Emotional triggers are common — and often misunderstood. They can surface at work, at home or when we least expect them.
“Triggers are those things that cause us to respond emotionally in a way that is disproportionate to what’s happening in the moment,” says Tradina Taylor, LMSW, CAADC, Director of Access at Oakland Community Health Network.
Understanding and managing emotional triggers is part of behavioral health — and an important step toward healthier relationships and everyday life. We asked Taylor how to recognize triggers and what to do about them.
How emotional triggers show up — and why awareness matters
Triggers don’t always look dramatic. They can be set off by something small — a tone of voice, a look or a few unexpected words.
“If your child rolls their eyes at you, and that really bothers you, it might be because when you were growing up, rolling your eyes was a sign of disrespect,” says Taylor. “So you immediately go to a place of anger. But if you can identify the trigger, you can respond differently.”
Sometimes, individuals struggling with substance use or other addictive behaviors avoid friends or activities that could trigger them into doing something they regret.
Identifying a trigger gives you space to pause, reflect and respond with intention.
How to respond to emotional triggers
Emotional triggers can happen fast, but how you respond can make all the difference. Here are four simple strategies Taylor recommends.
1. Name what you feel
Notice your reaction — in your body or your voice — and identify the emotion behind it. “Name what you feel — and name what you need,” says Taylor.
Try: I feel overwhelmed. I feel disrespected. I need a break.
2. Take a pause
This is Taylor’s favorite strategy — a quick, grounding moment before responding.
“I think a quick yet impactful habit is practicing that brief mindfulness pause or a self check-in,” she says. “Taking a few seconds to center yourself before responding, giving yourself grace — these small pauses can help parents and the child regain control over their emotions.”
Try: Take a deep breath to reset or take a few quiet seconds before speaking.
3. Respond, don’t react
If things didn’t go well, repair the moment.
Try: You can say, “You know what? I didn’t respond the right way, and this is what I plan to do from now on,” suggests Taylor. “Let’s do this together.”
4. Check in daily
Taylor suggests journaling, five minutes of silence or simply asking: What do I need right now?
Try: Oakland County residents can also explore free mental health and substance use prevention tools through the Teladoc Health app. It’s available anytime, anywhere.
Support is available — and it’s for the whole family
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Support is available right here in Oakland County — and it’s for everyone, not just individuals in crisis.
“When people think about behavioral health, they often think it’s only for someone with a diagnosis,” says Taylor. “But behavioral health is for everyone. It’s about how we live, how we relate to others and how we take care of ourselves.”
As Director of Access at Oakland Community Health Network, Taylor helps families connect with services for mental health, substance recovery and emotional wellness — including parenting support, therapy and community programs.
“When a parent gets help, the whole house shifts,” she says.
Call the OCHN Access line at 248-464-6363 to get started. You don’t have to wait for a breaking point — and you don’t have to do this alone.
This content is sponsored by Oakland Community Health Network.
OCHN manages and funds a service provider network for approximately 30,000 Oakland County residents at more than 400 service sites across the county. People who receive public behavioral health services through OCHN’s provider network include those who have an intellectual or developmental disability, mental health concerns or substance use disorder. Most of these individuals have Medicaid insurance coverage.
OCHN’s goal is to ensure these individuals are aware of and have access to services and support that will improve their health and quality of life, as well as ensure their engagement in full community participation. Its mission to “inspire hope, empower people, and strengthen communities” reflects an unyielding belief in a “Valuable System for Valued People.”
Programs and supports provided by OCHN’s service network are available at oaklandchn.org.
from Metro Parent https://ift.tt/CFQokm6
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