Triggers: We All Have Them, Now What?

Picture this: Your heart races, palms sweat, and suddenly you're not just in the present moment—you're thrust back into a memory you'd rather forget, a traumatic memory that is attached to you, sometimes without you realizing it even exists.  This is what we call a trigger, and it's a universal human experience that affects us all.  While the intensity and circumstances vary, triggers are powerful moments that present as experiences that awaken painful memories of past trauma, often leaving us feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed.  When triggered, our brain's threat-response system activates with remarkable accuracy.  The amygdala—our emotional command center—instantly recognizes potential danger and signals the hypothalamus to release stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.  This biochemical cascade prepares our body for survival through the well-known "fight, flight, or freeze" response.

According to Matthews LPC, NCC from Psychology Today, triggers serve two primary purposes: they either signal that we don't feel safe, or they indicate unfinished psychological work from previous trauma.  This understanding is crucial, especially when working with clients who have experienced complex trauma.  Many individuals, particularly those with histories of incarceration or substance use, may react to triggers in ways that appear as behavioral issues rather than trauma responses.  I wonder how many times one of our men (JoH clients) responded to a trigger by engaging in harmful behaviors, such as substance use, criminal activity, or emotionally shutting down due to a perceived threat.  How many times did others, including themselves, not even see they were responding to a trigger?  How many times did this unawareness bring punishment to a situation that deserved treatment instead?  I fully believe that when triggered, some individuals will experience a character change that is significantly different from who they truly are.  I think this because I experienced it myself not too long ago.  My thinking, behavior, and even how I spoke were not in line with my typical character when experiencing this trigger.  It was much larger than I had known before, and it was the worst I have experienced to date.  I honestly felt like I didn't know what was real or not real as far as the reason I was upset in the first place.  Was I making something out of nothing, or did it really happen?  I felt unsafe in my own body and could not trust my decision-making or judgment at this time.  This is a very scary place to find oneself.  I am wise enough to have figured out what I was experiencing hours later, but to experience something similar and not have any idea what was happening could psychologically and emotionally have a significant impact or consequence on someone who doesn't know or understand.  The positive news to this reality is that there are ways to come through a trigger, and God provides "a way out," as He promises in 1 Corinthians 10:13: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

Triggers can be powerful enough for a response that changes a person's behavior, thought process, and personality. When fear, anxiety, pain, regret, or any other large emotions stem from trauma, it can and will take over the moment and a person's response during a trigger.  God doesn't speak directly about trauma in the Bible, and in my years as a Believer, I don't recall hearing any sermon about the triggers either.  So, as I researched more, seeking scripture that aligns well with trauma and its response capabilities, I was pleasantly surprised to find that many scriptures align well with trauma.  For instance, Dr. Matthew Stanford, CEO of the Hope and Healing Center and Institute, writes in his article about five things scripture teaches us about trauma and the suffering that accompanies it.  I find this article remarkably accurate and endearing for its perception of the subject.  I will leave the link to the article at the bottom of this blog for your viewing pleasure.

But in summary, the article reminds readers that God is in control of our suffering, that He is present with us through it all—never leaving or forsaking us —that God cares, and that the suffering we face is an opportunity to draw nearer to God.  The article also reminds us that Jesus walked with us to know what our sufferings were like and that our identity is rooted in Christ. "He became one of us and then sacrificed Himself for us. Self-sacrifice is the ultimate act of love." (Standford n.d.)

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." –John 15:13

In conclusion, for anyone who is experiencing a trigger related to unhealed, painful memories of past trauma or anyone who thinks they might experience triggers, below are some helpful tools for recognizing and managing them:

Recognition and Awareness

➡️Acknowledge the trigger exists

➡️Identify personal warning signs

Internal Responses:

✔️Anxiety, anger, and overwhelming emotions

✔️Feeling vulnerable, abandoned, or out of control

✔️Physical symptoms (muscle tension, fast heart rate)

✔️Dissociative experiences (feeling outside one's body)

External Triggers:

✔️Specific times of the day or significant dates

✔️Familiar sounds, smells, or locations

✔️Relationship changes or conflicts

✔️Environmental factors reminiscent of past trauma

➡️Build self-awareness through mindful observation

Immediate Response Strategies

➡️Remove yourself from triggering situations when possible

➡️Practice calming exercises (breathing techniques, mindfulness)

➡️Reach out to support systems (friends, family, or counselors)

Long-term Healing

➡️Seek professional counseling

➡️Engage in spiritual practices

➡️Build healthy coping mechanisms

For those supporting triggered individuals, adopt a trauma-informed approach by asking, "What happened to them?" rather than "What's wrong with them?"  Provide safety, understanding, and grace—as Ephesians 3:20 reminds us of God's power to heal: "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us."

Remember, triggers can either lift you or destroy you, depending on how you choose to handle them.  By surrendering them to God and seeking appropriate help, these challenging moments can become opportunities for growth and healing rather than self-destruction through substance use or other harmful behaviors.  These experiences, whether on a large scale or a milder scale, deserve your attention and the appropriate healing so you can live a more fulfilling and peaceful life. 

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." –Joshua 1:9

For more information see:

5 THINGS THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US ABOUT TRAUMA and SUFFERING/ By: Dr. Matthew Standford