What is the best way to stop feeling triggered?
18 Answers
Moderated by Danielle Johnson, MSED, Community mental Health Counseling, LMHC
Updated: Mar 24, 2020
Amanda315
on
Jan 10, 2015
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When I would be on edge and feel triggered, I would usually leave the area I was in and head to the bathroom. A splash of cold water on my face and arms always seemed to help "cool me down" so I could collect my thoughts.
CoachJ27
on
Nov 6, 2017
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Oooh, this is a good question. When something triggers us, we usually remember how we responded to the experience. If the trigger is negative, then we most likely responded in fear. It feels as if we are re-living the moment again. It can be frightening. However, if it reappears again, then it's still part of subconscious mind and it's there to tell you something. So, what would be the best way to stop feeling triggered? By responding differently versus having a knee-jerk reaction about the situation. When you react in a more compassionate way, you relieve yourself from the problem. However, if you keep reacting to the same fearful way, you continue on with the pattern that you began with and you have harder time letting yourself be free.
Erynn
on
Apr 11, 2015
Self-Harm Expert
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My favorite thing to do is use Grounding Exercises, but it really depends! There are a whole ton of ideas here: selfharmresources.wix.com/selfharmresources
Anonymous
on
May 7, 2015
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Love yourself. Know that you are one of a kind and that nobody except yourself can ever unestimate you
Anonymous
on
Jun 18, 2015
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It's hard, but the best way to stop feeling triggered is to stop letting images or words affect you. This is achieved by accommodating them, and realizing, "A word or image will never control me or my actions. They are only words and images, they can't hurt me." Assume power and realize that an urge to hurt yourself comes from yourself, not other media. And you are strong; capable of controlling yourself.
Anonymous
on
Jul 27, 2015
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if you know what triggers you, you should try to avoid those triggers. No matter what it is, for example words or pictures.
Anonymous
on
Sep 7, 2015
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Try to get away from the things that trigger you. If it's a person then just tell them you don't want to talk/ be reminded with this!
You don't have to be strong, just try to be as calm as you can. Find the way to your heart and try to settle down by thinking of something else!
Don't let annoying things push on you, push the annoying things away!
Anonymous
on
Sep 28, 2015
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Just by ignoring that condition which can cause you feeling triggered it is the best way to stop it.
ashmiblue
on
Jan 18, 2016
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Rise above experiences. Learn from them and let'em go. If you're breaking up, break up like a boss..not like a needy!
Power to you..
JakeTheLad
on
Jan 26, 2016
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In my experience, it would be to slowly imagine what triggers you, then assign something happy to it. Maybe if thunder triggers PTSD, then try to assign a happy image of a sunset, or something calming. It's always helped me
heartfulSky71
on
Jan 29, 2016
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I get triggered quiet easily but I just kinda take a deep breath and turn the other way. I ignore the thing that is triggering me and I go do something else.
Anonymous
on
Jun 14, 2016
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There are many ways, and different things work for different people. If you're in a triggering situation, remove yourself from that situation immediately. Try to distracting yourself in a non-harmful way - clean, listen to music, cook, talk to a loved one, etc. Be sure that you breathe if you feel panicked, and water or tea almost always help. Showering and bathing can also be relaxing and can keep your mind off of triggering thoughts.
GentleWaves
on
Jul 30, 2016
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I personally find it an ongoing process... not something that ca be fixed very quickly at will... but with time the reactions will easy and at a certain point fade away. It helps acknowledging what the triggers are, self-compassionately and gently take your time to ground and take care of yourself, reminding yourself that your body system is reacting to a past traumatic memor, that you are safe... Pete Walker's website has some good tips on managing flashbacks
Link22
on
Aug 9, 2016
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Try to come to a point where you feel comfortable with the truamatic experience you had. Try to find closure. Accept that your trigger is in the past. And you are okay now.
HummingWisdom179
on
Sep 27, 2016
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To stop feeling triggered, it is important to understand that being triggered is not our fault; it's out of our reach that we'd naturally be able to control. Imagine the words or sighting of whatever has triggered you melting in a wondrous blue lake like they are nothing to you. Use visualization and your imagination to combat triggers. Easier said than done, and it does take a lot of practice, but everyone has the strength to combat any sort of trigger. Showing your weakness(ess) takes courage.
AlwaysYourAnchor
on
Mar 5, 2018
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Listen to a song that calms you or makes you happy, draw, go snuggle with your pet or a loved one, call a friend, or just log out and take a quiet mental break
ValerieHasACupOfTea
on
Aug 6, 2018
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Surround yourself with positive people that can help you feel more comforted and relaxed.
Helping other people can definitely make you feel alot better too, good karma really helps with positivity.
sunsetdragon
on
Mar 24, 2020
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The best way to stop feeling triggered is to remove yourself from the situation. I would suggest that you do something that relaxes you until you feel that you can be in control of the way you react. I personally go on a long walk because I find nature to be very calming. I always feel relaxed after just a few minutes of lying in the grass and watching the clouds. Whatever you choose to do, do not re-enter the social setting where you were triggered unless you feel in control of yourself. You can't act well if you do not feel well.
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