Handle your emotional triggers (Emotional wellness series)

by Sheri McGregor, M.A.

emotional triggers As July comes to a close and August begins, the whisper of fall stirs on the horizon. I love this time of year, but since my son is estranged, the phrase, “back-to-school,” can trigger sadness.

Memories of the antsy anticipation of my children at summer’s close, looking forward (or sometimes dreading) the start of a new school year was a constant, a cycle through the years as steady as the seasons. Now, for me and many parents whose adult sons or daughters are estranged, old cycles we once enjoyed now highlight the break, and connect to our grief.

In earlier emotional wellness series articles, I wrote about unexpected feelings, and how awareness can be a tool to handle them. There are links to those articles at the bottom. In short, I suggested planning ahead by taking some time to consider what events, dates, or people might trigger distress over your estranged adult child. Being aware of emotional triggers ahead of time can help you prepare.

The close of summer with its promise of routine schedules, cooler days, and the advent of the holidays can be just such a trigger for me. Perhaps for you too. Read on for ways to handle your emotional triggers, maintain peace of mind, and conquer emotional distress.

Emotional triggers: Do you react or respond?

The word “react,” implies instantaneous action – – and that’s not always bad. But when it comes to reactions to emotional distress, a well-considered response is often better. That’s why planning ahead, and being aware of your emotional triggers is wise. Then you can catch yourself before you react without thinking – – and fall into negative behavior that will only make things worse.

Typical reactions to negative emotional triggers might include:

A bad mood
Overeating, overdrinking, slouching on the sofa
Avoiding social commitments
Falling into a “victim” mentality or defeated chain of thought

Obviously, negative reactions can impact our lives. If we’re in a funk, our bad mood can negatively affect the people we love. We may displace anger onto the people closest to us.

When we overdrink, overeat, and slouch around feeling sorry for ourselves, our health may be impacted. A state of inertia, coupled with bad habits, can further decrease energy, and fuel more bad habits.

Avoiding others can isolate us. And falling into a victim mentality or chain of thought that keeps us focused on the hurt can darken our outlook for the future. All of these can lead to decreased productivity and procrastination, which can then lower our self-esteem, fuel more negative thinking, and maybe even impact us economically.

Emotional triggers: How to combat them

First, when you catch yourself allowing any emotional triggers to pull you down (or anytime you’re feeling down about your estranged child), tell yourself to stop. Take a few calming breaths. Come up with a few simple phrases to get you back to the present. Have them ready so you can turn to them when the need arises. For me, those phrases might go something like this:

What’s happened is done. For now, I cannot change things. I can only change my response.

Second, focus on something more positive. That might mean thinking of things in your life right now that you are grateful for, or appreciating the good memories for the enjoyment they once gave you. Perhaps you can pat yourself on the back for the good you did in your estranged son or daughter’s life.

Third, take back control of the moment. That might mean soothing yourself with a few kind words. Something like this:

I’ve lived through the worst of this. I am rebuilding my life in a way that pleases me. I choose to take control of my thoughts, my feelings, and my future. No longer will I allow my estranged adult child to hold me hostage to hurt and pain. I am healing, and moving forward on a positive path.

When we make the decision to move forward confidently despite hurt that has been inflicted on us, we empower ourselves. Emotional triggers hold the potential for setbacks, but we can overcome them, and turn them into strength builders.

Lovely path, or rut of despair?

When faced with a situation that triggers hurt and pain, I like to imagine myself in the serenity of a beautiful natural space. Walking along the path, the sunlight filters in through a leafy canopy, an orchestra of birdsong fills the air, and a pleasant breeze whispers against my skin. I have the choice whether to let intruding thoughts lead me down a less inviting path that’s filled with negative thinking I know does me no good.

That negative thought pattern might go something like this:

Why did this happen? I don’t think I’ll ever get over this. How can I, when it hurts so much? I’m not sure I’ll ever be truly happy again. Just when I think things are going well, something reminds me, and I’m right back where I started . . . hurting. Will this pain ever end?

Each of us has our own set of dark thoughts. Most of us parents of estranged adults have been there, done that. And we know that sort of thinking only leads to longing and despair.

We can only control ourselves.

It’s easy to wallow awhile. But I know stepping down that path only digs a deeper groove into negativity, and imprisons me in a rut that blocks my view of what’s good in my life. Or, as it looks in my visualization of the forest path, blocks my view of the trees, and muffles the lilting birdsong. The more times I allow myself to wallow, the harder it may be to climb back into the sunlight.

Mood brighteners

Some people can turn off negative thoughts and brighten their mood with music. If this works for you, use it. Sing along! Others can turn on a funny movie that gives their mind a welcome break. Exercise can be a positive habit that creates an uplifting feeling of strength and control (plus it’s healthy).

Emotional triggers: Positive questions can help

Just as you can allow yourself to dig into a rut of despair, a few good questions can lead you up and out. Consider these:

Which would I rather be? Upset, angry, and sad? Or optimistic, grateful, and glad?
Is there anything I can do to change things now? If yes, make a plan. If no, accept that reality.
Are my thoughts stuck in the past?
What can I focus on right now that will make me feel better?

You can plan ahead and come up with your own ready menu of feel-better sayings, questions, thoughts, or activities that deal with triggered emotions in a positive way.

It feels good to focus on what makes us happy. And there is evidence that takingcare of our emotions and developing a positive outlook may have health benefits. A 2006 study reported on in the journal, Psychosomatic Medicine, showed that a positive emotional style reduced the likelihood of contracting a virus. Sometimes, staying positive is s easier said than done … but with a little advance planning, self-control and determination, we can conquer our emotional triggers.

In my book, Done With The Crying: Help and Healing for Mothers of Estranged Adult Children, you’ll find the latest research, helpful tools and techniques. You really can be done with the crying–and enjoying your life.

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Related articles:

Unexpected emotions

Awareness: A tool to handle emotions

Related external links:

Positive emotional style predicts resistence to illness. . . .