Triggered Reactions

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TRIGGERED REACTIONS

When an internal reaction that we had during a past event comes back up in response to something happening in the present, it is commonly said that we are triggered.

This can happen if some aspect of the present situation is similar in some way to the past event.

If the past event was an unresolved trauma, strong negative emotions typically come up, and we may become emotionally dysregulated, unable to control our emotions or how we respond to them. We may have an angry outburst, feel terrified or overwhelmed, or do something impulsive or compulsive.

To others, our reaction may seem out of proportion to the current situation (because it is).
To us, our reaction will seem completely appropriate (because it was apppropriate in the original situation it is connected to).

This association between the present and the past is usually happening subconsciously.
We may not be aware that we are triggered or even consciously remember the traumatic event from our past.

The most helpful thing someone can do when we get triggered is tell us, "Calm down! You're over-reacting."

Just kidding! That doesn't help at all.

Unless they hand us a mint when they say it.
(Still kidding!)

Our dysregulated, or curiously strong, emotional reactions can cause problems in relationships, school, work, and daily life.









SURVIVAL

What is happening when we are triggered?

If the trigger is related to unresolved trauma, then our brain is associating something that is happening now with something traumatic that happened in the past (that never got resolved).

This happens automatically, and it sends our nervous system into Survival mode because trauma is about survival (safety).

We instantly start reliving the trauma, and our nervous system becomes dysregulated, meaning it inappropriately goes into Survival mode.
(It is inappropriate because there is no actual threat now.)

We are seeing false evidence that appears real because we are seeing the present situation through the filter of the past when there was a real threat present.

(Part of us even regresses back to the age we were when the past trauma occurred.)

When we enter Survival mode, our primitive survival brain takes over. That is the oldest part of the brain - the brain stem. It is responsible for basic functions and survival activities.

It is commonly called the Reptilian brain.

In Survival mode, we cannot access our frontal lobe - the prefrontal cortex.
That part of the brain houses many of our higher cognitive functions (like logic and reason).

The prefrontal cortex is active when we are in Social Engagement mode (aka Safe & Social or Rest & Digest mode).

When we perceive a threat, Survival mode is switched on and Social Engagement mode is switched off.

  • Cortex Off - No Logic or Reason

    • No ability to Take in Advice (including utilizing Talk Therapy)

    • No Self-Reflection (looking at who/how we are being)

    • No ability to Understand the Consequences of our Actions

    • No Decision-Making ability

  • Brain Stem On - We are acting on Pure Instinct (split-second "decisions")

  • Cortex Off - No Social Graces (Anything having to do with being social temporarily goes out the window)

    • No Loving feelings towards others

    • No Caring about others, about their needs, or about getting along with them

    • Cannot see the Good in others

    • Others seem like the Enemy (a threat to our survival)

    • No desire to Cooperate

    • Prior Promises, Agreements, and Contracts do not matter right now

      (They will matter again, when the nervous system is back in Safe & Social mode)

  • Brain Stem On - All that matters is Surviving the next 2 minutes (not being social)

    The body is flooded with adrenaline, activating the fight, flight, freeze or fawn responses.
    If we cannot fight or flee, then we will go into freeze. If freeze will not help us survive, then we will go into fawn.

    • Fight = Kill or Be Killed, Fight, Bite, Argue, Yell, Confront, Stand Up For/Against Something, Make someone Obey, Make Someone Listen to what we have to say, Make someone understand

    • Flight = Get Away, Run, Leave, Quit a Job, Move, Leave a Relationship, Hide

    • Freeze = Collapse, Immobilization, Feel Paralyzed, Energy is Restricted/Constrained, Feel Drained/Tired, Can't Take Action

    • Fawn = People-Please to ensure safety by appeasing or placating an aggressor or getting on their good side (being liked or at least not hated) in order to avoid conflict, not incur wrath, and not be seen as a threat.









LIMBIC LOOP

When we are triggered, the Limbic System is also active.
That is the Emotional Center of the Brain.

  • Limbic On - Intense Emotion


There is no perception of time in the Limbic System - No Past or Future.
There is only the Present Moment (Now).

  • Limbic On - Reliving the Trauma (It feels like the past is happening NOW)













imovebeyondtrauma@gmail.com


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