Emotional Triggers
True or False:
ANYTHING CAN TRIGGER US, DEPENDING ON OUR BELIEFS, VALUES, AND EARLIER LIFE EXPERIENCES SUCH AS A TONE OF VOICE, A TYPE OF PERSON, OR A PARTICULAR VIEWPOINT
TRUE
True or False: Everyone experiences triggers
True
Give an example of two healthy coping techniques that can be used to cope with a trigger.
Drawing, coloring, talking about it, journaling, etc.
Name two types of Triggers
Internal, External,
These can also count Emotional, Visual, Physical
I have keys, but no locks and space, and no rooms. You can enter, but you can’t go outside. What am I?
A keyboard
What are some emotional triggers? (Name 2)
ARE PEOPLE, WORDS, OPINIONS, SITUATIONS, OR ENVIRONMENTAL SITUATIONS THAT PROVOKE AN INTENSE AND EXCESSIVE EMOTIONAL REACTION WITHIN US.
True or False: Triggers can only create negative feelings and emotions
False: Triggers can also remind us of happy memories and thoughts as well
If triggers cannot be avoided, you will need to identify ways to __ with them.
Cope (manage emotions).
What is called when you are triggered, and your body reacts. Example) You heat up, you have racing thoughts, you clench your fist, etc.
Cues
Which word in the dictionary is always spelled incorrectly?
"incorrectly"
What are some common emotions that we experience while being triggered?
ANGER, RAGE, SADNESS, AND FEAR.
True or False: Once we are triggered we cannot do anything that can help control our feelings or actions
False: Once we figure out what our triggers are we can take steps to control our feelings and use coping skills. That way we can control our actions better.
A ___ is a person you can call, text, or reach out to when you are faced with a trigger.
Support (friend/loved one is okay)
Name 3 different examples of cues. This can be for any emotion.
smiling, crying, yelling, feeling hot, "seeing red", tapping foot, being quiet, being loud, etc.
First, think of the color of the clouds. Next, think of the color of snow. Now, think of the color of a bright full moon. Now answer quickly what do cows drink?
Water
What are some signs/cues you are being emotionally triggered?
-TREMBLING
-RACING HEART
-CHOKING FEELING OR TROUBLE
-BREATHING/SWALLOWING
-HOT FLASHES
-CHILLS DIZZINESS OR FAINTNES
-CHEST PAIN/DISCOMFORT
True or False: Our mood only effects us and how we are feeling. Everyone else around us is not effected.
False: Your mood can effect the people around you.
What can be dangerous about avoiding triggers as a way to deal with them?
Avoiding triggers can increase the intensity of the trigger next time. It is important to acknowledge triggers to minimize the impact and learn to work through them.
What can you do when you feel triggered, to appropriately handle the situation.
Anger reducers/coping skills.
You measure my life in hours and I serve you by expiring. I’m quick when I’m thin, and slow when I’m fat. The wind is my enemy
A candle
How can you identify your emotional triggers?
-PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR BODILYREACTIONS
-NOTICE WHAT THOUGHTS FIRE THROUGH YOUR HEAD
-WHO OR WHAT TRIGGERED THE EMOTION?
-WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE YOU WERE TRIGGERED?
-WHAT NEEDS OF YOURS WERE NOT BEING MET?
True or False: Can what is happening around you be a trigger? Examples: Noises, smells, temperature, other people in the room/space
True: Noises, smells, temperature, other people in the room/space can trigger positive or negative feelings in you
In the "automatic process" what comes after a trigger?
Thought
Name 3 anger reducers/coping skills that you can do anywhere/anytime.
Deep breathing exercises, counting backwards/forwards, positive self-talk, focus on 5 senses, and take space.
I have cities, but no houses. I have mountains, but no trees. I have water, but no fish. What am I?
A map