What are Triggers?

Triggers are reminders –places, people, sounds, smells, etc.— of the trauma that can be really upsetting and cause strong physical reactions. Even if the reminder itself is now harmless, it can still “trigger” very intense feelings because the situation was dangerous at one time.

• places that seem similar to where the trauma took place
• the location of where the trauma took place
• certain people who are related to the event or look similar
• seeing a movie or hearing music that has some connection to the trauma
• having discussions with others about the trauma
• strong emotional experiences or distress
• anniversaries related to the timing of the event