Triggers
What is a trigger?
A trigger is anything that makes us angry/frustrated. Ex: people, places, events, thoughts, etc.
What is a cue?
A cue is a physical signal we recieve from our body letting us know we are angry/frustrated.
Name two positive affirmations for yourself.
Options could include: smart, kind, hardworking, creative, fun, good at gaming, easy to talk to, or helpful.
Using “I statements” helps communicate without doing this.
What is blaming or hurting others?
How is anger like an Iceberg?
Only 10% of it is seen by others, The rest is under the surface. Emotions, thoughts, physical signs, & behaviors.
Name one personal trigger.
Can be many different things.
Why is it useful to know our own cues?
If we know our own cues we can notice we are feeling angry quicker and make better decisions on how we will act on our anger.
What is a reminder?
A reminder is a statement we tell ourselves to help manage emotions and make good decisions.
Saying “Please stop” or “I don’t like that” is an example of this.
What is using my voice/setting a boundary?
Anger is a secondary emotion. What does that mean?
Anger is a feeling that is natural, but comes after feeling a primary emotion like sadness, frustration, irritation, confusion, etc..
What is the difference between anger and aggression?
Anger is an emotion.
Aggression is taking actions such as yelling, fighting, or anything that could hurt someone.
What is a reducer? Name one we learned in group.
A reducer is something we can do to quickly calm ourselves down and give ourself a chance to make a better decision.
Define “challenging thoughts”.
Looking at a negative or unhelpful thought and choosing to look at it in a more positive or helpful way.
Name 2 types of boundaries
Talk and touch boundaries
Why is it good to know when someone else is angry?
Discussion...
Name one way you have triggered someone else.
Can be many things, being loud, not listening, taking someones things.
What are two physical cues to anger you experience?
Examples might include: clenching fists, facial expressions, feeling hot, rapid heart beat, adrenaline rush, crying, feeling tense, fidgeting, or pacing.
Name one coping skill you use at home or school.
What is (example: drawing, breathing, asking for a break)?
Give an example of an I-statement
I feel ______ when ________.
How many people say they have experienced mental health stigma?
1/4 - 2/4 - 3/4 - 4/4
3/4
Three out of four people with a mental illness report that they have experienced stigma. Stigma is a mark of disgrace that sets a person apart. When a person is labeled by their illness, they are seen as part of a stereotyped group. Negative attitudes create prejudice, which leads to negative actions and discrimination.
Why is it important to know your triggers.
If you know your triggers you can be better prepared and make better decisions. This could help you avoid getting into trouble or facing consequences.
When should you use a reducer?
You should use a reducer when you first notice that you are feeling angry or when you notice a physical cue.
What is the difference between a reducer and a coping skill?
A reducer is something you can do anywhere right away to not make a bad choice. A coping skill is something that you can do to calm down and get yourself back into a good enough mood.
Give an example of healthy or unhealthy communication
talking vs yelling
When is anger healthy?
When is anger a problem?
Anger is healthy when it lets you know something is wrong. It is fine to express your anger as long as no one gets hurt.
Anger is a problem when you lose control and/or get stuck in that feeling. You can make a bad decision, you can break something, or someone can get hurt.