgement. Learning what triggers your mental health brings you more power and strength in the fight for a happier mind.
Enjoy this video.
