Trigger
A cue that instantly calls up an old emotional state, although the present situation doesn't call for it.
How it shows up
A particular tone of voice, a smell, the sound of a door closing. The response is faster than thought and out of proportion to what is happening now — because it doesn’t belong to what is happening now.
What we do with it in therapy
We map the triggers so they become predictable. Once you know what throws you, you gain a few seconds’ head start — and in those seconds lies all the difference.
See also
Resilience
The capacity to recover after strain — not a trait you have or lack, but something that is built.
Suicidal thoughts
Thoughts that it would be easier if you weren't here — more common than is spoken about, and always worth a conversation.
Caffeine
A substance that blocks the tiredness signal — it doesn't add energy, it only masks its absence.
