Just posted the Fifth part of the “Managing The Madness” series.
You can find it by clicking on the “Managing The Madness” page link at the top right hand corner of this page or “ click here..
Once on that page simply scroll down to the section entitled. ““Managing The Madness”- Part Five – Concerning Triggers”
Hope you enjoy it and find it useful.
Upon first thinking about triggers, my initial reaction was that they really only applied to certain types of mental illness..but having thought more on it I believe I was wrong.
I also first thought I could not think of any potential triggers that I might have..again I was wrong. Today I was cleaning toilets at work, which always allows me time to think and I was able to identify a few things that could be considered triggers for my depression.
Firstly would be hearing someone yelling especially if there is profanity involved.
I used to say this would “set me off” which in essence IS a trigger right?
Another thing that seems to “set me off” is if I am late for something, especially if I waken late and have to rush first thing in the morning, this sets me up for a terrible day every time and seems to trigger my mood swings and depression.
There are still many times that I do not have any idea what has set me off or caused me to have a panic attack or other mental issue.
Just wanted to share that
Hey Bev,
Many thanks for taking time to post your comment/response.
Yes I agree “triggers” are often assigned to certain mental health related conditions or illnesses and not thought about outside of those. But there are many potential “triggers” in life and many of us have them without really knowing it or having identified them.
I would also have to say that what one person considers to class as a “trigger” may not necessarily be classed as one by someone else. But then we have to ask ourselves does that really matter?
When it comes to “triggers” I think the same can be said of psychological and emotional triggers as of practical triggers. Potentially, the smallest most seemingly insignificant trigger can lead to the biggest explosion or fall out. Ask yourself this, “Just how big do you think the firing trigger for a nuclear bomb is?”
The nuclear bomb trigger is perhaps a good example here when considering the circumstances that you mentioned – especially the getting up late example. I say this because if you think about it, the trigger itself doesn’t simply explode the bomb. Instead it initiates a series or chain of actions that lead to the explosion. Isn’t that true of what you are describing here?
You wake up late —– you feel rushed and perhaps panicky and that your control is reduced —- that rushed, panicky mindset —- increases the potential for mistakes —- this in turn creates uncertainty, instability —- consciously or sub-consciously you perhaps envisage, maybe even fear, perhaps perpetuate a domino effect — etc.
Sound familiar at all?
Of course if you are fortunate, something will happen that breaks that series or chain. The phone will ring and the person you are due to meet is calling to say they too are late and so you can relax. Sometime during the day something you have to do takes less time than you thought it would and again you can relax a little.
Likewise you can do all you can to reduce the chance of that trigger ever happening. In our nuclear bomb example you often see them requiring two separate people needing to turn two separate keys in order to arm the trigger.
I know several people who have not one but two alarm clocks so that if one doesn’t wake them the other one will. Is that not the same thing as our nuclear bomb two separate keys example?
I think it is great that you have thought about YOUR potential triggers and I would strongly recommend that you know look at ways in which you can manage or even prevent them.
Hope that helps.
Kevin.
Yes, it helps, everything you say seems to help
Your replies are always appreciated.
The waking up late one is something I used to have more trouble with in the past, I have not had this issue in a while because I know how badly it effects me and so I try very hard to not allow it to happen.
As you said in your post there are some triggers we can’t do a whole lot about, and that does apply to my other trigger (people yelling). I can of course try and stay away from people or places where this might happen (I actually have learned that working in the fast food industry is NOT good for me, as it is very normal for people to be shouting and yelling at one another). Unfortunately I can not insulate myself from all yelling, for example when J get’s upset at our sweet boy, or when the lady downstairs freaks out or when other neighbours get drunk and very loud.
It will be interesting to do more “exploring” into triggers and with the help of a “diary” perhaps I will finally be able to pin point what happens to set me off.
Hope you are doing well
Love ya