How to Deal with Trauma Triggers in a Relationship

While relationships should be a source of happiness and strength, they can also bring up subconscious traumas and triggers. Coping with trauma triggers in a relationship requires sensitivity, understanding, and effective communication. Here’s a guide to help you navigate these challenges and build a healthier, more supportive partnership.
How to Deal with Trauma Triggers in a Relationship
Trauma Triggers Explained
Trauma triggers are emotional responses to certain stimuli that remind a person about their traumatic past.
These triggers could be anything from particular words, actions, or even smells. These triggers can evoke emotional and physical trauma responses and can include:
- Fear
- Anger
- Sadness
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Upset stomach
The negative outcomes in relationship communications caused by trauma triggers, place tension on the relationship. Misunderstandings breed resentment if not dealt with swiftly and appropriately.
Explore how to handle the influence of trauma triggers in relationship communications.
Open Communication Is Essential
Both partners have to feel safe about sharing their feelings and experiences. If you’re the partner having trouble with triggers, describe what triggers you, how it makes you feel, and how your partner can help. If your partner has issues with triggers, listen actively, with empathy, and without judgment.
Establish Safe Boundaries
Setting limits and boundaries creates a safe space where you both feel respected, protected, and secure. Discuss your trigger behaviors or situations and consent boundaries.
For example, loud arguments can be a trigger for many people. Both parties can agree to take time out to cool off before raising contentious issues.
Build Coping Strategies To Handle Relationship Trauma Triggers
Both partners must develop strategies for triggers. Tactics can include:
- Deep breathing
- Mindfulness exercises
- Meditation
- Listening to quiet music
- Setting a designated safe word
These methods and exercises help you handle immediate emotional reactions in a supportive environment.
Seek Professional Help
Traumatic experiences can be so deep-rooted in a person’s mind that they may need professional assistance. Some people may find it difficult to overcome emotional challenges on their own. A professional can help decrease the triggers that set off erratic behavior from a past traumatic event.
Therapists and counselors provide tools to manage trauma within relationships. Different types of therapies can be effective when dealing with triggers that affect your relationships. Here are some examples:
- Couples Therapy: Offers a safe space to examine and work on how trauma impacts the relationship. Professionals can help both partners in the relationship find understanding and insight.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: EMDR is a technique that uses guided eye movements to help you process and desensitize traumatic memories. This therapy incorporates cognitive behavior therapy.
Trauma Triggers in A Relationship Requires Time, Patience, and Empathy
Healing from emotional trauma requires time and patience and can be a long process. Find the time to identify your feelings and validate your experiences.
Remember that not all emotional triggers are rational. Support each other during times of tribulation, and when handling overwhelming emotional responses.
Educate Yourself
Educate yourself about trauma and its aftermath. Learn what situations trigger you, and develop strategies for working through problems. A licensed counselor can also be a useful tool.
This approach will empower you and the relationship by shifting toward an empathetic understanding of your partner’s predicament.
Take Care of Yourself
It can be emotionally draining to support a partner with trauma triggers. Remember to take care of your mental and emotional health. Put in place individual support and self-care strategies. These can keep you grounded and resilient in the face of adversity.
Managing trauma triggers entails a sensitive interplay between communication, empathy, and support. Couples can find their way out with patience and understanding. Healing and growth constitute the fabric that nurtures a loving and supportive relationship for both partners.
Blue Sky Counseling – Mental Health Counseling Omaha, NE
I, Carly Spring, M.S., LIMHP, LADC, CPC, offer my specialized expertise to assist in the healing process to anyone who may be experiencing and suffering from a vast spectrum of mental health issues. Such mental health issues include behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, grief, loss, trauma, addiction issues, and life transitions. I believe strongly in applying a holistic perspective addressing your whole person not just the bits and pieces of you. Contact us with any questions or to talk with a mental health counselor in Omaha today.