Recognizing Your Triggers and What to Do When You Feel Yourself Backsliding in Your Healing Journey

Let’s talk about the not-so-glamorous side of healing: triggers and setbacks.

Photo by Sage Friedman on Unsplash

Healing isn’t a straight line; it’s more like a rollercoaster with loops, dips, and unexpected turns. And guess what? That’s perfectly okay. Recognizing your triggers and learning how to handle those moments when you feel like you’re backsliding is not a sign of failure — it’s a sign that you’re human.

1. What Are Triggers, and Why Do They Matter?

Triggers are emotional responses that stem from unresolved pain, trauma, or experiences. They often surface when something subconsciously reminds you of a past event. Triggers aren’t a reflection of weakness; they signal that something in your healing journey needs attention.

Examples of Common Triggers:

• Certain words, songs, or smells that bring up memories.
• Situations that make you feel rejected, criticized, or unsafe.
• People or environments tied to past hurt.

Understanding your triggers allows you to approach them with awareness instead of avoidance.

2. How to Identify…