Development of PTSD Triggers
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that develops after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. It has been found that memories of these traumatic events are often much stronger than the formation of non-traumatic memories (Reul, 2014). During the experience of traumatic events, the body enters fight-or-flight mode in which many normal body functions are halted, including working (short-term) memory. Due to this, the body becomes extremely vigilant, absorbing as much as they can about their current surroundings. The brain attaches smells, feelings, visuals, sounds, etc. to this event, storing them in long-term memory. Since this event is unable to be fully processed, the brain may cause recurring bouts of anxiety, known as triggers. These triggers are due to a combination of three memory processes:
- Strong perceptual priming (exposure to a specific stimulus evokes a strong response to another stimulus).
- Strong associative learning (strong relationship between two stimuli).
- Poor memory elaboration (decreased ability to enhance an existing memory with new information) (Ehlers, 2015).
All of these processes are manifestations of underlying genetic and molecular changes in response to stressful events. Some of these changes include activation of the MAPK signaling pathway in the brain and subsequent gene transcription (c-Fos and Egr-1) that enhance traumatic memory stability (Reul, 2014).
Types of PTSD Triggers
Triggers are reactions that make one act as if their body is in danger, even though they harmless themselves. These can be experienced in many different ways:
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- Panic attacks
Figure 1 - Dreams or vivid memories
- Violence or aggression
- Increased startle response
- Substance abuse
- Panic attacks
PTSD triggers may be either internal or external. Internal triggers are those that one experiences within their body such as anger, pain, increased heartrate, muscle tension, and loneliness. External triggers are people, places, or things that one may encounter throughout their day. These include an anniversary date, a certain place, a movie or television show, a specific smell, or a person that serves as a traumatic reminder. Essentially, anything that reminds an individual of their traumatic experience may serve as a trigger.
Recognizing PTSD Triggers
It is important for one with PTSD to identify what their triggers may be in order to seek proper treatment. Due to the various reactions one may have to their triggers, and the amount of possibly triggering experiences, identification may be very difficult. It becomes especially difficult with sensory triggers, such as taste, smell, or touch. In order to determine one’s triggers, it is important to ask questions such as, “Where and when was I when my symptoms flared up?” or, “What was my experience during this flareup?”. Although, the primary and most beneficial way to discover one’s triggers is discussion with mental health professional.
Rob Tucker discusses how he realized he had PTSD:
Coping Mechanisms
Interestingly enough, after identifying one’s triggers, repeated exposure to them is one of the most effective treatments, also known as prolonged exposure therapy. This allows one to remove that trigger from the traumatic experience, bringing it to the present where it no longer holds significance. Along with this, there are a variety of other coping mechanisms one may pursue:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Family therapy
- Mindfulness and relaxation strategies
- Medication
- Group therapy
- Emotional support animals
It is also imperative to stray away from unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as alcohol and drug use. The experience of PTSD triggers is a difficult and challenging one to overcome, but understanding their development, recognizing one’s triggers, and seeking help are the most important steps one can take.
References
Ehlers, A. (2010). Understanding and treating unwanted trauma memories in posttraumatic stress disorder. Zeitschrift Für Psychologie / Journal of Psychology, 218(2), 141–145. https://doi.org/10.1027/0044-3409/a000021
Reul, J. M. (2014). Making memories of stressful events: A journey along epigenetic, gene transcription, and signaling pathways. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00005
