58 Triggers ( trauma reminders ) and flashbacks
TO THE TRAINER
PART II : THE TRAINING
Triggers ( trauma reminders ) and flashbacks
Aim . To clarify the nature of triggers ( trauma reminders ) and how survivors understand their own state of mind .
Trauma-reminders
Triggers , or trauma-reminders , are events or situations that remind victimised persons of their painful experiences and memories . Such reminders may elicit trauma reactions over and over again . We will call them ‘ triggers ’. They can be extremely distressing and create such anxiety that people are afraid to go out , see people , hear certain sounds or do many ordinary usual things .
Flashbacks are sudden , often strong and uncontrollable re-experiences of a traumatic event or elements of that event .
The story highlights the fear that many traumatised women experience . They do not trust anyone who approaches them . Everything they see and hear can feel threatening . In particular , formerly neutral events may become trauma-reminders – inspiring fear , repeated trauma-reactions and a feeling of losing oneself , not being in control . Some women feel that the traumatic event is happening again .
The following section of the story highlights how trauma reactions continue to recur long after the original trauma event .
For a survivor , it is empowering to learn that her reactions to this very serious and painful event are normal .
It is important to encourage the participants to observe the Butterfly Woman ’ s immediate reactions carefully and think about what scares her . What troubles her thoughts , feelings , breathing , heart , and body ? Do the things that scare her have common features ? Do some things help her ?
KEY POINT
The story shows that
• Suffering can be recognised in thoughts , feelings , breathing , heart and body .
• The responses are natural ones to an extremely serious and painful experience .