What Are Your Triggers?

by Toni Weisz/Recovery Tools

Scripture References: Psalm 91:2–4, Psalm 17:8, Psalm 37:40, Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 147:3, Romans 8:37 and Zephaniah 3:17

What are triggers?

A trigger is an impulse that prompts a negative reaction caused by another’s words, actions, or a specific situation, especially for those who have experienced trauma from abuse and abortion.

I suffered from depression since I was a teenager and started going to secular counselors when I was 17 years old. It took me a long time to figure out where this depression came from. God slowly started showing me what was the cause for this sudden onset of depression.

What triggered it?

I noticed a pattern. When there was a special occasion, like my birthday, Christmas, college graduation, or moving back to NJ after being away for 10 years, I had certain expectations that I would be celebrated in a certain way with gifts and/or parties. When those expectations were not met, then I felt unloved, insignificant, and rejected.

When things did not go as I had hoped, I would fall into a very deep depression that would last for weeks at a time. This happened to me until I was 34 years old. I thought of ending this torment of a life, but I had 2 young children at the time and I did not want to leave them without a Mom.

I was a codependent, people pleaser with no boundaries, and I was triggered by the actions and words of others so much that they determined my outlook on life and how I felt about myself. It was a vicious cycle that lasted many decades.

In my home of origin, we never discussed or worked through hard things. People just yelled or gave you the silent treatment. There was never any resolution. No forgiveness, no grace, no healthy communication. It has taken me many years of hard work to learn how to communicate properly and how to put up healthy boundaries.

Then Jesus.

When I received the gift of salvation through Jesus, it radically changed my life. I stopped focusing on others as much and He was slowly filling my heart with His love. It took time to heal, but God was so kind and gentle with me.

I am so grateful for my relationship with Jesus, my Savior. He is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer. He is my only hope. He binds up all my wounds and has healed my broken heart. I know His thoughts towards me are good. I am the apple of His eye. He rejoices over me with gladness. He quiets me with His love, and He rejoices over me with singing.

I am forgiven and redeemed. I am loved and cherished by God. I am adopted into His family. I am victorious in Christ; nothing can separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus my Lord. These are the Biblical truths I focus on every day, to protect myself from the enemy’s fiery darts. It is my armor to combat rejection.

Questions to take to heart:

1. What are some of your triggers?
2. Have you been able to discern where they come from?
3. What are some of your favorite Scriptures to help you when you are triggered?
4. How can we pray for you?

I pray this topic has been helpful for you. If you need to talk, please reach out with an email at: toni@myashestobeauty.com.

You are loved,