I Feel Crazy. Is it a Trigger?

Trauma is a wound that nobody deserves to suffer from, but unfortunately, it is a reality for many individuals. Although it may seem like memories of traumatic experiences fade away over time, the truth is that sometimes, they can linger for years, bubbling up and resurfacing at inopportune times. These unexpected reminders can lead to a flood of emotions, bringing on a range of uncomfortable responses that can leave you feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and defeated. This type of reaction is known as a trauma response, and it can be debilitating in every aspect of life, from work to relationships.

Trauma responses are individualized and vary from person to person. One of the most common traits shared by people struggling with trauma is an intense sense of fear. It is easy to fall into a spiral of despair when faced with the unknown, and it is this sense of unease that makes dealing with trauma so difficult. Uncertainty also breeds a lack of control, which can feel highly destabilizing. Even things that seem to have nothing to do with the dreaded event can affect an individual, such as a particular smell, color, or sound.

When someone is triggered by a trauma response, they may experience physical and emotional symptoms that can be quite frightening. Common physical symptoms include sweating, shaking and racing heartbeat, while the emotional symptoms consist of anger, fear, and a sense of being trapped. It's important to remember that these responses are instinctive and are part of the body's fight or flight response, which helps protect you from danger.

Dealing with a trauma response is not a one-size-fits-all approach. What works for one person may not be effective for someone else. However, there are techniques that can be used to manage trauma responses, such as mindfulness. Mindfulness is an approach to managing emotions in a way that is rooted in the present moment. By observing physical sensations and emotions, you can bring awareness to them and respond in a way that is more helpful than reactive. This might involve deep breathing, or grounding techniques such as naming objects in your surroundings.

It might be tough to manage a trauma response, but reaching out for support can really make a world of difference. Support can come in many shapes and sizes, each acting as a source of comfort and motivation. Some people find comfort in talking to a therapist, while others prefer the company of friends and family. A supportive environment is vital in helping you process your feelings and move forward toward recovery.