‘Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.’
— Dr Carl Gustav Jung, a renowned Swiss psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and psychologist, established the school of analytical psychology.
Dear reader,
Let us imagine this scenario: Manny, a friendly and vibrant woman in her thirties, logs onto social media one day and stumbles across a post about a recent tragedy that resonates with her past trauma. In an instant, her mood shifts, anxiety floods her mind, and she finds herself spiralling into a state of despair. All this happens before she realises what has set off this emotional reaction — a trigger that she has yet to understand or manage fully. Manny’s experience is not isolated; it’s becoming increasingly common in our fast-paced, hyperconnected society.
In recent years, the impact of unaddressed emotional triggers has transformed from personal issues into a full-blown social dilemma, leading to strained relationships, workplace conflicts, and even mental health crises.
Everyday encounters can become battlefields for raw emotions as individuals struggle to navigate their feelings and reactions. With a multitude of stressors compounded by external societal pressures, our inability to recognize and control emotional triggers can lead to disastrous consequences.
Scientific findings indicate that emotional triggers are deeply rooted in our psychology, often stemming from past experiences that shape our perception of present events.
According to Dr Bessel van der Kolk, a leading expert in trauma research, “the body keeps the score”, which underscores how our past traumas resurface in unexpected moments.
These emotional responses can also activate our fight-or-flight survival instincts, sometimes leading to irrational behaviour.
In Manny’s case, the trigger not only affected her mental state but could potentially impact her relationships and productivity, revealing the silent killers that emotional triggers can be.
So, why do we struggle to manage these emotional triggers? The answer lies in the intricate workings of our brains. Studies show that when we experience a threat—whether real or perceived — the amygdala, the brain’s emotional centre, creates a fight-or-flight response.
This response can often bypass rational thought, leaving individuals feeling overwhelmed and reactive. A lack of emotional awareness and regulation skills further complicates the matter, making it challenging to spot triggers and the behaviours they provoke.
In the beautifully complex tapestry of human emotions, understanding and managing our emotional triggers can feel like navigating through a stormy sea.
Recent events, such as the commotion in St Joseph’s Cathedral Kuching, remind us of how deeply emotions can be stirred, not only within ourselves but in those around us.
A man, grieving his mother’s death, manifested his pain in a way that shocked many during a sacred ceremony, highlighting just how fragile our emotional landscapes can be.
We often encounter individuals grappling with emotional triggers linked to profound loss, trauma, or mental health challenges.
In this case, the man’s outburst can be understood through the lens of his distress, a poignant reminder that grief can manifest in unpredictable ways.
As His Grace, Abp. Dato Simon Poh, Archbishop of the Catholic community in Kuching, pointed out, that it is crucial to respond with compassion rather than judgment when faced with such episodes.
This approach not only supports the individuals in distress but fosters a community of able and willing to offer understanding and empathy.
To address these challenges, both public and private institutions must take proactive steps to support individuals grappling with emotional triggers.
Educating employees in workplaces about emotional intelligence could significantly improve personal well-being and productivity.
Implementing regular workshops, offering access to counselling services, and creating open environments for dialogue can foster a culture that values emotional health.
Schools may also prioritize emotional education, teaching children and adolescents about the significance of managing feelings and recognizing their triggers.
This societal issue has been compounded by the modern age’s reliance on technology, where emotional conversations often take a backseat.
Social media can act as both a tool for connection and a platform for misunderstanding, which can exacerbate emotional triggers.
To counteract this, communities and institutions must unite in promoting empathy, kindness, and open dialogue—transforming emotional discussions from taboo topics into everyday conversations.
Emotional triggers are not merely personal hurdles; they can act as hidden weapons leading to explosive outcomes. A moment of anger in a heated argument can cause long-lasting damage to relationships or even provoke violence.
Research published in the ‘Journal of Emotional Intelligence highlights that understanding and managing emotional triggers can significantly decrease conflict and enhance interpersonal relationships. Therefore, this knowledge needs to permeate all layers of our society.
At the core of managing emotional triggers is a message of compassion. We must learn to show ourselves the same kindness we offer to others, recognising that self-love is a vital step toward emotional regulation.
This journey inward not only fosters resilience but enables us to cultivate healthier relationships with those around us. Self-compassion is an anchor amid turbulent emotional seas, reminding us that it is okay to feel and to struggle.
In the end, cultivating love for ourselves, and even more profoundly, seeking divine wisdom—whether through God or a higher power — can guide us toward emotional maturity.
Embracing self-care, nurturing our emotions, and learning to handle triggers with grace is the pathway to not only personal growth but also to a compassionate society.
If we allow love and understanding to guide us, we can collectively navigate the complexities of our emotional landscapes, transforming triggers into opportunities for healing rather than harm.
“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” — William James; an American philosopher and psychologist, to effectively navigate our own emotional triggers, we can employ various techniques.
First, mindfulness practices such as meditation and deep breathing can ground us in the present, allowing us to observe our emotions without immediate reaction.
When we feel a trigger surfacing, taking a moment to breathe deeply can create a buffer between our emotional reaction and our response.
Additionally, journaling can serve as a powerful tool for emotional clarity. By writing down our feelings, we unravel the complexities of our emotional state, which can help us identify patterns and triggers over time. This practice can facilitate deeper self-understanding, making it easier to manage emotions when they arise.
Communication is another essential technique for navigating emotional landscapes. Talking about feelings with trusted friends or mental health professionals can relieve emotional stress.
As the incident at the Kuching Cathedral revealed, reaching out for help is vital — not just for those struggling, but for those who might witness distress.
When we engage in open conversations about mental health, we break down barriers that often surround mental illness’ stigma.
It’s also important to remember that emotional triggers can be supported through the community. The response of the congregation in the aftermath of the incident reflected the essence of compassion — holding hands, comforting each other, and praying together.
In moments of upheaval, the support of a caring community can create a safe space for healing, much like the love and mercy extended by the Church during the Jubilee Year of Hope.
In closing, remember that emotional intelligence is a journey requiring practice and patience, as highlighted by Archbishop Dato Simon Poh during Mass at St Lucas, Padawan.
Advocating for loved ones with physical illnesses should extend to those battling emotional struggles. Kindness, empathy, and support can turn crises into healing moments, fostering a community valuing emotional well-being.
Next week, we explore emotional resilience, equipping us with strategies to rebound from difficulties and fortify against future challenges.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
