Such triggers are sometimes apparent, but they can also be subtle and more challenging to identify.

PTSD triggers may be all around you.

One way ofcoping with these symptomsis by increasing your awareness of these triggers.

Young man sitting at kitchen table with hands on face

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Types of PTSD Triggers

Triggerscan fall into two categories:internal triggers and external triggers.

Identifying Your Triggers

Some triggers are fairly obvious and easy to identify.

For example, a news report covering a trauma similar to what you experienced might trigger symptoms of PTSD.

To identify your PTSD triggers, think of when your PTSD symptoms usually come up.

Coping With Triggers

Avoiding your triggers is the most effective way to avoid having PTSD symptoms.

However, this is almost impossible to do.

You cannot avoid your thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations.

Many of these are out of our control.

Because you often cannot avoid triggers, it is important to learn ways of coping with triggers.

Some that you might find helpful include:

Being more aware of your triggers can be beneficial.

This can positively impact your mood and overall well-being.

Psychotherapy

A variety of psychotherapy approaches can help deal with PTSD triggers.

The more strategies you have available to you, the better off you will be in managing your triggers.

Some people might become triggered by trying to identify their triggers.

If you need extra support, reach out to a mental health professional.

A therapist can help you identify and cope with your PTSD triggers in a safe and supportive setting.

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A systematic review on suggested mechanisms of action.Front Psychol.

Published 2018 Aug 13. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01395